We salute some action moviemakers, who haven’t always got the credit they deserve.
This article originally appeared onDen of Geek UK.
When you think of action filmmakers, a few names come to mind: Kurosawa.
A few managed to re-define the genre.
All have made great movies which continue to endure as high points in the genre.
By contrast, here is a list of action specialists who do not get enough attention.
Signature set piece:Baxleys directorial output is not really representative of his talents as an action helmer.
For a great example of this, check out Arnies teams assault on the rebel camp inPredator.
Campbells other problem is that he took too long to make it.
In the age of the big budget comic book movie, Campbell is a man out of time.
He creates dynamic action sequences which can stand up to todays slice-n-dice aesthetic.
Possibly the finest director working in the DV action market today.
He shoots his action in wide, extended shots that allow the performers to show off their prowess.
In one shot, Florentine creates a masterclass in how to stage action with economy and style.
It is an approach which filmmakers such as Michael Bay have pushed to the most ludicrous extremes.
They have directed movies alone, but together they are dynamite.
Combined with Letteriers energetic cinematography and editing, Yuens choreography is shown off to its best.
One can only hope that they will combine forces again to show theFast & Furiouscrowd how its done.
Or just give themFast 9.
Signature set piece:A tossup between the oil slick assist inThe Transporterand the fire-hose assist inTransporter 2.
Fast, inventive and very funny.
Well regarded as a choreographer, Chings directorial career has been equally distinguished.
Only Ching could re-frame romance as wire-fu.
Known forTakenand the firstDistrict 13, Morels talents have been obscured by some of his more recent career moves.
When he is directing a movie with a simple, dynamic premise, you end up withTakenorDistrict 13.
Signature set piece:The opening parkour chase fromDistrict 13.
Give them a small budget and they will still turn out a fantastic piece of work.
Signature set piece:Usually, a genre movie runs out of steam before the climax.
Neveldine/Taylor somehow manage to arrange their insanity so that it reaches fever pitch at the finale.
Without Siegel, there is noRambo, noLethal Weapon, noDie Hard.
However, his biggest stamp on popular culture came with his work on 1971sDirtyHarry.
