Bill DiPietra

This is really all I've heard in connection with this film. What is it about?

Also on the "Contempt" DVD.

Everyone who has been saying that you have to keep trying is absolutely correct. That's really the best advice we can give you. There will be plenty of rejection, but if you are truly dedicated to the craft you will love every chance you get. Do'nt be afraid to put up posts that say something like "DP FOR HIRE --- WILL WORK FOR FOOD" in the beginning. I never got paid for any DP work I did (although I did very little.) I got paid for other things I did for the production companies like designing web logos. There are lots of opportunities out there and they are only what YOU make of them. Don't go into your first project with too narrow a business view. Be flexible and that will take you places. Best of luck and enjoy.

I realized the film industry just wasn't for me. And after September 11th, I wanted to help people so I became an EMT.

I had a total change of careers at the age of 28...

That is EXACTLY the same frame that I think of when someone mentions "Manhattan." The entire film is magnificently photographed. And this is one of the reasons why Gordon Willis has always been one of my favorite cinematographers A true genius.

The Continuing Ed Dept. had about 7 or 8 classes the last time I looked. And that was a while ago so, if anything, they might have expanded the program. Check the website and get a catalog.

That would be the American Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens. 35 Avenue at 36 Street Astoria, NY 11106 (718) 784-0077 http://www.ammi.org/site/site.asp I haven't been there since before I went to college, but I think you'll find it worth your while. Enjoy our city.

As an EMT in New York City, I'm well aware of how short, fragile, and precious life is. As many here have said, live for now. I am very sorry to hear of the sad news. I was not fully aware of Neal's impressive resume. All of my condolences to Neal Fredericks' friends and family.

I enjoy watching foreign films from the Italian and French New Waves. It's always very interesting to see what techniques they used to tell their stories. Pay special attention to Fellini and Godard.

I for one LOVED "Collateral." In simple terms, it is vintage Michael Mann. I thought Cruise was excellent as a very determined assasin. I found his portrayal quite convincing. Definitely a new kind of role for him. Jamie Foxx has come a long way with his acting ability and it really shows in this film. I'd have to say he outshined Cruise a bit. As for the photography, I thought it was great. As usual, Michael Mann captured the L.A. night better than any other filmmaker out there. I liked the combination of cool and warm tones as well. Perhaps my eye is not as trained as it once was, but I found it hard to tell the HD images apart from the 35mm images until I saw some video motion blur. The picture looked extremely sharp, too. "Collateral" definitely falls into the "Thief"/"Heat" section of Michael Mann's resume, but I felt that this film had a stronger story than "Heat." Excellent work by Michael Mann and his cast and crew.

Nowadays, mainstream trailers are extremely misleading. Even in the late 80s and early 90s people were cutting very attractive trailers (at least to me.) Some had it down to an artform, which is how it should appear. And the trailer was usually an accurate sampling of the entire film. For me, trailers took a nose dive in the late 90s as the filmmaking got worse. Some people still know how to cut a decent trailer, but it's obvious they are cut to attract the widest possible crowd, now more than ever. Problem is, there's just not much out there worth advertising.

"Without Limits" should be up there too. Beautifully lit.

You should also consider trying to write your own script. A short is always a good way to start. Good luck and have fun.

It might also help to, um...watch some of his films...?

If what's being reflected in the mirror is all still-life and the camera is not going to be moving, you could make it two separate shots: one of the mirror intact, the other of it cracked. You should take a look at Maya Deren's "Meshes of the Afternoon."

Perhaps.

That is very interesting and well thought out. Quite Platonic. :) I can't say much about the MPAA, but I think the whole NC-17 rating has lost that "forbidden" feeling. And there hasn't been an NC-17 film that I've had any interest in seeing for a long time. I really don't pay attention to the ratings anymore. If it looks good, I'll watch it. That about covers it.

Glad to see this thread back. Okay...here you go: What I meant by "graphic" sex scene were the emotions involved in the scene. I was not referring to anything with regard to the physicality of the actors involved. When she is laying on the bed having sex with Sean Penn, I remember her crying of at the very least, distressed. I seem to remember the camera moving up and down her body as well, almost to physically show the lack of pleasure she feels at that moment. Her character is fully revealed and it felt emotionally graphic to me. But I guess you're talking about how much of the body is shown in a scene.

This shouldn't be a surprise since he did the same with "Ali." Michael Mann has always been on the cutting edge of things, technically and artistically. It's why he's one of my favorite filmmakers.

Who is the "we" you are you referring to? I know when I see a scene in a film that may have graphic sex but serves the story in an artistic way. "21 Grams" comes to mind. I also know when I see a sex scene that is put into a movie simply to sell tickets. So to say that the American public (if that is who you are talking about) cannot differentiate between the two is quite an arrogant position to take.

I am very tired of all of the America-bashing that has been a constant din in so many posts over the last few months. I have very strong opinions about such things, but I will NOT bash you or your country simply because I may disagree with your views. I would ask that you do the same. And I would also ask that you have some respect for our moderator who has worked very hard to create and maintain this forum.

Exactly. Never be under the misconception that film is not a business.

Still a good show.

It's part of what made HIM great. And I think it was more like a T0.7