Tony Scott (1944-2012) invented an action-style of filmmaking: multiple angles, intense close-ups alternating with wider shots so you could understand the geography of the scene, highly saturated colors, editorial momentum. This style emerged in his first film (The Hunger, 1983) and continued through his last (Unstoppable, 2010).
He shot with multiple cameras and very few takes, which actors loved. His tragic death, by suicide earlier this week, was recorded by the multiple cellphone cameras of passersby.
We’ll remember Tony Scott for his zest for putting the audience in the middle of things, which was how he lived his life. Here’s a short, revealing video interview he gave during the release of his film Deja Vu (2006).