Tony Scott's design glimpsed in a small helicopter shooting scene in ``Spy Game''

Tony Scott nailed the helicopter shooting scene

Director Tony Scott also overcame differences in ways of thinking and developed this film through close communication. In particular, he was very nervous about ``directing a director'' because Redford was a director he respected.

The way the two players take charge as managers is completely different. Redford is a person who likes simple one-on-one chemical changes. Tony Scott, on the other hand, tries everything, throws a lot of things into the mix, and carefully examines ``what happens.'' Honestly, Scott was worried whether people would understand his method. However, Redford was able to discern the differences and worked hard to meet the director's goals.

However, there was one scene in which Redford had doubts. That is the rooftop scene that appears in the middle. This is the scene in which the new Bishop, who is betrayed by a veteran intelligence officer (Redford) whom he had trusted with all his heart, asks, ``Why did you do that?''

"Spy Game" (c)Photofest / Getty Images

What Tony wanted to bring up in this scene was "helicopter photography." A helicopter makes a 360-degree turn to capture live footage of the two having a one-on-one conversation on the rooftop. This is a technique that is familiar to fans of Tony Scott's works, and can now be called a ``homemade trick.''

Redford was not satisfied with the idea of ​​flying a helicopter at such an important moment. With this, I can't concentrate on my acting at all, and I don't know if it's necessary to fly a helicopter in the first place. Even during filming, he even jokingly said, ``If the helicopter gets any closer, I'm going home.''

The difference of opinion at this time is still passed down as a legend. However, Tony Scott had a solid chance of winning. He never takes aerial shots just to look cool. This erratic circling is a direct expression of Bishop's ``anxiety, anger, and confusion'' as he feels unsteady on his feet after being betrayed. There was a clear reasoning behind it as a mental representation.

Moreover, Tony conducted an experiment in a Telecom Italia commercial filmed just before ``Spy Game'' to see if it was possible to express this kind of mental image through helicopter photography. They tested the effectiveness of this method by placing Marlon Brando on top of a mountain and photographing him using a helicopter. Although the mental image expressed is completely different, this commercial video can truly be called a prototype of the helicopter shooting in ``Spy Game''. Thanks to a strong response at that time, Tony decided that he could do it!

As a result, Redford, who was initially unconvinced, was convinced when he saw the completed video and said, ``I see, this is what I wanted to do!'' Coach Scott also gained a lot of confidence by being able to confidently do his own thing in front of such great actors. Although it was only a small scene, this helicopter shot had great meaning.

It's been seven years since Tony Scott left this world. Although his new work will never be released in theaters again, we can still glean many design cues from his masterpiece. The dynamic spirit that he captures in his works has never aged in the slightest and continues to leave a huge impression on viewers. As long as that chain of emotions continues, he will never be the same person he was in the past.

Text: USHIZU ATSUNOBU

Born in Nagasaki in 1977. When he was 3 years old, he saw ``Superman II'' with his father and became fascinated with movies. After The Graduate from Meiji University, he worked for a movie broadcasting channel and then became a movie writer. Currently, in addition to writing for Eiga.com, EYESCREAM, Real Sound Movie Club, etc., he also contributes to media press and theater programs.

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