8. CREASY! Kidnapped Man on Fire (2004)
From 2004s Man on Fire onwards, Scotts films took on a distinctive look. If the 90s represented a lull, not in quality, but in his frenetic style, then the 00s (not including Spy Game) saw the return of Tony Scotts hyper-stylised filmmaking. Only this time it felt honed, polished and efficient, although possibly a little lacking in personality. By now Scott was real master of his craft and his confidence shone through, case and point, the kidnapping scene from Man on Fire. As the title sequence gave the audience a mini history lesson on the statistics of kidnapping in Mexico City, what was to occur later on in the film was of little surprise, but then thats not really what the film is about. Ex CIA operative John Creasy, played by Denzel Washington in his 2nd of 5 collaborations with Scott, though first for 9 years, is assigned to look after Dakota Fannings Pita. The writing was unfortunately on the wall for Pita, though the film is more of a character study, but thanks to Scott, a stylish, well-made character study. The sentimentality levels are high here, by the finale theyre off the charts, but early on Scott affords the audience a little respite in this wonderfully crafted kidnapping sequence. The sequence plays out like a our heros heart rate, quiet at first though as suspicion builds things get a little quicker, a little louder and a little out of control. Scott intercuts scenes of stillness and slow motion with rapid 360-degree spins mirroring Creasys POV. A bell literally tolls as even the sound effects slow down before guns are drawn and hell breaks loose. Yes, many recent pieces on Scott have championed his frenetic style, and this is true, but Scott action scenes are always assured, clear and realistic, Michael Bay he is not, and its important to recognise this. Scotts films might not be full of surprises but theyre honest and a joy to watch, maybe this is why so many people like them?