Movies and Great Chase Scenes

The other night I was watching the first installment of one of the classic trilogies of our time: The Bourne Identity. Watching Matt Damon as Jason Bourne got me to thinking about some of the best chase scenes in movie history. The Bourne series just does exactly what you want in a chase scene. Whether it be high speed cars, high speed motorcycles, or gun fire while driving. The director Doug Liman gives us all three.

So I thought to myself what movies also do these types of scenes well? The two that I came up with are classics within themselves for multiples reasons. But these two are exceptionally good at their various different styles of chase scenes. The first movie is a remake but is a very good one, "The Italian Job". Mark Wahlberg stars in the retelling of the elaborate heist pulled off by a group of old-school thieves. The scene that I immediately thought of was the climax of the movie when the gang rolls around in mini coopers making their way through the city. The way that they captured both the in-car conversations, the multiple different angles of the chase, and some action scenes as well was impressive. It's ability to be easy to follow is what makes it so special. The other scene I thought of was the first scene of the movie. Instead of on land, this scene is actually in the streets of Venice. It's always cool to see a boat chase. There is something pretty cool about a high speed boat chase. This scene was also well done.

The other movie I was thinking of is the James Bond series. Whether it be Casino Royal or Skyfall both movies have different chase scenes that are great. In Casino Royal, the chase is on foot through an African village. It involves climbing on giant cranes which is probably the coolest part. Bond and the man he is chasing climb high above the ground after each other before it finally ends with Bond catching him inside his embassy. In Skyfall, the chase scene where Bond is chasing Silva through the London subway system tunnels is one of the best shot chase scenes ever. Capturing all the different people involved while still following the plot line was unbelievable.

All three of the films are great action movies. And like any classic action movie they have to have multiple elaborate chase scenes. I think the best part of a good chase scene to me is when the actors really capture the franticness that the shots are trying to portray. I think that Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg, and Daniel Craig all do this very well. You can feel the pressure and the anxiety building in the situation. Hopefully there are more great chase scenes to come from all of these directors.