How do you make it fresh for 2016 but also seem kind of classic?
True Romance (1993)
Before I start working on any movie I watchTrue Romance.
Its a ritual that I do every time.
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I think its Tony Scott at his absolute best.
It reminds me about how these real locales can be characters within a movie.
Its a movie in hyper mode, and it always puts me in a great mood.
Broad Green Pictures
But for Bryan Cranston I found myself thinking about Paul Newman in the latter half of his career.
And then of course I went back and watched stuff likeButch CassidyandStraw Dogs.
But when Newman madeThe Color of Money, he was in his early 60s.
He transcends the perception of him.
Hes a rare breed.
Sidney Lumet
Im a Sidney Lumet fanatic.
Theres no question that his work is a huge influence on most things I do.
Whether itsDog Day Afternoon,Serpico,web link, all those movies really speak to me.
But especiallyThe Verdict, again talking about latter-career Paul Newman.
When I watchThe Verdict, I just marvel at the pacing of it.
The story takes its time to build up, but its always engaging you as an audience member.
Thats what keeps a great movie in your mind.
Its why were still talking about it after 30 or 40 years.
The introduction of a character like that is key.
And I think thats very true.
With larger than life characters, thats the least we can do is give them a great entrance.
