The International: Shoot-out at the O.K. Guggenheim

Relativity Media
2009

“Location, Location, Location,” isn’t just a mantra for purchasing desirable home property. It’s also part of what makes a fascinating action scene in film. And when it comes to memorable shoot-outs in particular, it’s rare to find something done so well on a technical level, and also be so entertaining. The International actually contains one of the best shoot-out scenes I’ve seen in a while. Before that, it was probably the elevator lobby scene from The Matrix. And that’s why I mentioned the location when it comes to these scenes. Something about where a shoot-out takes place is part of what makes a scene like this so gripping to watch. And the location chosen for this movie is a great choice. The Guggenheim Museum may never be viewed the same again.

The International is really an elaborate espionage thriller at heart. Fringing on the same swiftness of an episode of “24,” the plot follows a small group of Interpol agents investigating the high stakes of a bank that supports international organized crime. Beside the mystery and detective work, the film offers elegance. I’ve only been to New York once, and as much as I saw on that trip I unfortunately was not able to visit the famed Guggenheim Museum located there. Noted for its legendary spiral architectural style fashioned from renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, it’s a landmark structure for a high art museum. Just check out some of the online exhibits and snapshots of the place through its website. I greatly encourage visiting art museums. “If you have the means, I highly recommend. It is so choice.”*

And that’s just the type of style captured in this action scene. Clocking in at about 15 straight minutes, the shoot-out is actually artistic. The scene is a pivotal moment in the film as the action takes place on many different levels and contains several unexpected plot twists with impressive camerawork. This is where the elaborate architecture really adds to the scene. I don’t mean to build it up as much as it sounds,  because typically any buildup usually ends in slight disappointment, but I honestly don’t think you will be disappointed with this shoot-out. Truthfully, I could write much more about the shoot-out than I already have, but I’ll refrain.  Even if you are not a fan of the action, any admirer of modern design should still be impressed with this movie because almost every scene actually takes place at exotic and interesting architectural locations even Istanbul, Turkey.

So if you can’t make it to New York any time soon, check out The Guggenheim Museum’s latest unofficial exhibit entitled The International.

Without the bullets, the building reminds me of an M.C. Escher sketch.

*Ferris Bueller’s Day Off