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Wintersweet comments from the set of MATRIX 2
Hey folks, Harry here with an observer's reaction to what's going on with MATRIX 2 in San Fran.... Again with the cars and the bullets and the bang bang.... Sigh, I was hoping for less gun action and more... evolved coolness... something more ZU MOUNTAINy... Hmmm... I hope it isn't just 'more of same', but a source inside Warners has told me that the two Matrix scripts are flat out astounding... We'll see, but for now... Here ya go....
I went downtown afterwork to see if there was anything--even lighting
equipment--to see. Matrix I is very special to me, and I think it's very
cool that some of II is being done in Alameda (where I live) and Oakland
(where I work).
Although we didn't see Keanu or Carrie, we were treated to a filming of a
black truck-like vehicle (an "Escalade"?) with a camera right in its window,
and inside it, a couple of freaky-looking guys with grey dreadlocks (that
were white on the bottom) who were wearing silvery-tan suits and wielding
automatic weapons. We even got to hear the gunfire as they zipped around the
corner (okay--they didn't zip. The whole deal was on a trailer bed pulled by
another truck.). I got a better look at one of the guys later--artificially
high forehead and Neo-style sunglasses.
The cops, who seemed to be enjoying themselves way too much, were talking
about an earlier scene in which a vehicle plunged straight for the newsstand
on Broadway street sort of near BART, and how the guys inside dove for
cover.
A handler said that the movie people have bought out the entire block (it's
not a block, really, more of a wedge) at 16th and San Pablo, where
Veronico's cafe was.
I'll cruise around tomorrow after work, too. I probably won't get lucky
again, but I *will* have my digital camera with me. And maybe I'll check out
the Point (the naval base) eventually... Manex's offices are there, you
know, which I thought was cool enough. Even better if they're filming in
their own back yard.
Wintersweet
According to information from the City of Oakland, The
Matrix II will be filming scenes in downtown Oakland
this week. Here are the streets they have requested
closed:
March 25-27: 16th Street between Telegraph and Clay;
San Pablo between 17th and Frank Ogawa Plaza
March 26: Telegraph between Broadway and 17th
March 27: Telegraph between 17th and 19th; 17th
between San Pablo and Broadway
Additionally, warnings about delays in the Webster
Tube to Alameda on March 28 may or may not be related.
Yrs truly,
"Wintersweet"And then in regards to the 'Ferrari' rumors I got this in today....
Harry
The studio is not really using an airstrip, they are building a "highway" on
one of the airstrips. They are also filming quite a few scenes in one of the
old hangers. It's not too hard to find it, as it's the hanger with the sign
truck outside Burlyman Productions with the names of the cast written on it.
Word was that filming was to start today on some interior scenes.
In addition, there is virtually no chance of real Ferrari's being used in the
film, and Porsches are a dime a dozen for this stuff. Plus, I don't really
consider either of those to have futuristic cars. HOWEVER, there have been 4
of the new Cadillac Escalade XLT trucks dropped off (in black, probably
Agent's vehicles) as well as one of the Cadillac Evoq prototype cars (in
silver, probably Neo's?). Very Matrix, unlike the other cars mentioned.
No name
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+ Expand All
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What's the point of Neo getting in Gunfights and hand to hand if he can remake the matrix at his will? Wait a minute, I forgot, their is no point. Just an exercise in style over substance.
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I hear enough of that on EQ!
Anyways, The Matrix ruled, but I can't help but agree with the TBer above - they made Neo too powerful in the first film. What does he need a car or guns for?
I know these films are gonna rock hard, but it would be nice for a bit of story as well. Just an eency bit. -
Who says the movie will be played inside the Matrix? It will probably be in the "real world" the city whatevertheycalledit in Matrix 1 where Neo won
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"When I'm busy saving humanity from the cybernetic terrors of a virtual reality prison, I want to make sure I have the class and comfort of a Cadillac!" -- On a slightly related note, has anyone seen the new 'Joe' Isuzu commercial. It's kinda funny... I'm glad to see him back.
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After what you've just read, surely this is more convincing that the film is going to be set inside the Matrix again - if it was outside, would they not have better technology available to them than Escalade trucks? I think this is good, 'cause I was worried that we'd lose all the slo-mo ott action sequences that made the first film so popular. I have to agree that it does seem a bit silly though, since Neo is all but invincible inside the Matrix. There must be some sort of plot device in the film that sorts that out though . . ?
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Bring me more wire fu! And let neo destroy some agents. Sweet lickity goodness. I want it now..Now dang it.
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How in the hell is that bad publicity? That's all about free advertising!!! And I definately think they'd do it.
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Any word on script details yet? And is Bill Pope on board again?
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The city of the free, and a bit of a tip of the hat to Gibson on that name. I'm willing to bet that Zion doesn't happen to look like San Fransisco. I think they want these scenes to look like San Fransisco, or they would have filmed it all in Melbourne again. Plus I agree that the technology would look better on Zion. This may be a matrix "training module." Ya never know. I'll wait and see.
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The thing can hold a van on top of it, A VAN!!! Even Agents could break into it's sturdy steel beam design. And like I said before, tie a sleigh to Neo and problem solved.
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Mar 27, 2001 8:18:29 AM CST
Im going to San Mateo Today, WHERE ARE THEY SHOOTING IT????
by filmjester
Im going to alameda today, where are they shooting it? Does Anyone know?
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Three words: Second unit footage. I think I've heard that they are shooting first unit footage in Sydney again because it worked great last time. If that's true, anything shot in the States is probably second unit footage (i.e. footage that doesn't include the principal actors and has a separate shooting crew and director apart from the primary unit).
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What's the fuss? The Matrix was OK, s'pose. Bit heavy on the effects, bit light on narrative values, but OK. Pity all the actors were busy, shame they had to ask Keanu to do it. I have a cardboard cut-out Indiana Jones that could perform the Neo role, if Keanu has an acting lesson or something that might keep him off the set. Just an idea.
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These cars are freaking sweet! I saw one in some magazine about a year ago. I went to a car show a couple days later, and the Cadillac guy there had never even heard of it. I had my doubts as to whether they would ever be produced, but if it ends up in the Matrix, you can bet your sweet bippie that it will. The Evoqs are, in my opinion, really futuristic. There are no outside mirrors, and I don't think there are any door handles. There are rear-mounted cameras and sensors that let you know when you're going to back into anything, and I think there's some kind of remote keyless/handleless entry. They have sharp, kind of blunted lines that let me describe it only as "industrial." If this rumor's true, I can't think of anything better for a Matrix movie. Now if I could only figure out why they needed cars....
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I went over there just now and saw it all. Carrie-Anne-Moss stunt driver driving this silver banged up car. They said it was some new Cadillac car, and as soon as the take was done they rushed to cover up the cars. Anyway, there were about 6 or 7 of those silver cars around, a few of them banged up in various stages, and the takes I saw all involved machine gun fire. Pretty cool. extras all around wearing black and sunglasses. Looks like the Matrix. -
I wasn't expecting the sequel to be an action movie, as the first film was an action movie. It just doesn't make sense!!! Kill Neo!
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Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne are definitely on-set. We saw the stripped-down cream-colored car they were in later on. I've heard that Carrie-Ann is there, but since I didn't see her myself I don't know if it was her or a double.
And yeah, I'm concerned about the action stuff too, but I think we're getting a skewed picture of the film here, just because car crashes and all are so very *visible*. It's not like they'll be filming tender moments between Neo and Trinity in the middle of Telegraph Avenue.
Sheesh...I knew I should have bought the zoom lens for my camera. Sigh. -
http://www.drewlarson.com/pict656.jpg
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SOLD OUT, SOLD OUT, SOLD OUT, SOLD OUT!!!!! NEW CADDY'S WTF
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You are a fucking genius, man! Thanks for the whole fake Matrix 2 sample based on Empire Strikes Back...I'm about to start a long night of work but you've put a huge smile on my face!
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Mar 27, 2001 12:49:29 PM CST
Dreads and High Foreheads? -- Its Battlefield Earth 2 not Matri
by darth_testine
Seriously, where are the photos?
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WHERE IN ALAMEDA??? IS THERE AN ADDRESS??? WHERE??!!
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The "West End." Just keep driving on any street that runs NW/SE until you run into the base--abandoned buildings and all, it's pretty obvious. (It's a mostly blank spot on the map.) It's near the ferry.
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No matter what or who, there really is nothing like a sequel from an excelent film, even if it's bad, as Austin Powers 2(*sigh*). But hey - why would Neo want any car if he can fly? He's the new Superman!! Yeah, imagine him holding a chopper and having Trinity in his arms! Cool...
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G'BYE.
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Have to say I am looking forward to this film although I really hope they manage to fit in a decent story this time. I liked the first one but they really over did it with the guns.I mean why would Neo waste all that time shooting up the whole place when he could just use his matrix powers to sneak around them or something? Hopefully the wachowski's will learn from their mistakes this time and make something that is more than just flashy fight scenes and loud techno music.
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Mar 27, 2001 7:57:40 PM CST
I don't understand why people rag on the plot of the first film.
by superninja
It's no more simplistic than a little film called Star Wars. In fact, it's a lot like Episode I, but without the cheezy Jar-Jar character. Think about it. A group of heroes search for someone to save them from the Matrix. They find a young hero who is the "one" who must awaken his powers to overthrow the evil empire of Agents. That would make Morbeus Qui-Gon, Trinity Obi-Wan, and Neo Anakin. Maybe Neo will make some big mistakes in Matrix II, and we can all sit around and discuss which movie copied the other for all eternity in burning flame wars!!!! AHHHHHH....
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MISTER POTATOHEAD CALM THE FUCK DOWN. Your scareing the other knuckeldraggers.
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not that it matter or that anyone probably care but it is an EXT not an XLT....And the Evoq is rather sweet and will be available in 2003 and will cost quite a bit.
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saw some odd billboards near Jack London Square this morning. Possibly also a baracade. Wondering if these had anything to do with filming. The billboards were for oranges and steak, no brand names. Anyone who's caught some of the filming seen these or know if they are part of the set?
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These cars are freaking sweet! I saw one in some magazine about a year ago. I went to a car show a couple days later, and the Cadillac guy there had never even heard of it. I had my doubts as to whether they would ever be produced, but if it ends up in the Matrix, you can bet your sweet bippie that it will. You can see that there are no outside mirrors or door handles. There are rear-mounted cameras and sensors that let you know when you're going to back into anything, and I think there's some kind of remote keyless/handleless entry. They're really technologically advanced for cars, and if this rumor's true, I can't think of anything better for a Matrix movie. Now if I could only figure out why they needed cars....
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The billboards are backdrop for street filming.
Of the three on 5th at Martin Luther King Jr. Way one shows Oranges, another shows a steak with the word 'Steak' on it (reference back to the end credits to the web site password?), and the third shows red bell peppers and says 'WWW.CAPSICUM.COM' (perhaps a possible connect in the new web site).
Over at the Oakland end of the Webster Street tube a 15' plywood wall was built above one side and painted to match the concrete. There are two billboards for the movie there. one says '55 AND STAY ALIVE' the other said 'DRIVE SAFE' or some such. It is possible to access the back of this wall from 4th and Webster.
All 5 of these billboards are also lightly whitewashed to fade them into the background.
Nearby 5th & MLK was the billboard truck with the 'Burly Man' ad. It looks like a full-on ad for the movie. It listed Keanu, Lawrence, Carrie, and Hugo, showed a stylized image of Michelangelo's David and listed all the standard small type credits for an ad of this type.
Over on Alameda (an island for those unaware) all filming is on the old Naval Air Station now referred to as Alameda Point. To get to the film's freeway go through the Webster tube to the first stoplight, this is Atlantic Ave, and turn right. Follow Atlantic through the the old base entrance that now says ALAMEDA POINT and straight ahead past the NAVY Display-a-jet to Ferry Pt and turn right. As you pass the 2nd building on the right wave to 3D-Exchange (animation school where my KDC pal works). Ferry Pt curves to the left onto W Tower Ave. The 3rd hanger on the right has the Burly Man sign on it. You will see crew parking signs, fenced off 'Star Trailers', many equipment and production trailers, and a lot with cars for on screen across the street (none of the fancy cars, those are under wraps). When you get to the end of Tower Ave turn right onto Monarch St. You will see a gate at the end of the street with an EON Enterprises sign by the access to the freeway. It is always guarded so turn right onto W Red Line Rd and left into the parking lot of the Skate Park and go to the fence. That is about the best view you will get of the freeway til the movie is released. If you look down the freeway you will see an overpass. That will be used for a stunt scene where two of our erstwhile heroes jump onto a moving vehicle carrier loaded with motorcycles start a couple up (Ducatti's) and jump them off the front of the trailer over the cab of the truck and into the next story element. If you look over to the right you will see BIG WHITE tents, which I imagine to be for resting the cast and hiding the cars. On the cars, I have heard that GM is releasing a featured model on the day the film is released. Near the fence is a stack of old freeway sign bits. The signs you see over the set were old Cal-Trans signs with those true green faces ripped off the support structure and set green faces in their places.
I find myself wandering over to the freeway set at lunchtime just to see if there is anything new. It has been great to have such a high profile movie being worked on here since it has added a nice bit of frenzy to our town.
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