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Craft guide / 2 tracks

Directing a first crime film

Christopher McQuarrie and Joe Kraemer discuss writing, collaboration, coverage problems, and the lessons of The Way of the Gun. Nick Pinkerton examines Michael Cimino's direction of Thunderbolt and Lightfoot within Clint Eastwood's production system. Compare how the two first-time feature directors worked within their budgets, schedules, and collaborations.

Reading order

Read the commentaries in order.

  1. The Way of the Gun poster

    Part 1 of 2

    The Way of the Gun (2000)

    Christopher McQuarrie / Joe Kraemer

    Multi-voice / 1h 59m / 274 segments

  2. Thunderbolt and Lightfoot poster

    Part 2 of 2

    Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974)

    Nick Pinkerton

    Scholar / 1h 54m / 271 segments