MovieChat Forums > The Dark Tower (2017) Discussion > Quick Draw

Quick Draw

posted 8 years ago by joannatn
18 replies | jump to latest

So, since I haven't been as good at sniffing out the articles many of you have seen, has anyone seen or read anything about Idris Elba learning some gunslinging quick draw techniques? I'm pretty sure he isn't going to be doing any of that hokey gun spinning from the spaghetti westerns (that ain't Roland's style), but Roland is known for having an almost super human speed when drawing. I know lots of actors go through extensive training when learning how to use swords or whatever their characters weapon of choice is, and I'm confident (hopeful) this wouldn't be any different. Pulling a trigger doesn't take that much finesse, but I think Roland's gun handling would require a degree of training/practicing. Or am I overthinking this, lol?

Please, if you're eagerly directing your mouse just to post your disdain for the casting or the actor or how horrible this movie is going to be... just don't? I'd truly appreciate it. While some of you have calmly and concisely expressed legitimate concerns, others have been just jumping on strands to bash. It's just gotten bloody exhausting at this point. Thanks, luvs!

[–] Captain_Wesker 8 years ago

We should at least get a taste of Roland's mastery of the pistol. I suspect, however, the meat of the man's combat prowess will show up in an actionized (read: bigger budget) sequel.

For some reason, I think that his legendary accuracy - rather than his quick draw - will feature more prominently in the first film.

(As an aside, it is my hope that the sound mixing whenever firearms are fired is especially superb. Every shot of the sandalwood revolvers ought to be properly thunderous and intimidating. Michael Mann's Heat may have spoiled me in this regard .)

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It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing .

[–] joannatn 8 years ago

Actually, that's a very good call, Cap. I guess accuracy is usually a little more visually impactful than a quick draw, especially since there aren't any high noon, tumbleweed blowin' showdowns out side the ol' saloon that I recall. But yeah, Drawing of the Three would be a much better opportunity to showcase the talent, or even Wastelands when he's getting Eddie and Susannah all trained up. But that's getting waaaaaay ahead of myself, ha ha!

I didn't even think of the sound mixing, but you're right. That better be phenomenal!

[–] Captain_Wesker 8 years ago

Do you think Elba-Roland is going to be dual-wielding the revolvers in battle?

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It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing .

[–] joannatn 8 years ago

Uh, sha! LOL I mean, why not? I'm hoping to, at least. The man's got two guns (or should, rather). Might as well make use of 'em!

God, Cap, you just had me checking photos. So most of the pics you can only see one hip and one holstered gun (his right side),but on the one production pic with the green screen in the background, you can see his left hip and another holstered gun, which at least implies both guns are there, ha ha! It'll be fun getting to see how a gunslinger do!

[–] Captain_Wesker 8 years ago

If the revolvers are double-action (this means that each pull of the trigger automatically cocks the hammer as the cylinder revolves to the next chamber with a fresh bullet), then firing them rapidly won't be difficult to portray.

If the revolvers are single-action (this means that the hammer will have to be manually cocked back before each shot), blazing away with them while appearing to be a seasoned gunfighter will be more difficult to portray.

Here is a crystal clear example of "thumbing" while equipped with two revolvers -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOWOCH36mNw.

Some gunfighters, when equipped with one single-action revolver (such as the Colt Single Action Army) opted to "fan" the hammer with their other hand in order to boost the rate of fire. Here is an excellent cinematic example of fanning a revolver, courtesy of Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday in the film "Tombstone" -> https://youtu.be/kRhcU3_dTe4?t=55s.

On the other hand, it is entirely possible that cinematic Roland will prefer to use his second revolver as part of a "New York Reload" -> https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/New_York_reload

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It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing .

[–] joannatn 8 years ago

Well, it's surmised that Roland's guns were most likely single action, but since it's Midworld, who knows? The fanning seemed a little more attractive than the thumbing (why does that sound wrong?), but that could also have a lot to do with the fact that Val "my luvin man" Kilmer was doing it in a Western flick I've seen a thousand times, ha ha! I mean, I'm pretty sure that camera magic can make our favorite gunslinger thumb those hammers with all of Kilmer's fanning flare, but we'll have to wait to see.

In your opinion, Captain, how do you think they'll do it? Just make it double-action to make the gunslingin more "fun," or take the more difficult road and give us the single-action instead? Which would you rather see?

[–] Captain_Wesker 8 years ago

Unless your revolvers are double-action, you're stuck with thumbing them if you want to fire two at the same time. Fanning is only a possibility if you are equipped with one revolver OR possess four arms .

In your opinion, Captain, how do you think they'll do it? Just make it double-action to make the gunslingin more "fun," or take the more difficult road and give us the single-action instead? Which would you rather see?

Beyond some surface details, I can't speak to how the ancestral weapons will have been designed for this film franchise. Even at this stage, we still don't know much about the tone of the first film. The initial teaser/trailer we are anticipating ought to give us something substantial to analyze when it comes to further speculation on this facet of the production.

The more archaic method (single-action revolvers in tandem with thumbing/fanning) appeals to me because the "good old ways" aspect of Roland and the way of life he represents is part of the reason I find his mentality in particular intriguing in a sea of gunslinging protagonists.

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It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing .

[–] joannatn 8 years ago

Dude! I understand fanning isn't something you want to do with two guns. I'm half Asian, remember? I'm actually pretty good at math (now who sounds like a racist?)!

I agree. I think the single-action would feel more authentic, but I am applying our world's standards to Midworld. I hadn't even considered the type of guns before, but you've educated me a bit in that regard (thankee-sai).

So would you rather have him fanning one gun or thumbing two?

[–] Captain_Wesker 8 years ago

So would you rather have him fanning one gun or thumbing two?

A mix of both. The man ought to be practical - no doubt about that - but he should also be placed into situations that force him to employ unorthodox combat techniques.

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It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing .

[–] joannatn 8 years ago

Oh, very good point. I can see where both techniques might be useful, but one more than the other especially once his hand ends up mutilated. Roland is resourceful and has a lot of tricks up his sleeve. I'm sure he'll know what each situation dictates. It'll be very interesting to see. Or we are totally overthinking this and going to be disappointed, lol. I keep elevating my hopes against my better judgment!

[–] Captain_Wesker 8 years ago

It looks as if you got your wish. The teaser/trailer showed Roland dual-wielding his ancestral weapons.

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It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing .

[–] Captain_Wesker 8 years ago

Bump.

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It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing .

[–] Kyumonryu 8 years ago

Well, it's surmised that Roland's guns were most likely single action

From the way they are usually depicted and described, they are likely twins of the Colt Single Action Army model, otherwise known as The Peacemaker or the SAA in .45 Long Colt. or maybe a .454 casull like this one

http://darktower.wikia.com/wiki/Sandalwood_Guns

but since its midworld

But in Midworld, anything is possible

...but they hung him anyway.
Hanged, Ami. Your father was not a tapestry.

[–] Captain_Wesker 8 years ago

http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Dark_Tower,_The

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remington_Model_1858

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ottiUc05gwI

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It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing .

[–] Kyumonryu 8 years ago

Yessss,
I like what I see here. I actually prefer the Remington over the Colt. Great weapon and awesome customisation design on it.
I´m really looking forward to see this.

...but they hung him anyway.
Hanged, Ami. Your father was not a tapestry.

[–] StormBringer328 8 years ago

I remember seeing or hearing that one of the things King asked Elba when he was cast was how quick his draw was. I'm sire Elba will be trained by the best gunslingin' coaches in the biz. Probably hired the same guy who worked with the Magnificent 7 cast.

[–] joannatn 8 years ago

See, and it brings me a measure of comfort to know that Stephen King was thinking about the quick draw, too, lol! I'm sure you're right. It will (or would) be great to see the entire katet hard at work... Man, they are going to have to find some really good kids for Wizard and Glass. Can't wait to see how that pans out.

[–] Sawyer_Lost 8 years ago

Let me add another quote from Stephen King regarding the quick draw:

To me, the color of the gunslinger doesn't matter. What I care about is how fast he can draw...and that he takes care of the ka-tet.

Books are a uniquely portable magic. ~Stephen King