Reflections on Michael Bay and the Transformers
A July 4th Holiday Posting
To be honest, I am the wrong demographic and not tempted to go see what some have categorized as an advertisement for GM cars – the summer blockbuster -- the Transformers. It just goes to show that branded entertainment is alive and kicking. But say what you want, its director, Michael Bay has established a brand for himself. From "Bad Boys" to " Pearl Harbor" and the Got Milk and other ads before that, Michael is known for action and highly stylized movies.
Why do I mention this? 21 years ago, Michael Bay was a well mannered preppy from southern California. We were film majors at Wesleyan University. Needless to say, his career took off in ways that no one could imagine at the time. (Side note: I am proud to say that Joss Whedon of Buffy the Vampire fame was the sound guy on my student film.) Michael and I took classes together in film and photography. Even back then, he knew what he wanted. The rest of us did artsy photos and made esoteric films. Not Michael. His photos were distinctly commercial; his student film was easy on the eyes – right down to the sports car scattering leaves in its dust as it raced across the frame.
We haven’t talked since graduation. We both moved on, and my ego is strong enough to recognize that he probably wouldn’t remember me. But that’s ok. He remains on my list of famous people I know or knew and proof that vision starts young and takes a lifetime to perfect.
Happy July 4th. Let me get back to you.
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