Transformers (2007 film)

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Transformers
Directed by Michael Bay
Produced by Steven Spielberg
Tom DeSanto
Don Murphy
Lorenzo di Bonaventura
Written by Screenplay:
Roberto Orci
Alex Kurtzman
John Rogers
Story:
Hasbro
Tom DeSanto
Starring Shia LaBeouf
Josh Duhamel
Jon Voight
Megan Fox
Bernie Mac
Tyrese Gibson
Rachael Taylor
Amaury Nolasco
Kevin Dunn
Voices:
Peter Cullen
Music by Steve Jablonsky[1]
Distributed by DreamWorks
Paramount
UIP
Release date(s) July 4, 2007
(USA)
(Canada)
Language English
All Movie Guide profile
IMDb profile

Transformers is a 2007 live action science fiction film conceptually based on the Transformers franchise and toy line. The film is directed by Michael Bay with Steven Spielberg acting as the executive producer. This adaptation is the Transformers' first feature film since Transformers: The Movie in 1986, (though unrelated) and also sees Peter Cullen as the voice of Autobot leader Optimus Prime, almost 20 years since the original cartoon. The film has had intense Internet speculation, and has a release date for July 4, 2007.

Contents

[edit] Plot

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Following a battle on Cybertron,[2] it will move to the Arctic Circle during the 1800s where Captain Archibald Witwicky is shown chipping away at a massive sheet of ice, only to break through it and fall into the abyss and lands on a robotic hand partially buried in the ice. He finds the eyes of Megatron staring back at him. Megatron burns a map showing the location of the mysterious "Allspark" into Witwicky's eyeglasses, which are handed down to his descendant, Sam (Shia LaBeouf), in the present day. When Witwicky buys his first car from dealer Bobby Bolivia (Bernie Mac), it transpires that it is the Autobot, Bumblebee, and Witwicky comes under the protection of the Autobots as the Decepticons come looking for the map.[3]

Scorponok attacks
Enlarge
Scorponok attacks

Elsewhere, robotic scorpion Decepticon Scorponok, attacks a Middle Eastern Army base in the present day.[2] The "Allspark" has also been referred to as both the "Energon Cube" and the "Energon Crystal"; the earliest description credited it as "responsible for Transformer life on Earth."[4] Per the words of LaBeouf in a recent interview, this appears to mean that it possesses the power to bring ordinary machines to life, turning them into Transformers too. In this respect, it is similar to the Creation Matrix of the original Transformers comics.

[edit] Cast

Producer Don Murphy used his site to earn support from fans, and decided upon a consensus for the voices from the 1980s cartoon.[10] Peter Cullen, the voice of Optimus Prime in the animated series, was announced at the July 2006 San Diego Comic-Con.[11] Cullen also read for Ironhide, another character he originally voiced, during the first of two auditions.[12]

Several other cartoon voice actors such as Scatman Crothers (Jazz), Chris Latta (Starscream), Don Messick (Ratchet), and Johnny Haymer (Vortex/Blackout) are deceased. Those roles will require new talent. A new actor who auditioned for three roles (creating two voices for each) was Bryan Cox.[13] During principal filming, Mark Ryan was hired to be on set, to act as a stand in for the Transformers, giving actors someone to react to and act against during filming, both physically where appropriate and providing dialogue.[14]

[edit] Production

Producer Don Murphy had been looking to do a G.I. Joe film,[15] but following the Iraq War he negotiated the rights with Hasbro for a Transformers film in 2003 and brought on Tom DeSanto to write the basic storyline.[16] Steven Spielberg and Lorenzo di Bonaventura at DreamWorks bought the property in 2004 and negotiated with Robert Zemeckis[17] and Michael Bay to direct.

John Rogers was hired as screenwriter on November 4th 2004 to adapt DeSanto's story,[18] and turned in his draft in January 2005. Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman were hired the following month to start over.[19] Michael Bay confirmed he was directing the film in April,[20] and the release date was announced at the Comic-Con International in July 2005.[21]

Director Michael Bay filming at Holloman Air Force Base.
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Director Michael Bay filming at Holloman Air Force Base.

Principal photography began on May 22, 2006. Two Bell Boeing CV-22 Osprey helicopters (of only three in the United States Air Force inventory) were filmed in flight at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, on May 26 for the film.[22] Other military aircraft were being filmed at Holloman and at nearby White Sands Missile Range.[23] On June 9, filming was onsite at the Hoover Dam.[24]

Shooting around August focused on Pentagon interiors,[25] and filming of destruction in Los Angeles was also taking place. Filming took place in Rialto, California on finished-but unopened portion of Interstate 210 between Alder Ave. and Linden Ave. Filming at Edwards AFB began on September 6, 2006 and ended on September 8, 2006.[26] Production then wrapped on September 24, although second unit shooting continued in the Arctic [27] and Detroit,[28] where it finally finished on October 5.[29]

[edit] Transformers on screen

The Transformers are being created with a mix of close-up props and CGI by Industrial Light and Magic. Heavily stressed in their film incarnations are advanced kinematics and realistic engineering, drawing away from the classic blocky look and avoiding the mass shifting and disappearing insides of previous incarnations. Lorenzo Di Bonaventura admitted they attempted a computer generated version of Optimus Prime's comic book look, but it looked silly.[30] There is also a new eye design, as glimpsed in the teaser poster, to make the characters more emotionally engaging, in contrast to the general glowing blue Autobot and red Decepticon eyes. It is unknown if the color scheme remains.[2] During a transformation, thousands of parts of the body move.[29]

All the characters travel to Earth using their bodies as spaceships, before reformatting into Earth forms.[31] All of the Transformers feature standard and battle modes for their heads.

[edit] Autobots

Optimus with Bumblebee, Ironhide and Ratchet
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Optimus with Bumblebee, Ironhide and Ratchet

All of the Autobots are based character wise on their Generation One incarnations, despite modern interpretations of their alternate modes: in particular, all of the following except Optimus Prime are now GM-owned vehicle lines, although they were not originally.

  • Optimus Prime (Peterbilt) - Orci described Optimus as a noble king, similar to King Arthur.[32] His robot mode contains an arm cannon, and a retractable faceplate, similar to Optimus Primal from the Beast Wars series and the Transformers: Cybertron incarnation of Prime.[33] His alternate mode, which has red flame artwork upon blue paint, is a close match to one of the Generation 2 Optimus Prime toys, and two versions were built.[34] Lorenzo DiBonaventura said that Optimus is scaled to be 9.7m (32 feet) in robot form, and a semi in vehicle form.[35] However, Michael Bay has said Optimus is 8.5m (28 feet) tall.[36] A blue version of Optimus' head with motion capture points was used.[37]
  • Bumblebee (Chevrolet Camaro, later reformatted as a 2008-2009 Chevrolet Camaro[38]) - Bumblebee is the underdog character and a scout for the Autobots, as well as the Transformer most connected to humans.[32] He ends up being purchased by Spike Witwicky, who is looking to buy his first car. His robot mode has been constructed as a physical prop in addition to a CG model.[39] Bumblebee is 5.1m (17 feet) tall.[36] Bumblebee's arsenal includes an arm cannon and shoulder missiles.[40]
  • Jazz (Pontiac Solstice[42]) - Jazz is a "rock-and-roll" type character who lives by his credo of "If you can’t do something with style, it’s not worth doing at all."[32] He will be 4.6m (15 feet) tall.[36] He has pronounced antennae on his head, and is either holding a gun in his left hand, or has a gun barrel in place of his left hand.[43] Another picture of him features fingers, although this may be art for the IDW comic adaptation of the film.[44]
  • Ratchet (Search & Rescue vehicle based on the Humvee design[45]) - Ratchet's role in the movie is that of Autobot medic,[32] and is 7.3m (24 feet) tall.[36] His robot mode lacks the head fins seen in the traditional animated version of the character.[46]

[edit] Decepticons

The Decepticons have a mix of characters from the various incarnations of Transformers.

  • Megatron (Cybertronian alternate mode confirmed in leaked photos to be an "Alien Jet") - Megatron will be presented with some backstory regarding the cause of his war.[32] He dwarfs the Autobots at 10.3m (34 feet) tall.[36] Images of Megatron's original Cybertronian form were leaked on the 24 August 2006,[47] and poor fan reaction prompted a head redesign.[48] Tom DeSanto has said Megatron will assume an Earth form, though it remains unclear what it is.[49] A model of Megatron's legs were built for the film.[50]
  • Starscream (F-22 Raptor) - Starscream is described as always looking to best Megatron; Megatron's traditional disdain for Starscream, and vice-versa, will remain intact.[32] Starscream leads the Decepticons in Megatron's absence,[31] and is roughly 32 feet tall.[43]
  • Brawl (Tank) Although original reports suggested that this character would be named "Devastator", it was specifically cited that this was an example of a character whose name was not finalized.[22] Confirmed as "Brawl", his triple-barreled turret and a "pissed off" personality evokes the Combaticon of the same name.[32] Within the leaked pre-visualization picture containing Jazz, Brawl's robot mode can be seen on Bumblebee's right.[43]
  • Blackout (MH-53 Pave Low[51]) - A Special Ops helicopter. At one point he was called Vortex as well as Incinerator on concept art.[52] His name is used by a helicopter Decepticon in the recent Transformers: Energon toyline--though the name also has G1 roots), and he can disable enemies with EMP-like blasts.[32] Blackout's feet were built as props.[53]
  • Scorponok (Mechanical Scorpion) - Scorponok will be the closest to his Beast Wars incarnation character wise, as well as an example of animal Transformers such as the Dinobots.[32]
  • Bonecrusher (Buffalo) - Bonecrusher's name was confirmed early on when a photo of a military mine-clearing vehicle with the name tampographed onto it was leaked early on. Subservient to Megatron, he is described as being the closest to a Constructicon as could be in the movie.[32]
  • Frenzy (Alt. mode currently unknown; rumored to be a boombox) - Originally scripted to be Soundwave, he was supposed to be a boombox that transformed into a human-sized robot.[32] The character was renamed Frenzy in homage to the G1 character who was a minion of Soundwave. His role in the film is that of a spy among humans for the Decepticons, using his alternate mode as a disguise.

[edit] Promotion

Promotion display for the movie at BotCon 2006
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Promotion display for the movie at BotCon 2006

[edit] Trailers

The first teaser trailer was released on the Internet on June 29, 2006 at the official website for the film and on Michael Bay's official website. Bay had planned the teaser trailer to be released on July 4, 2006, however, the poster (above) was released at the time the teaser site went live. It was supposedly released early after it was discovered that an insider had leaked the teaser trailer onto the popular video site YouTube. It depicts a Transformer (obscured by extreme backlighting) attacking the Beagle 2 mission, albeit with artistic license. It has appeared in theaters before a variety of films in North America and in the UK. It has been confirmed that the images and storyline from this teaser trailer will not be in the movie.[55] A second trailer should be released the weekend of December 22nd.[56]

[edit] 'Make Prime Speak'

Continuing ties to the fanbase, Paramount set up a competition for a fan to write a line of dialogue for Optimus Prime on the official website. "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings" (the motto from the original Optimus Prime toybox) will be spoken in the film, with runners-up available as ringtones or sound files on the website.[57]

[edit] Publishing

Expanding the film's universe, IDW Publishing are set to do a four issue prequel and adaptation comic book. Written by Simon Furman and Chris Ryall, and with art by Don Figueroa, the first issue out in February 2007 follows Bumblebee at the Battle of Tyger Pax.[58] The second follows Megatron coming to Earth as he searches for the Allspark.[59]

David Cian is writing another prequel as the novel Ghosts of Yesterday.[60] New books to publicise the film are expected, such as a republished Transformers: The Ultimate Guide as well as a Visual Guide, which will contain information for the film.[61] A "Making of" book is in development.[62]

[edit] Toys

Hasbro is creating a toyline for the movie, featuring characters in Cyberton, Protoform, and Earth modes.[31] The toys are set for release on May 2, 2007 before all figures being released on July 4.[63] These toys are noticeably simplified from their film incarnations.[64] Another toy set for release will be a RISK game.[65] Activision is also working on a video game.[66]

[edit] Music

Stan Bush, who performed the songs "Dare" and "The Touch" for the 1986 film, is speculatively composing a song 'for' the new film.[67]

[edit] Sequel

Shia LeBeouf is signed on for two sequels.[68] Soundwave[42] and potentially Shockwave[32] will be a major new characters. Peter Cullen is in talks for returning for the two sequels.[69]

[edit] References

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  2. ^ a b c Quint sits down with Michael Bay and sees tons of TRANSFORMERS stuff!!!. Ain't It Cool News (2006-04-23). Retrieved on 2006-07-09.
  3. ^ a b Quint's interview with TRANSFORMERS star Shia LaBeouf!!!. Ain't It Cool News (2006-09-04). Retrieved on 2006-09-06.
  4. ^ Allspark confirmation (Message Board). Retrieved on 2006-10-09.
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  57. ^ Make Prime Speak: Winners. Official Site of Transformers: The Movie (2006-11-09). Retrieved on 2006-11-10.
  58. ^ "IDW PUBLISHING FOR FEBRUARY", The Comics Continuum, 2006-11-09. Retrieved on 2006-12-08.
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  62. ^ Murphy, Don. "Movie Being Editted - Making of Book/Shirts Being Developed", TFW2005, 2006-11-06. Retrieved on 2006-12-03.
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  66. ^ "News about Transformers movie game", Seibertron.com, 2006-06-29. Retrieved on 2006-10-20.
  67. ^ Stan Bush working on possible new song for Transformers movie. Seibertron.com (2006-10-09). Retrieved on 2006-10-11.
  68. ^ Murray, Rebecca. Shia LeBeouf interview - Transformers the Movie and Michael Bay. About. Retrieved on 2006-11-15.
  69. ^ Peter Cullen interview. Aboutheroes.com (2006-12-05). Retrieved on 2006-12-04.

[edit] External links

Transformers
v • d • e
Toy Line Transformers (Generation 1) (1984-1992) | Generation 2 | Beast Wars | Machine Wars | Beast Machines | Robots in Disguise | Armada | Universe | Energon | Alternators | Cybertron | Titanium | Classics | BotCon
Comics Marvel Series: The Transformers| Transformers/G.I. Joe | Headmasters | Universe | Generation 2
Dreamwave Series: Generation 1 | Armada/Energon | Transformers/G.I. Joe | The War Within | More Than Meets the Eye (G1/Armada) | Summer Special | Micromasters
IDW Series: Infiltration | Stormbringer | Spotlight | Escalation | Beast Wars | Generations | Evolutions
BotCon Exclusives: The Wreckers | Universe
Animated Series Generation 1: The Transformers | The Headmasters | Super-God Masterforce | Victory | Zone
Beast Era: Beast Wars | Beast Wars II | Beast Wars Neo | Beast Machines
Robots in Disguise
Unicron Trilogy: Armada | Energon | Cybertron
Characters Optimus Prime | List of Autobots | Megatron | List of Decepticons | Primus | Unicron | Optimus Primal | List of Maximals | Megatron | List of Predacons
Movies The Transformers: The Movie (1986) | Transformers (2007)
Factions Autobots | Decepticons | Maximals | Predacons | Vehicons | Mini-Cons
Video Games Battle to Save the Earth | Convoy no Nazo | Beast Wars | Beast Wars Transmetals | Transformers (2003) | Transformers (2004)
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