One of the most impressive aspects of the shootout scene from “Down Will Come“, the fourth episode of this season of “True Detective“, and one of the things I highlighted in my episode recap, was how the action completely altered the trajectory of the character of Paul Woodrugh (Taylor Kitsch). A former military man, lost and unconnected now that he’s home, suddenly finds himself right back in the chaos.
That chaos is a fundamental aspect of who Paul really is, it’s what he thrives on. When the action finally dies down, Paul is the only survivor who seems anachronistically at ease. Bezzerides (Rachel McAdams) and Velcoro (Colin Farrell) just went through a physical and mental ordeal and are uncomfortable to be left standing to say the least. Rachel McAdams herself even had a physical reaction during the filming of the scene. HBO has just released a behind the scenes look at the shootout and how the production took care to make sure Woodrugh’s journey through the scene was highlighted.
Making sure an action scene tells a meaningful part of the story is fundamental to ensuring they are enjoyable beyond a visceral level. Two ex-Navy SEALs were brought in to coach and co-ordinate how Kitsch would behave through the scene. From how he would turn a corner to how he holds his gun, minor details that most wouldn’t have the experience to notice, all come together to form a complete picture of the man Paul is. The ease and confidence with which he moves through the action can be attributed to the two real-life experts and that realism is what makes the sequence stand out.
Watch the short behind the scenes video below and let us know what you think.
How do you think the shootout will alter Paul’s personality going forward? Will the Caspere case be shut down?
Watch the Shootout
