THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. (2015): Style Vs. Substance - A Video Essay 

This very film convinced me that Henry Cavill was an actor worth watching out for.

I also love the irony of the Britt playing the American, while the American plays the Russian. But that's acting for you :)

This and The Kingsmen are examples of what made all of the older, troupe-filled Bond movies so...cool, I suppose?

Still one of my favourite movies and the soundtrack is perfect.

I felt like The Man from Uncle was more an origin story for the characters, so the plot was kinda predictable, but the style and the actor make it so worthwhile. My mum used to watch the tv show and was completely obsessed with the movie when it came out. As a whole, the film style, music, choice of actors an even wardrobe choices make it such a memorable and fun movie to watch. It hurts that not enough people see that.

TMFU is a tragically overlooked film, it is up there with Lock Stock and Snatch!

I love MFU. I really want a second film.

"it has no originality" I mean, it was the first american movie I saw, that portrayed russian as complicated but likable and not fundamentally evil. It was also the last american movie where I saw that I know it's kinda unrealistic to ask other country film industry for more representation, but american films do influence how other people see your country. Also, not to shit on russian film industry, but it is kinda shitty. We make like maybe one good movie every other year, and most of the good ones are plainly depressing. Help me hollywood daddy, for I'm yearning for good characters from Russia, Ukraine, Moldova or Belarus. (and just so we clear: John Wick doesn't count)

I'm glad someone is defending this movie. I remember walking out of the theater saying it was incredible

i watched this in theaters and knew it was something special not 5 minutes in. still waiting on the sequels that will never be green lit. so sad.

That's pretty good. I've always found the whole style vs substance debate to be pretty stupid. Film is a visual medium with a cinematic language. Stylistic choices communicate things to the viewers. I don't believe style and substance exist on some kind of gradient, where if your movie is "all style" there's no substance in it, or if you want to make a film with a lot to say you have to stay away from overly stylized choices. You can make a badly stylized film, but that's only ever the case because the director didn't understand or want to employ the cinematic language in order to carry across some substance. In other words, you can like snap zooms and use them all over your movie, but it's only a problem if you don't understand what the snap zoom means to your audience and what it communicates about the scene in question.

The truck scene is my FAVORITE scene from just about any movie.

I saw this with my family when it came out and absolutely loved it. A few years later we rewatched it and I decided to look up reviews and statistics about it. I was heartbroken to see how looked over this movie was. Granted, I have a preference and an eye for style as I'm in fashion and costume design (plus I'm a sucker for the 60s), but I really was amazed by this production.

Finally I found someone who acknowledges how phenomenal this movie is. A movie doesn't have to have in depth character analysis to be an amazing movie. This movie did exactly what it was intended to do and it accomplished it perfectly

Thank you for this. The Man From UNCLE was my favourite film of 2015 and one of my favourites ever. I could never fully explain why though, so in future I'll just direct people here.

I wish this had a sequel it was really entertaining

Henry Cavill's got the suave in this, got the physicality in MI: Fallout - should be the next Bond.

I finally watched this tonight, in large part thanks to this video convincing me I should pick it up, and I was very pleased with the film. Chief among my praises is how the film, for all of Guy Ritchies supposed love of film machismo, largely seems uninterested in showcasing the conventional violence that a movie like this might typically focus on. The boat scene is played, largely, behind the truck Napolean is sitting in, and the sounds of violence are obscured by the music. The linear but stylized montage of the island infiltration seems to blow right past the violent spectacle inherent in this kind of scene in favor of getting back to the characters and keeping the proceedings small and focused on them. The constant innuendo instead of visualizing sexual escapades is kind of a similar subversion of typical genre conventions as is the fact that the innuendo seems to know no gender barrier, with Napoleon and Illya flirting with each other, in their way, almost as much as they do any of the women. Thank you for the recommendation, I really enjoyed the film!

Dude. I am happy that finally one person understood this movie.

"The coolest movie of all time" Agreed.

This is one of my favourite films, extremely underrated, and probably the best film made in the 21st century.. also, Alicia Vikander's glasses are awesome

I can't believe it took me 3 yrs to find this validation of my feelings

Great essay Roby. I feel like rewatching 'The Man From UNCLE' now.

The scene overlooking the boat chase over a found sandwich and bottle of wine is one of my favorites.

I've loved every Guy Ritchie movie I've seen, and this is no different. I fucking loved it all. Characters, humor, general story development, camera work... You name it.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E is one of my all-time favourite movies. It is so beautifully shot cinematography wise, but has some of the best action shots I have ever seen and I thought the ending was quite clever and unexpected. I am always surprised at how many people who have not seen this movie. To me this movie has both style and substance and that is what makes a great movie.

TMFU is by far one of my most favorite movies of all time. Absolutely wonderful acting, casting was amazing, and the story/action/cinematography was top knotch.

Listened to the sound track nonstop when I was going through a stressful time at college 2 years ago, brings back mixed memories. Guess I know what it feels like to be old enough to claim the "before it was cool" title now.

I fell in love with this movie when I first saw it in theaters. I was so disappointed with how empty the theater was and how it underperformed and didn't receive very good reviews. Glad to see someone shares my thoughts.

Thank God I didn't know anyone else loved this film

Great video, mate! I came across it from your post on r/videoessay. As you say, The Man From UNCLE's substance is intertwined with its style and I find this rather charming. Hell, when I watched it I went to get a haircut the very next day and changed my hairstyle because I was so in love with how visually classic this film is. On your style of video, I really like how you're casual yet serious when it comes to narrating. I'm probably going to start a video essay channel of my own this summer and this is the style that I'm very fond of. Laid-back narrating and mixing opinion with fact.

I love The Man From Uncle. It’s one of my favorite movies! I can’t stop smiling throughout the entire thing, and I’ve seen it at least 5x.

Finally, a review truly praising this movie. I loved this movie when I first saw it, and was really disappointed by its box office reception. The chemistry between the 3 main characters was my favorite thing about the movie, particularly Napoleon and Ilya's relationship (I ship it). I personally prefer Henry Cavill in this movie than as Superman, he's so much more fun here. It's just such a fun movie! Why can't everyone see that?!

Thought the film was brilliant and severely underrated. You are absolutely correct in saying that this film succeeds due to its styling. The way the characters are portrayed with such swagger in their own regard and the way the unique camera work carriers continuously throughout... This films style is strong, unique, and consistent. Also, Alicia Vikander is bae...

Two things: One, if Guy Ritchie's got eyes for visuals, Daniel Pemberton got the ears. Even the critics couldn't deny that. One reviewer even said that he stole the movie from Ritchie. Two, I still think the movie needed a sharper or wittier script to balance the style and strong visual. I do enjoy it though and also hoped for a sequel.

I really enjoy this movie. I wouldn't give it such high praise as you have, but I have already seen it three times. I usually don't rewatch movies that often. I give them time to breathe before rewatching. So I think should say how much I enjoy it. I wish we could get a sequel, but it doesn't likely. Richie himself will be forced to do low- to mid-budget movies going forward, as well, seeing as his last two big films underperformed at the box office.

I absolutely love this movie!! It really captures the era. I watch it over and over. It never gets tired or blase. Ritchie is one of the most unique and talented directors ever. I love all his movies and this is my favorite.

So stylish it almost hurt. That a great line.

When I started watching this I thought it was going to be a completely predictable. The American spy was just a rip off of James Bond, but that first fight with the Russian was not what I expected. The girl and the Fake 007 rip off barely managed to escape the Russian, and when Fake 007 sees the Russian again he near kills Fake 007. You see James Bond is a little bit to flawless and rip off 007 was just as boring and predictable, but the Russian is just a better soldier, he was emotional, and a lot of ways he was a better trained spy, but he didn't know the skills that you learn from not training, the pick-pocketing, the charming of women. This is why I think the movie was good when they start working together they realize that they were filling in a lot of gaps for each other and they start becoming impressed with what they can do. The whole idea of two completely different people becoming friends feel like a beautiful thing and in the end of the movie they choose there friendship to each other over there blind loyalty to there employers. That last shot was kind of funny because they both dealt with grief differently reinforcing that they were still very different people. The Russian finishes he drink fast and Fake 007 put his down. I thought that was interesting.

I loved this film when it first came out.

solid attempt at that italian pronunciation. Kudos

I haven't seen The Man from U.N.C.L.E., but I loved Ritchie's take on the Arthurian Legend. I know it's not a 'thinking man's film' (whatever that means) but it was a thrill ride from start to finish, and his style is truly unique. I'll definitely check this one out now.

Oof Armie Hammer 🤤 What a gorgeous man

And the background score was beautiful. This was in my opinion an underrated movie.

I really like the man from uncle and it’s super rewatchable. They set it up pretty well for a sequel and I’m still waiting

I've never understood why any film which is remotely fun seems to be automatically labelled dumb. No matter how well done.

Found your channel via Reddit and subscribed. Nice to see an essay on this overlooked Guy Ritchie film.

I watched it then saw the middling-negative reviews I was like "huh!?" Then I saw this video I was like "yeah, that's better!"

this was one of my Favorite movies of that year it was so enjoyable, with a great soundtrack and just like the Nice Guys they play a lot alike which was very satisfying to see

I agree, one of my favorite movies of all times, just the way it's done, brilliant, watched so many times, Guy Richie is so talented

This is literally one of my favorite movies-- it is something that is just fun to watch and I think that the overt styling of it is what makes it so fun and interesting to watch.

The man from UNCLE is one of my favourite films ever and I enjoy it so much and I'm absolutely gutted it won't get a sequel. Sure, i acknowledge that its not perfect and isn't very original, but it's a great load of fun

I regret listening to the negative reviews and not seeing this in the theatre. One of my favourite films of all time!

Hey, what do you think of King Arthur? I kind of feel like most of the style in that movie is just that, style, without any substance in it.

Thanks Roby. I agree with you. I have watched and rewatched this movie more than 20 times. And I've found refreshing nuances each time, in the performances, plot, in the style, and the cinematography etc. To be honest this is my go - to movie when I particularly feel dull about life. The movie gives me hope in a very interesting manner : making me look forward to the unexpected. Blessings to the creators. And to you. Love from Sri Lanka ❤️

This is a tremendously underrated movie. Beautifully set to the backdrop of the Golden age of espionage; the Cold War.

It's a pretty damn good movie, the soundtrack is great, and I wish they would've made a sequel

I agree: I really hope that time is kind to this film. Watched it again this past weekend (after an actual 60's spy flick, Funeral in Berlin (1966)) and it did not fail to impress me. Again.

Don't even know where to start on this one. I overlooked it myself for a looong time and now I just can't get enough of it. I suppose it can only be appreciated if you look beyond Hollywood grandeur and look instead at how everything falls into place, how everything is perfectly put into place to go together and match, the feelings and emotions it elicits, along with the perfect subtle and not-so-subtle British humor and a vision that is a visual, auditory and emotional treat. Yes, the soundtrack is amazing, Daniel Pemberton's music in particular, yes, every gesture and facial expression says what it should say and has the impact it should have, yes, the subtleties are all there, even if not everyone can see them, it's just perfect in every way. Style is substance indeed. Loving your work, Guy. :)

Not a year into film school I realised that most people who critique movies nowadays (and therefore decide which movies are succesful) know shit about cinema. I apreciate videos like this very much.

I know it's really biased from me but.. This film was the first time I've seen Soviet/Russian man/spy portrayed on film in such an honest and even complimentary way. It was so nice to see this as a Russian myself. That's what sealed the deal on this movie for me. Love it.

Aghhh I really really really hope that this movie gets a squeal. I remember thinking right after I saw for the first time "Damn that was awesome! When is the next one coming out?!"

I think a great example of a movie that emphasizes style is Nicholas Winding Refn's 2011 film, Drive

I couldn't agree with you more in your video! I watched the film with some trepidation because Hollywood remakes of TV shows haven't exactly been stellar but from the beginning to end credits I was enthralled by it. The Lead male actors gave their own take on the TV characters which worked and their journey from hostility to respect for each other was believable.

Highly underrated film analysis of a highly underrated film! I've always found Ritchie's editing style incredibly immersive. He really knows how to connect all the pieces to everything he's got going on in his movies, and Sherlock Holmes 2 is easily the best example of this. The Gentlemen was another great example of his recently. The man just oozes style, and with the way he directs it, is always a blast to see!

My favourite Richie movie. I love the smart characters and the sixties aesthetic. I also love how every action they make outline they core characterization.

This film just clicked with me, its one of those films that you can sit and enjoy almost anytime. It's just a lot of fun, the music, visuals, the quips. Especially the music though, its just on point.

I absolutely love this movie its a masterful film, I really hope we get a sequel.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Also in the end credits when it goes over the characters files. You can see the Russian guy has an Oedipus complex. Noticed this in the theater with my friend and we laughed our asses off.

The true quality of filmmaking shows itself in the desire to watch it again without being bored by it. Ideed I would go so far as to say that this is the hole concept of quality itself. This film is not meant to teach you something about life, but to entertain you in a simple but perfectly fabricated way. And in this case I really hope they make a few more like this.

I love this movie and really have to say that those quick zoom ins shows you the whole picture before drawing you to where the characters are in that scene. A lot of movies really struggle with that. Most notably that chase scene in Harry Potter where you have no clue where anyone is in relation to each other. He shows you just how far away Napoleon and Red Scare are away from each other. Brilliant.

This movie and the Gentlemen perfectly shows what a genius Guy Ritchie is and proves he's still got it. Too bad the majority of people haven't seen those movies, failing to convince the producers for a sequel

The Man From U.N.C.L.E is probably one of the only films I'm happy to watch over and over 😍 I love everything about it

I used to watch the original show man from Uncle so that's telling my age, but the new man from Uncle is Just as amazing as the original man from uncle. I love it and watch it all the time. And the fashion is some what on point.

Great videos! I absolutely love this film and I cannot understand how it wasn't a hit

I loved this movie when It came out and I still do honestly wish that we got a second one

totally agree with you on your analysis of ritchie's camera movements. the fist time i saw snatch i was so impressed by the fact that he could tell such a complicated plot in a such clear way jus by using clever visuals and camera movements. same goes for almost every of his films and i think as a director he is really underappreciated for this.

It is wonderful to find such a love letter to one of my favourite films.

I totally agree with you. Yes, yes, I'm late to watch this, but I still agree. This movie was brilliant. I absolutely LOVED the style in it. That's actually what endeared it to me. In recent years it's been all big noise, loud, pumping music, bright colors exploding, etc...this was not. And I liked that. It was different.I'm sad it didn't make a lot of box office, but it will always be one of my favorite movies of all times. I hope they do a second one. I really do.

this movie had such a "Kingsman" feel, but without the satire... it was played entirely straight-faced. just like the olde spy movies and series.

Such an underrated flick. Saw it in theaters and have taken the dvd to several friend's houses to let them experience it. You're right. Neither this nor Nice Guys, got the attention they deserved

As a lifelong fan of "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," I was concerned about this movie when I heard about it. I'm extremely pleased that I had nothing to worry about it. It's an incredible movie and while successfully adapting and "updating" the story, it still remained loyal to and retained what made the series so unique and special. I'd love to see a follow-up by the same creative team.

Man I love this movie so much. Loved it when it came out, and just recently rewatched it and was reminded how much I adore it, really wish there was a sequel 😭

I must say I found your insight very intuitive. I really enjoyed the cool and suave aesthetic to The Man From UNCLE, but at the time of viewing I perceived it with the cliche "It's style over substance" and therefore saw it as a "lesser" film. However, having recently seen Edgar Wright's Baby Driver, I had a very similar feeling walking out out of the theater; very enjoyable, loved how cool the film felt and Wright's style permeated and elevated every scene. But rather than looking down on if for having style over substance, I thought "why does that make it lesser than other films with their deep and intricate plots or stories". A directors style can make a film experience fresh, exciting, inspiring and enjoyable by bringing a distinct and unique feel to an already familiar story. You have verbalized my feelings with more clarity and precision than I could. Style can infact be substance itself. Thank you. A great essay. I've subbed and I'm looking forward to exploring you other videos. :)

I love this film and the lack of a sequel is tragic.

The level of quality you achieve in your videos is unparalleled! Amazing essay!

Thank you. I've been struggling to understand why I enjoy this movie so much, when it offers very little in the way of depth, which I usually clamber for as I look down my nose at other "flashy" movies. The charm is self evident in it's brassy presentation, and that really is enough in this case.

A lot of great cinematography that harkened back to 1960s spy thrillers. His sense of editing, composition and directing is pure joy. Very stylized, but so entertaining to watch. I’d rather watch this than the spectacle-laden MCU films.

Great job, Roby. I need to go back and watch this one.

this movie and king arthur is what made me love guy ritchie's style

I’ve been watching a lot of movies recently thanks to the current state of things and I’ve realized that many of my favorite movies from all time are from Guy Ritchie! He uses what you call style here to create an atmosphere and a feeling throughout his films that elevates all other elements such as story soundtrack etc. I understand when critics look for big interesting stories and twists, but my favorite thing about guy Ritchie is that he doesn’t assume his audience are idiots. Most of the story is told through and elevated by the style and it’s up to the viewer to enjoy that! You won’t be handed a character’s development arc on a silver platter. Rather, it’s there in every element of the movie

I remember seeing this for the first time only because I wanted to see Superman in another movie and I absolutely LOVED this. Superman can literally do no wrong and excels at every film or show he does. Same reason I watched Witcher and then I got hooked on the lore and played the game.

Baby Driver too is all about Style and sometimes, people tend to think that Style means a lack of substance, but it doesn't. And this movie and Baby Driver proove that.

They need to make a sequel. The movie never received the attention that it deserved. Alas, I don't have high hopes for the sequel, but it's one of my favorite Guy Ritchie flicks. Outstanding Casting -- even the bad guys have style.

The chase through the forest in the 2nd sherlock holmes in incredible

I've always loved this movie, it's one of the few that I've ever watched multiple times in Theaters. Your analysis is fantastic and gives such valuable credit where credit is due. You've earned a subscription in my book. Keep up the awesome work.

Very good analysis. I found the style of this movie to be absolutely wonderful. Everything from the costumes to the music was so stylish yet appropriate for the time period. I'm pretty bummed we won't get a sequel anytime soon.

totally agree! I could tell we're on the same wavelength when you mentioned Nice Guys too. the soundtrack album is my favourite from the last 20 years.

I love the fight that they filmed like a comic book, it was the perfect way to do it and still maintain its cinematic values.

Everyone keeps saying Henry should be the next bond but i believe he just needs TMFU becoming a series plus Henry and Armie were brilliant together