Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by RGA (R) on April 14, 2020 at 07:17:56

In Reply to: RE: Well, you don't have to view every film in the world, posted by tinear on April 13, 2020 at 16:34:40

Obviously film is a visual medium and it is often integral to a film - for that matter so is music. Whether it be a blockbuster like Jaws or creating a claustrophobic space in Das Boot. Spectacle isn't irrelevant but it should serve character, theme, and not be the main attraction. Films that tend to stay relevant and that are still liked by modern younger and smart younger audiences are those that tend to be strong in character. This is especially true for films that were blockbusters back in the day. Jaws holds up because of the three main protagonists not because the shark effects are good (they're not).

A lot of visual directors tend to make themselves known like "look at this great shot" and that usually comes off as some pretentious director trying too hard to be original instead of serving a good character or story. Perhaps, because in both domains the film is weak so the spectacle has to make up for that failing. Avatar is an example of an atrocious movie where the director is throwing everything he possibly can at the screen to put lipstick on a pig.

I do agree with you though that film does not have to fit in a round hole - you can make a visual film and it can be very good and in many genres from Anime to horror to whatever really. The semi-hit example that springs to mind is Run Lola Run which relies almost entirely on visual style and direction and has little character development and plot but relies on pacing and visuals and it's a pretty exciting film. Kubrick is a fair example but I still say his movies still have a lot of meat to them and his camera work enhances but doesn't typically detract from the events.