Sunday, August 17, 2008
Blockbuster Movies
As a general rule, I don’t rush out and see the highly-anticipated movies the first weekend they’re released. Far too often over the years, I’ve found that the more a movie is hyped, the less impressed I am with it when I finally see it. There are some “blockbuster” movies that I’ve enjoyed a lot, but I prefer to see the independent movies that have a small budget and don’t necessarily have famous actors. What makes any movie great is an original story, fantastic writing, and top-notch acting. A huge budget and mind-blowing special effects don't necessarily make a movie into a classic. Isn’t it curious that most of the movies that we hear about these days are either sequels to popular movies, or remakes of older movies, or remakes of stage musicals… Not that they can’t end up being wonderful, entertaining movies, but why do so many producers and directors take the easy route? Take more chances on unknown script writers and actors. Give us more original ideas. Give intelligent viewers a reason to really get excited about seeing new films!
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2 comments:
I think one of the reasons there aren't more completely original films has to do with a common phrase novelists and screenwriters often hear from publishers and movie producers: "We want the same, but different."
In SF, I went to a fabulous workshop by screenwriting expert Blake Snyder. I've read 2 of his books, too, and he talks about how producers want to know the genre (i.e., is it a "Monster in the House" kind of film like JAWS or ALIEN or is it a "Buddy Love" picture like LETHAL WEAPON or WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, etc.) and they also want to know the structure (which include the steps on the Hero's Journey--things like the story's inciting incident, the black moment, the climax, etc.). We're supposed to identify what's easily recognizable about our book or movie, and then structure our tale in a typical/identifiable storytelling fashion... So, sometimes, if you try to break out of this form too far, what you've written gets targeted as "unmarketable" (I've had that happen--which is why I had to seriously revise my book :).
Anyway, I know that probably doesn't help much, but it's something writers tend to have to deal with on a fairly consistent basis, and it's a source of unhappiness just as often...
P.S. Love the new picture!!
That makes a lot of sense, Marilyn. I'm sure the producers and publishers want some reassurance that they'll be able to make money on every movie or book, and consumers tend to gravitate toward something that's similar to what they've enjoyed in the past. Millions & millions of dollars are spent to study us consumers. :)
After you publish your first few novels, you'll be able to take some liberties to stray from the beaten path!! :)
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