I've been noticing something- it's becoming a trend and I don't particularly like it. You see, in many recent movies, especially the "good" ones, the artistic ones, the critically aclaimed ones, that their level of energy, of action, of story development is very low. You fill a 120 minute movie with numerous scenes of sitting in a couch, eating breakfast, walking, picking blueberries, watching the sky and so on. And I get it, sometimes it does help the story, but some just take it to the next level. I want film makers to make want to see this movies continuosly, for it to never stop, to keep me at the edge of my seat, to shock me so much that I don't know how to express myself. Old movies, like from the 50s, surprisingly enough, most of the time, do that. Even ones more recent, like Fight Club, or American History X, or even Hunger, knew that, although they dealt with delicate subjects and emotions. It makes me want to see X-Men or James Bond, at least I know what to expect.
Yes, I like the fact they are expressing- through their shots, scenes, music, images- specific emotions and it is designed to make us emote and feel the same, and maybe raise some interesting questions, but why should I see a movie about that? Why should I sit in a theater for 2 hours and watch Kirsten Dunst, for example, picking blueberries? I know what you will say- because she gives a true performance (yes, she does, I'll give you that), because the cinematography and the images are beautifully done (agreed)- but how much can you admire these shots before getting a little bit bored? How much can you contemplate about the earth, the world, the society, life, love, fear, hate, sadness and so on? You need a story and characters and action to back up those emotions, to make them feel more real and appealing to the audience. And besides that, if you are really interested in doing that, I presume you would like to sit and actually think about it, mold thing over in your head, without being obligated to watch the screen.
Some movies can have that element and still conect with the audience. There are some exceptions where very few people understand and actually try to make a movie that can be pleasant to see and understand, or at least is able to raise some hairs up your arm. Drive, Hunger, Martha Marcy May Marlene, even Take Shelter (although not completely).
After all, why do you watch a movie? Honestly, tell me! Films were first made as a hobby, they were shown as an entertainment option for people, most of them were silent comedic films, meant to gain attention, laughter, and for audience to enjoy! I, and probably a lot of other people just like me, go to movies to inmerse myself into an other world, to dream, to discover, to laugh, to be entertained, to have a higher pulse and be shocked. All of the critics say, oh, Hangover or Tron:Legacy are bad movies- no, they aren't, they just satisfy different needs, they are simple, fun, entertaining movies. We need that from time to time.
Now, I know we can't have only romcoms and action movies on screen, obviously, I am just saying this: if you want to make a movie, please think and try to make it enjoyable for a larger crowd. If you go your way and make it as artistic as possible, what can happen, you say? Well, ok, you might win a Palme D'or or get some critical recognition, but will people go to see it in cinema? will it give resources to do another one? Sometimes yes, sometimes no- very few are lucky to do that, and they are probably getting away with it because at one point in their career, they made a more relatable, enjoyable movie that allowed them to explore other things.
I want, I need more inventive, innovative, smart scriptwriters and directors. You know, the ones who know how to make it real and enjoyable, yet visually beautiful. People who go past the overartistic methods and just shows us what they mean in a simple, attractive way. Rationale, but sensitive. New and intriguing, but not boring. Those rarely show up, so don't blame me if I go watch Tintin, Hunger Games, Immortals, Hangover or Harry Potter in the meantime. The world is changing, and so are the consumers. You betta keep up with them.
Take it as it is- a rant! Maybe I have exagerated, maybe I haven't said enough, but it is still interesting to talk about! What do you think?
