3 ms·

> When did people lose sight of the fact that the primary purpose of film on the silver screen is entertainment? Where did people get the idea that the primar

> When did people lose sight of the fact that the primary purpose of film on the silver screen is entertainment? Where did people get the idea that the primary purpose of film on the silver screen is entertainment? Film has always been art: the purpose of art is to provoke thought, hold up a mirror to society and, of course, entertainment (among others): the ratio of ingredients can change, but it's never been solely about entertainment. These days, the studios are pumping out motion renderings of comics, as if some ML algorithm that decides on what to work on is in some sort of a feedback loop. Where are this generation's "Mr Smith goes to Washington"? "Gone with the Wind"? "Apocalypse Now"? (not to imply that these 3 are the best movies out there, just some names off the top of my head, and I'm no cinephile, so let's not get into a movie-naming contest).

roryisok 9y ago
> Where are this generation's "Mr Smith goes to Washington"? "Gone with the Wind"? "Apocalypse Now"? Films like this stood out as original or thought provoking when released, but now films that emulate those classics are everywhere. They have become commercialised to the point of formula. The courtroom drama movie, the period drama set against the backdrop of conflict, the war is hell story. There's one out every other week. It's because they've become so commonplace that they're no longer thought provoking.
- johnchristopher 9y ago
  Apocalypse now, casablanca, bowling for columbine, etc. were made in a certain context. That context can't be captured and commercialized because history moved on and it isn't there anymore. They can't completely exist in a vacuum. When I look at today's aaa movies whether the context is lacking or the movie suffers from the formula and lack of originality or personal vision (as you point it). I remember gummo, searching for the wrong-eyed jesus, american honey, chop shop, land of plenty and winter bones. I am pretty sure three of them will pass the test of time. (I am not american nor living in america so I don't know the movie scene as well as the european one)
  - roryisok 9y ago
    > (I am not american nor living in america so I don't know the movie scene as well as the european one) Ha! Me either! ;-)

roryisok 9y ago

> Where are this generation's "Mr Smith goes to Washington"? "Gone with the Wind"? "Apocalypse Now"? Films like this stood out as original or thought provoking when released, but now films that emulate those classics are everywhere. They have become commercialised to the point of formula. The courtroom drama movie, the period drama set against the backdrop of conflict, the war is hell story. There's one out every other week. It's because they've become so commonplace that they're no longer thought provoking.

johnchristopher 9y ago
Apocalypse now, casablanca, bowling for columbine, etc. were made in a certain context. That context can't be captured and commercialized because history moved on and it isn't there anymore. They can't completely exist in a vacuum. When I look at today's aaa movies whether the context is lacking or the movie suffers from the formula and lack of originality or personal vision (as you point it). I remember gummo, searching for the wrong-eyed jesus, american honey, chop shop, land of plenty and winter bones. I am pretty sure three of them will pass the test of time. (I am not american nor living in america so I don't know the movie scene as well as the european one)
- roryisok 9y ago
  > (I am not american nor living in america so I don't know the movie scene as well as the european one) Ha! Me either! ;-)