What this is (will be) all about
January 2nd 2009 18:49
In this blog I'll be looking at/reviewing/critiquing/ranti ng about movies that I deem to be "good." My definition of a good movie is one with muscle...and that includes the brain. I'm not going to talk about any one specific film genre, though a lot of the movies I'll be talking about will be ones that never garnered much attention or praise; not because they were/are bad, but just because they were so small or obscure that no one really knew about them or cared about them.
What is a good movie with muscle? Well, to me, they are movies in which no shot or camera angle is done "just because." Every moment is dense with purpose, and the plotlines are fresh and original, or they take a cliche or generic plot and go at it from a different (and convincing) angle. Excellently written and acted characters with their own idiosyncrasies that separate them from the cardboard character pile that Hollywood movies so often recycle and chew up because they know as long as they put some cool explosions or spicy sex scenes in their movies that the public will eat them up. Insightful use of audio and music to complement the action on screen. Skilled use of images, symbols, and colors to add subtle dramatic power to the film. Fearless questioning of the vicissitudes of life, and the willingness to accept the fact that not all questions have definite answers, or any answers. Invitations to the viewer to experience the film's themes and become a part of the lives of its characters. Any action or special effects or sex all add something to the plot or are directly related to the message of the movie; no sex just because the actors are attractive, and no explosions just to make people go "ooh" and "aah."
Once a week I will look at a movie like this, whether it's fantasy, comedy, horror, or one of those "undefinable" films. I'll start next week with my anatomy of the sinews and tendons of cinemuscle. Until then, live well and enjoy your movies.
What is a good movie with muscle? Well, to me, they are movies in which no shot or camera angle is done "just because." Every moment is dense with purpose, and the plotlines are fresh and original, or they take a cliche or generic plot and go at it from a different (and convincing) angle. Excellently written and acted characters with their own idiosyncrasies that separate them from the cardboard character pile that Hollywood movies so often recycle and chew up because they know as long as they put some cool explosions or spicy sex scenes in their movies that the public will eat them up. Insightful use of audio and music to complement the action on screen. Skilled use of images, symbols, and colors to add subtle dramatic power to the film. Fearless questioning of the vicissitudes of life, and the willingness to accept the fact that not all questions have definite answers, or any answers. Invitations to the viewer to experience the film's themes and become a part of the lives of its characters. Any action or special effects or sex all add something to the plot or are directly related to the message of the movie; no sex just because the actors are attractive, and no explosions just to make people go "ooh" and "aah."
Once a week I will look at a movie like this, whether it's fantasy, comedy, horror, or one of those "undefinable" films. I'll start next week with my anatomy of the sinews and tendons of cinemuscle. Until then, live well and enjoy your movies.
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