8 1/2 - Out of all the movies this semester, I think I found this one to be the most compelling. Yet,much like the movie itself, it's hard to explain why. I think it has to do with the fact I plan to get into the film industry and direct films. I also feel as if I can relate to the notion of having a creative block in the midst of an important project with a fast approaching deadline. As well as the feeling of the whole project falling apart around you.
Ed Wood - My choice of this one also has to do with my decision to work in Hollywood. Despite Wood being considered one of the worst directors ever, this movie seemed to portray him in a sympathetic and somewhat inspirational manner. Not so much in that It made me think I can get away with horrible movies (Seems like most current studios are doing that already) but the fact He had a true passion for film. He fought for his vision, for his films, not letting the studios censor and edit them beyond recognition. And if nothing else, Johnny Depp's performance was, as usual, quite excellent.
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid - As a movie, it wasn't in my opinion the greatest, The storyline was a bit lacking (which is the most important aspect of a film, to me). However, from an editing point of view, this movie was amazing. It was VERY cleverly edited to blend the new footage with the old movies. The new footage set details matched the old film to a tee as well. I was quite impressed.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World - This movie can be a real hit or miss. Generally, it seems as if generally more youthful audiences praise it, whilst older critics generally don't get the praise. I for one find it to be an innovative, energetic film. It has smart writing, great editing, and amazing casting. It tells an amazing story filled with very interesting characters. In my opinion it's one of the best films to come out in recent years, and a film every film student and person who enjoys films should at least give a chance.
The Godfather 2 -Well, What can I say that hasn't already been said by others? This film is generally considered one of the greatest movies ever after all. All film students should study Coppola's masterpiece.
Star Wars (Original Trilogy) - I really don't think there has been any other series of films that has had as much cultural impact on society as Star Wars. These films are timeless classics. The series has many unforgettable twists and turns in it's story, and in general, it's all told in such a cleverly written way. Also, It introduced many iconic characters (such as Darth Vader) and ideas (such as the force)to pop culture. They may not be the greatest films ever, but as I said, I can't think of any other films that have maintained such popularity and cultural relevance over 33 years.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Edgar Wright interviewed on the Treatment
For this blog, I'm choosing to write about the Treatment episode with Edgar Wright. This episode aired on Wednesday August 4, 2010. Edgar Wright is a film director. He's worked on such films as Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and most recently Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. In fact, the purpose of his appearance was to promote Scott Pilgrim.
From this interview I learned quite a few things about the production of Scott Pilgrim, A lot about Edgar wright's history, and the film industry in general. For instance, the city of Toronto is used as a double for New York in many films, which I found somewhat surprising.
"A lot of the films that I've done have this aspirational quality of coming from a peaceful, but boring town." This quote does explain a lot in regards to many of the characters and locations in Wrights films. Having seen them all, you begin to notice a trend between them. Nearly all of them are set in small boring towns, and the characters seem to all be striving for some excitement, for something bigger than themselves. With this quote, it all makes sense now as to why. It's all inspired from Wrights hometown.
"My entire kind of career sprang from the fact my mom and dad bought me and my brother a second hand super 8 camera." This quote goes to show that, while it helps to have parents/connections whom can afford to produce your films, it isn't always necessary in the industry. Some people can break into the business through perseverance and talent, learning how to make a film with nothing, rather than having everything handed to them.
"Just go out and do it. Even if you don't have the equipment. The opportunity is never going to land on your doorstep, you can make your own opportunities." As with the prior quite, I find this one to be quite an inspirational and meaningful quote. It's actually really good advice for many aspiring film makers and film students. In context, this is Wright's response when asked about career advice, and is spoken from experience, as he never went to film school. In fact, he was rejected from film school, thus went out and made his own films.
I may be bias, as I'm a big fan of his work, but I found this interview to be really great and insightful. It gave a good insight into not only some of the production decisions behind Scott Pilgrim vs. The world, but also to all of Wrights works. It also helped to establish much of why he directs the way he does. As to what he contributes to the film world, I find his films to be a refreshing change of pace than the norm. His style is very fast paced, full of jump-cuts and tons of on screen action. His style is innovative, as are his films. Nothing that will change the film world, but Wright is definitely one of the most underrated directors of our time.
From this interview I learned quite a few things about the production of Scott Pilgrim, A lot about Edgar wright's history, and the film industry in general. For instance, the city of Toronto is used as a double for New York in many films, which I found somewhat surprising.
"A lot of the films that I've done have this aspirational quality of coming from a peaceful, but boring town." This quote does explain a lot in regards to many of the characters and locations in Wrights films. Having seen them all, you begin to notice a trend between them. Nearly all of them are set in small boring towns, and the characters seem to all be striving for some excitement, for something bigger than themselves. With this quote, it all makes sense now as to why. It's all inspired from Wrights hometown.
"My entire kind of career sprang from the fact my mom and dad bought me and my brother a second hand super 8 camera." This quote goes to show that, while it helps to have parents/connections whom can afford to produce your films, it isn't always necessary in the industry. Some people can break into the business through perseverance and talent, learning how to make a film with nothing, rather than having everything handed to them.
"Just go out and do it. Even if you don't have the equipment. The opportunity is never going to land on your doorstep, you can make your own opportunities." As with the prior quite, I find this one to be quite an inspirational and meaningful quote. It's actually really good advice for many aspiring film makers and film students. In context, this is Wright's response when asked about career advice, and is spoken from experience, as he never went to film school. In fact, he was rejected from film school, thus went out and made his own films.
I may be bias, as I'm a big fan of his work, but I found this interview to be really great and insightful. It gave a good insight into not only some of the production decisions behind Scott Pilgrim vs. The world, but also to all of Wrights works. It also helped to establish much of why he directs the way he does. As to what he contributes to the film world, I find his films to be a refreshing change of pace than the norm. His style is very fast paced, full of jump-cuts and tons of on screen action. His style is innovative, as are his films. Nothing that will change the film world, but Wright is definitely one of the most underrated directors of our time.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
A films greatest component
Film is not only entertainment, but an art form. It's a way of creatively expressing oneself, a means of telling a story. For some it's nothing more than a mere pastime, a means of passing away a few hours on a boring day. For others, film is a lifestyle.
As a film maker, one would think I have a pretentious taste in what I like in a film. And yet, I don't. In my opinion the story and writing is what truly makes a film great. Sure, direction, acting, effects, art direction, etc. are all important components, but as a viewer i'm more than willing to forgive lack of these areas of the plot and writing of a film is good.
So, what is my favorite movie? The one that, in my opinion exhibits excellent storytelling elements? For me that would be Shaun of the Dead. It's just such a smartly written film. It has excellent, comedic dialogue. Rich and compelling characters. And a great storyline. I also enjoy the way it references many of the horror films that inspired it so seamlessly.
And here, is a short video containing some of the best scenes in Shaun of the Dead :
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