Rambling on Movies
Nov. 18th, 2010 08:51 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
swordmageI realized as I was driving into work today why the news that Deathly Hallows opened this weekend completely passed me by, as well as the fact that it wasn't on my list of films that I'm looking forward to. (And now that i think about it, why Dawn Treader has passed me by as well. Of course, that was never one of my favorites in the series...)
Anyway, it's because I'm tired of the dreck that's being produced. I like my movies to be, well, interesting. And ones that provide something at least a little different. New, original. This means that even if it's a contemporary piece, I'm tired of adaptations of other media. Seems like that is what's new and interesting to studios, and so it's what they pick up.
Please note - I'm looking forward to seeing (in no particular order): Black Swan, The Tempest, Tron: Legacy, and True Grit. All these come out in December, and I intend to enjoy them for different and various reasons. I am aware that, in some way, three of these four movies violate the original content theory, but bear with me.
Black Swan - I love Aronofsky's stuff, and I know that I can count on him to provide me with something that leaves me thinking.
The Tempest - If you've seen Titus, you'll know why I'm looking forward to this. Not to mention I love Mirren, and having her as Prospero intrigues me.
Tron: Legacy - It's been what, 25 years since Tron? I think we can get something at least a little new here, and the trailers look like great fun.
True Grit - The Cohens. Say no more. I know that it's an adaptation of something from I think the 50s, but it should be good.
Seriously, I know that I had more to say, but for some reason, it's almost 9 and I'm already crashing hard. Watched Forbidden Planet earlier, and also had dinner (sushi! and being as it's a small group, I'm better learning what I like) with friends.
This weekend shall mostly be schoolwork, but for now, I'm content.
Anyway, it's because I'm tired of the dreck that's being produced. I like my movies to be, well, interesting. And ones that provide something at least a little different. New, original. This means that even if it's a contemporary piece, I'm tired of adaptations of other media. Seems like that is what's new and interesting to studios, and so it's what they pick up.
Please note - I'm looking forward to seeing (in no particular order): Black Swan, The Tempest, Tron: Legacy, and True Grit. All these come out in December, and I intend to enjoy them for different and various reasons. I am aware that, in some way, three of these four movies violate the original content theory, but bear with me.
Black Swan - I love Aronofsky's stuff, and I know that I can count on him to provide me with something that leaves me thinking.
The Tempest - If you've seen Titus, you'll know why I'm looking forward to this. Not to mention I love Mirren, and having her as Prospero intrigues me.
Tron: Legacy - It's been what, 25 years since Tron? I think we can get something at least a little new here, and the trailers look like great fun.
True Grit - The Cohens. Say no more. I know that it's an adaptation of something from I think the 50s, but it should be good.
Seriously, I know that I had more to say, but for some reason, it's almost 9 and I'm already crashing hard. Watched Forbidden Planet earlier, and also had dinner (sushi! and being as it's a small group, I'm better learning what I like) with friends.
This weekend shall mostly be schoolwork, but for now, I'm content.
no subject
Date: 2010-11-23 04:56 am (UTC)I must disagree with your comment about "dreck" however. 2010 has produced some fine films. Have you seen "Inception," "The Kids Are Right," "127 Hours," "How To Train Your Dragon," "Shutter Island," "The Social Network," or the best film of the year "Toy Story 3?" They are all great films.
Adaptations have been the bread and butter of popular dramatic works since the Greeks invented Theatre. In fact, the oft-stated maxim that there are no truly original stories may in fact be true. If one were to count the number of variations on "Cinderella" alone-protagonist who comes from modest means achieves great success-the number would be staggering. "Harry Potter" itself is an amalgamation of elements from many disparate works.
As a culture, we enjoy the familiar, and revel in the comfort that friendly repetition brings. Much as a child asks to be read the same story every night at bedtime, we are predisposed to heightened sensations of euphoria by that which is at once similar to those bygone tales of youth.
There is no denying that adaptations bring with them a built in audience. However, when done well, an adaptation can transcend the source material. For example, I remember seeing "The Silence Of The Lambs" when it was first released in 1991. Having read the novel, I knew full well what was going to happen, yet that film held me in complete suspense. Conversely, the first "Harry Potter" film bored me completely, as it was a too-literal adaptation of the book. While watching that film, I felt I had already seen it all before.
I think that the key to a successful adaptation lies in the talent and drive of the filmmakers. One thing I am sure of, is that the future will only bring more sequels, spin-offs, and remakes. Let us hope that are inspired visions of artistry.
Anon!