Is the George Lucas Syndrome contagious?
What, haven’t heard of it?
It is our absolute need to feed our mind with endless garbage, with images of Jar-Jar Binks and green little thingies that do absolutely nothing to our existence except, perhaps, make us realize that we are riding our very own Death Star (which is kind of cool, until we realize that the Star thing is just an illusion; Death isn’t).
Yeah… well, I’m talking about the fact that movies that fans throng to are mostly SFX extravaganzas so ostentatious, a single scene has as many extraneous characters as there are aliens in Tattooine. Not convinced? Think LOTR 2 and 3. The Harry Potters. The Phantom (GAG!) Menance. Pirates of the Caribbean 3. They are the Top-Grossing Movies of all time.
Talk about the ultimate nerd-dom wet dream.
What, haven’t heard of it?
It is our absolute need to feed our mind with endless garbage, with images of Jar-Jar Binks and green little thingies that do absolutely nothing to our existence except, perhaps, make us realize that we are riding our very own Death Star (which is kind of cool, until we realize that the Star thing is just an illusion; Death isn’t).
Yeah… well, I’m talking about the fact that movies that fans throng to are mostly SFX extravaganzas so ostentatious, a single scene has as many extraneous characters as there are aliens in Tattooine. Not convinced? Think LOTR 2 and 3. The Harry Potters. The Phantom (GAG!) Menance. Pirates of the Caribbean 3. They are the Top-Grossing Movies of all time.
Talk about the ultimate nerd-dom wet dream.
But it’s not just the nerds. They can only buy so much pop corn and freebie light sabers. It’s the rest of us, trekking to movies that offer a little more than an exercise in testing how much aliens, pirates and homoerotic hobbits we can take.
Now, that kind of makes me think about what kind of movie-going public we have become that we would rather see such cinematic lobotomies as Star Wars and shun pensive, thoughtful, politically-charged movies like Syriana. We would rather see a Gungan with the most annoying accent this side of Naboo than challenge our minds about a enlightening film on non-existent WMDs.
What gives? Have we become so insulated, we would rather be entertained than watch a film that could challenge us intellectually? While corporations all over are busting unions and hawkish leaders are waging wars on imagined evils, would we rather be entertained by our movies rather than be roused politically?
People argue that we watch the movies in order to be entertained.
Fine, I have nothing against entertainment. I believe that one of the primary purposes of a movie should be to entertain us. In fact, one of the movies I’ve watched that I thoroughly enjoyed was The Incredible Hulk, which kind of hits low cerebrally but which is smashingly entertaining nonetheless (bad pun right there).
But a good movie should also be able to move us. A good movie is not just about special effects, good acting, good story-telling. A good movie should not insult our intelligence, pretend to be entertaining, then lull us all to sleep.
That’s just plain highway robbery.
Note: Photos courtesy of IMDB
24 comments:
Films/movies are indeed made for entertainment. This serves as its main purpose why since ancient times it is being patrionized by different kinds of people. But i'd have to agree with the belief that films shouldn't be made only for entertainment. It has to feed the minds of the viewers as well. I mean, i wanna have that "intellectual gratification" feeling after i watch a particular kind of movie. It doesn't need to have all those blasting effects, galant colors and out of this world movie features for it to capture the intellectual side of the viewers. It just gotta have SENSE, and i mean real sense for it to become more meaningful and relevant.
GAMAO,Ria
ABMC 3A
I'm not that fond of watching movies/films nowadays because of the movies/films itself. I'm looking for something that can teach me something- an important lesson maybe. And the movies shown in movie houses nowadays are nonsense, well this is my own opinion. Movie producers should think of something which can teach a valuable lesson to the people but at the same time entertaining them too.
Well, this is the challenge for us, future media practitioners!
Balome, Rhea Mae
ABMC3A
"But a good movie should also be able to move us. A good movie is not just about special effects, good acting, good story-telling. A good movie should not insult our intelligence, pretend to be entertaining, then lull us all to sleep."
I'm reaLLy moved by this statement. I agree that a good movie shouLd not rely on special effects, good acting and the like but should and must have an astounding storyline. A story that will captivate not only the interest of its audience but will also challenge their intellects. Take "A Beautiful Mind" and "I Am Sam" for example. The cinematography is simple and they don't even have magnificent special effects, but their plot is extra ordinary. It touched the heart of its audiences and with that, it stays in the minds of the people who watch them.
I am just a typical movie audience. I do not really know much about the technicalities of the industry yet, but I personally believe that a movie is good if it teaches the audience valuable lessons in life (An example of which is "The Pursuit of Happyness"). When watching a movie, I usually concentrate more on the story and on the characters. As much as possible, it is better that we are able to relate to the characters so that we may be able to learn from their experiences. This makes us think deeper and also makes us examine ourselves. This creates a longer lasting impact on us compared with the effect of senseless "entertainment".
Paul Lacson
ABID 4
when movies belong to the top grossing ranks, it doesnt necessarily mean that these are quality movies.
often times the people behind the movie production venture in applying special effects for the sake of publicity purposes-for the movie to be talked about.
but then,all the publicity and special effects dont do any good with the core of the movie.
the core of the movie should not rely on special effects but with its storyline.
soriano,joanne
ABMC4
joannesoriano
We can't blame the viewing public if movies such as LOTR 2&3 or Harry Potter hit the box office ranks, simply because that is what is being fed by the industry.
The trend on movies nowadays revolve on the showcase of special effects and graphical innovations. Producers just go with the trend.
But as audience, we are still left with the choice of what movies are we supposed to watch and not to watch.
actually,i am not quite entertained with movies that has SFX and storylines that are exaggerated or those that are out-of-the-box story. instead I am MORE entertained with films that truly projects reality and captures the heart of those who watch it. but i cant blame producers for keeping on producing movies that for me are senseless, kids like SFX and magical stories,they're the ones who mostly appreciates it. Still, it should feed its audience with moral lesson.
Toreno, Lorena
ABMC4A
For me watching movies/films is one way of escaping from reality because nowadays we all know that a lot of people find themeselves bombarded with political controversies that is happening in our country locally or internationally. For me it doesn't matter what kind of movies/films other people watch what matters for me is that after watching this kind of movie.(whatever it is) is that it will feed my curiosuty and interest.Anyway it actually depends on the viewer how to digest everything.It's not also a sin if other people prefered to watch LOTR2,etc beause its the kind of movie they enjoy watching.At the same time not all of us is educated enough to criticize every movies/films we already watch right?Especailly when it comes to special effects and everything.
i believe in the fact that people just wanted to escape reality thats why they would go and watch movies rather than stay at home and think of their problems. movie audiences are so preoccupied with their problems that they do not think whether the movie they are going to watch is intellectual or not. they just want to forget the outside world even for an hour and a half. but lets also think about the people behind the film too. did they do the film for the sake of art, love for their work or just the mere fact that they'll receive something in return? did they also create the film intellectually?
PEÑAS, Ma. Eda Ashley
ABMC4A
I agree that movies should move its audience, but to what extent? One can say that he was moved by the movie if he felt some emotions such the emotion of sadness, happiness, irritation, etc...
That's the common scenario nowadays for the viewing publics. The producers should not take advantage of this weakness of the movie-goers. They should at least be responsible for producing a realistic, values-oriented, thought-provoking films and not just thinking on how to gain profits.
I understand that producers are mere businessmen and have a low sense of passion in the art of movie-making as compare to real directors. Real directors, I mean, is a person who have a vision on how a film should affect the lives of it's viewer, inspired them and influence their sense of thinking towards things and life for that matter.
business is business
main stream film industries does not give a shit on films that could assemble ones brain...
they focus more on their benefits
rather than those of the viewers..
money talks
CORREA,Paolo
ABID3
The film industry is a business. it's goal is the same as any other business which is to make profit. A lot of people watch commercial movies (ones that have lousy storylines and high paid stars) and few admit to liking them, but the fact is these movies sell. the industry will not continue to produce these movies if they did not make money. The bottom line is... money is god.
Molina, Andrea
ABMC 4
I think,we just have to face the fact that human beings need to live for some bucks. They maybe big time producers or bad ass directors,but see? They too are now loving the trend of doing films still for money and not for genuine artistry.
And lets blame being broke that is, for the viewers. Not most of the audience are willing to just go and watch every movie they want to see. They would rather have a good steak for dinner than to buy buckets of popcorn & sodas. Well, not mentioning the fact that the ticket price is burning the pockets.
So,if i would be a desperate film maker that drools over the green bills.. I would go for a feel-good, shallow movie that would click. Well,no need to think about an outstanding screenplay or acting roles people would shout "bravo!" for. I'd get those teen queens who party without panties, roll the camera, and pay a good tabloid to publicize them.
Although,it wouldn't make sense. Its money over artistry now. Unless.. what? and i would go on for like more pages to type!haha
I would go for movies that will make my brain cells work rather than entertain my eyes with special fx that overshadow the meat of the movie, that is the plot. The industry is feeding us with these kinds of movies because, we, the moviegoers also patronize what they give us. It's like they give us what we want and they get what they want, and that is MONEY.
But hey, i enjoyed HP and LOTR films or movies or whatever you might call it. =)
pueda, dara erika
abmc2
It's not the fault of the movie industry to feed us with crappy movies for in the first place that's what we yearn for, it's what we want to watch and spend our money on. They have given us quality movies but what happens to them? They fall down the charts, who watches them? 5 people? It's an industry it's goal is to produce a profit period!
SFX are the in thing now, the more SFX that you have the better, this shows how advanced the industry is becoming and with that movie goesrs wannt to be amazed to escape reality for a while,a part of the movie experiece i presumme. No wonder the top grossing films are out of this world it's just a proof that we already had too much of reality to deal with.
I agree that a good movie should not just be entertaining. It has to have sense, a good plot. Something that could actually tickle our brains and make it work. Special effects, all-star casts could also be factors but i think it is more of a bonus. but lets admit the fact that our world right now is full of noise and chaos that most people would find a way just to escape and breathe some fresh air.
What we see on TV., films/movies, or hear from radios is being digested by our emotions, it stick to our heads.
i am one of the people who wants to run-away from the heavy drama of life (enough of it!) so i guess watching simple movies, and just feel good movies (anything that could satisfy me) isn’t bad at all. it may not give you a full blast of knowledge but in some point surely you will grasp something sensible and hey it will make you feel light. (People’s want are insatiable)
And for the people who give us movies that we want, they are just trying to make a living. We all have a need, that’s for sure. (It’s all about practically nowadays.) ;-)
I strongly agree that most of the movies today are made for entertaiment. I'm not saying that it should not be that way. One purpose of movies is to entertain people. But it should be more than that. More than making us laugh, cry and enjoy. A movie or a film rather should possess a good story. It should be able to move us.
Stella Delos Reyes
ABMC 3A
yes..movies are made for entertainment..but do most of it entertain us..?!some viewers may be unconsiderate of what they have seen..They may be amaze of the SPX, but that alone does not make a movie a good movie..it must make every person move.. a good movie must have a story.. it should make sense..
With 30% Filipino workers living with less than US$1 daily as reported by Asia Bank, who wouldn’t want to invest and enjoy a 2 or more hour’s of great escape?
The process of movie watching begin and end with goals. With whatever purpose one has in sitting in the confines of the oftentimes poor-sounding movie house while popping half-priced popcorns, is a compromise one has to face in his venture to escape from the factual world and find comforts in movies that offer him realities to nosh his pervasive illusions.
What the movie business has become is the result of what we crave it to be. We deserve what we see. We patronize and continually support effects-laden movies. There’s just a need for great escape and admit it, these movies provide us with a greater hole to fit in and find ourselves as part of the bigger picture- a paranormal world, those saved by flying heroes wearing rubber suits, and yes, of kingdoms were we can be rulers, etc. Name it and were on for an abrupt shift.
The question is not about what the movie industry has become, but what we, movie watchers have embraced. We have embraced a lot of possibilities, we had so much enough of these but we’re not fed up yet.
ADRIAN BOBE
i see the blog is picking up audiences... anyways those movies were top grosser because lets face it we were _entertained_ and of course shelling out our hard earned molahs can sometimes cost us a leg but anyhow, those flying cars and shiny light sabers were really cool. i dont want to be a flame bait but lets face it most of us here were drooling if maybe in the near future cars would be flying and lest not forget the greatest lesson we learned from watching this kind of flicks... yes correcto muchachos! dont let them heroes rot in dungeons kill them asap! kidding! of course the greatest lesson of all: evil doesnt always win against good.
just my 2 cents.
Divinagracia, Jesus Alberto Y.
BSCS 4X
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