The Problem
A good movie review is so much more than the number of stars after the movie title. I know that’s what most people want to see, but think about it. A movie producer has just invested $60M and the director has given two years of his life. Do you really think they want to see that reduced to a casual two second glance at the number of stars following the title? I know the internet has turned us all into ADD consumers that have lost the ability to process through written information thoughtfully, but really! Think about the art forms and how they blended together to bring the film to life. Consider this before passing your “two star” judgment. In this article I will attempt to describe four artistic lenses that craft a movie so that when you see your next blockbuster epic or quiet romantic comedy, you will have a greater appreciation for what the film makers have attempted to do.
Genre
This is the start button for every movie. The pitch to the studio money people begins, “It’s a __________ about …” The blank is the genre. Romantic comedy, drama, horror, action/adventure, buddy movie, coming of age movie, etc. Genre is the first lens we look through in unpacking a movie. It defines how the story will unfold, the pace of the editing, the musical theme as well as the incidental music, even the costumes and lighting will be determined by the genre. Each genre has its own set of rules, but genres also are reinvented and redefined successfully by Hollywood’s more creative movie makers. Barry Levinson’s “Rain Man” broke several genre rules but successfully told a very dramatic and engaging story about two brothers setting out on a cross country journey of discovery. Being able to identify the elements of genre in the movie will clarify why the movie is what it is.
Story
The next lens is story. When story is combined with genre the filmmaker’s intent and purpose in making the film becomes clear. Look carefully at each character as they are introduced and trace their arc. When and where do the arcs cross? When do they run parallel? The length of the arc indicates the character’s importance. Is the character introduced to set something up later. When the movie is over, remember the main characters’ introduction and story arc. Was it resolved or left open.
Morality
Every movie has a moral message. It is impossible to tell a story and not have a moral. The message of the film maker will be seen through the moral lens and remembered as we leave the theater. Moral messages include: Good always wins over evil. Nice guys finish last. The bad things you do in secret will be publicly exposed. The morality of the movie can be positive or negative. Horror movies usually end with everyone getting killed except for that final one who either defeats evil or escapes to fight evil another day.
Art
The artistic lens will reveal a movie’s longevity. If care was taken to creatively tell a story by expanding its genre, and revealing well formed characters with developed arcs, the film will become a classic. Every year the movie “Somewhere In Time” is celebrated on Mackinac Island, Michigan at the Grand Hotel. When the movie was first released in 1980, the box office was disappointing. But, when it began showing on cable TV, the artistic beauty of the well told romantic story captivated thousands of viewers. In 1990 the International Network of Somewhere In Time Enthusiasts was formed to plan the Mackinac Island event that became an annual celebration. In 2010 they will celebrate their 20th anniversary when the movie turns 30 years old. Its moral theme of timeless love still causes the movie’s fans to celebrate.
All That To Say…
…While we often are fans of particular movie stars, when you decide to go to a movie, look to see who’s directing the film. The film is their vision and the actors are only playing out the parts.Three movies later, they’ve usually established a moral history that will be repeated in future movies.
Revisit your movie experience through these lenses. Don’t be quick to pass judgment based on your personal opinion. The movie is over and the credits are rolling. Think about everyone who worked on the movie and how they contributed to the genre, story, morality, and art of the film. Do you think the director was able to accomplish what he and the producers set out to do? Read through the films reviews. Do you agree or disagree? As you look through these lenses, your experience at the movies will become far richer.
Wink Farrand is the author of Wink’s Movie Blog. Each week he reviews three new movies through the lenses of genre, story, morality, and art. He only writes about the movies he’s interested in, but those are also the movies he recommends. His favorite movies include: Somewhere In Time, Searching For Bobby Fischer, The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy, and Waitress. Wink welcomes all blog comments!
How come you do not have your web site viewable in wap format? Can not see anything in my iPhone.
One other issue is when you are in a circumstances where you do not possess a co-signer then you may actually want to try to wear out all of your school funding options. You’ll find many awards and other scholarship grants that will present you with finances to aid with classes expenses. Thanks alot : ) for the post.
Just to let you know your blog looks a little bit different on Safari on my notebook using Linux .
Wanted to drop a comment and let you know your Rss feed is not working today. I tried adding it to my Yahoo reader account and got absolutely nothing.
Just discovered this blog through Bing, what a way to brighten up my week!
This publication has inspired me to continue writing on my own blog
First time I visit Understanding Movies Through the Lenses of Genre, Story, Morality, and Art | Hollywoodyaya.com thanks for the info really appreciate it man. Waiting for more
NFL Jerseys On Sale
When are you going to post again? You really entertain me!
Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for!
There’s noticeably a bundle to find out about this. I assume you made sure good factors in features also.
Just discovered this blog through Google, what a way to brighten up my day!
This blog site has lots of really helpful info on it. Thanks for informing me.
Im getting a teeny problem. I cant get my reader to pick up your rss feed, Im using google reader by the way.
My neighbor and I had been just debating this particular subject, hes normally seeking to prove me incorrect. Your view on this is great and precisely how I actually feel. I simply now mailed him this web page to show him your personal view. After wanting over your web site I e book marked and shall be coming again to read your new posts!
Hi there! I simply want to provide a massive thumbs ” up ” for that terrific information and facts you’ve here about this post. I’ll be returning to your site for additional rapidly. Simultaneously when you are excited about Network Marketing, visit my post following pilat
cute puppies!! that restaurant sounds amazing!
Just discovered this blog through Bing, what a pleasant shock!
Re: Whomever made the statement that this was a good website really needs to have their head analyzed.
I tried looking at your blog with my iphone and the design does not seem to be correct. Might wanna check it out on WAP as well as it seems most smartphone layouts are not working with your web site.
While I really like this publish, I believe there was an spelling error near to the end of your third sentence.
Do you might have a spam problem on this web site; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your scenario; weve created some nice techniques and were looking to swap options with other individuals, be sure to shoot me an e-mail if planning to pursue.
Im getting a browser error, is anyone else?
How did you make your site look this good!? Email me if you want and share your wisdom. Id be appreciative!
vintage snapback hats wholesale
I believe one of your ads triggered my web browser to resize, you might well want to put that on your blacklist.
Jesus Christ theres lots of spammy feedback on this website. Have you ever thought about attempting to remove them or putting in a wordpress plugin?
Just to let you know your webpage looks a little bit different in Firefox on my netbook with Linux .
I had been curious about if you ever thought of replacing the page layout of your website? Its well written; I love what you have got to state. But maybe you could include a little more in the way of written content so people could connect to it better. Youve got a great deal of text for only having one or two photographs. Maybe you could space it out better?
Is it fine to place a portion of this on my blog if perhaps I post a reference point to this web-site?
am nw waiting 4 an invitation
Someone necessarily help to make significantly articles I’d state. That is the first time I frequented your web page and so far? I amazed with the analysis you made to create this actual post incredible. Magnificent process!
Thanks for expressing your ideas. I’d personally also like to express that video games have been ever before evolving. Modern tools and innovations have assisted create practical and active games. These types of entertainment video games were not as sensible when the actual concept was being tried. Just like other designs of technologies, video games as well have had to develop by many decades. This is testimony for the fast growth and development of video games.
Spot on with this write-up, I actually assume this web site wants way more consideration. I’ll in all probability be again to learn rather more, thanks for that info.
Hmm it looks like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any points for inexperienced blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
I’ll second that. Great for inspiring and selecting colours for type and layout elements. Used in combo with Color Scheme designer it can be especially powerful.
Hiya, I am really glad I have found this info. Nowadays bloggers publish just about gossips and web and this is really frustrating. A good website with exciting content, that is what I need. Thanks for keeping this website, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Cant find it.
Thanks for the ideas shared on your blog. Something else I would like to say is that fat loss is not all about going on a celebrity diet and trying to get rid of as much weight as you can in a set period of time. The most effective way to shed pounds is by using it bit by bit and right after some basic suggestions which can enable you to make the most out of your attempt to lose fat. You may realize and already be following these tips, although reinforcing expertise never damages.
This website is really a walk-through for all the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll positively uncover it.
I’ll gear this review to 2 types of people: current Zune owners who are considering an upgrade, and people trying to decide between a Zune and an iPod. (There are other players worth considering out there, like the Sony Walkman X, but I hope this gives you enough info to make an informed decision of the Zune vs players other than the iPod line as well.)
wonderful points altogether, you simply won a brand new reader. What may you recommend about your submit that you simply made some days in the past? Any sure?
The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, but not as good as the iPod’s. It works well, but isn’t as fast as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you occasionally plan on using the web browser that’s not an issue, but if you’re planning to browse the web alot from your PMP then the iPod’s larger screen and better browser may be important.
Hey there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to take a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Exceptional blog and fantastic design.
Nice post. I learn something more difficult on completely different blogs everyday. It should at all times be stimulating to read content material from different writers and observe a little bit something from their store. I’d want to make use of some with the content material on my weblog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll provide you with a link in your net blog. Thanks for sharing.
Heya i’m for the primary time here. I came across this board and I in finding It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I’m hoping to present one thing again and aid others like you helped me.
The following time I learn a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I imply, I know it was my option to read, but I really thought youd have one thing interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you can repair if you werent too busy on the lookout for attention.
You made some respectable factors there. I regarded on the web for the problem and found most people will associate with along with your website.
I discovered your blog website on google and examine a number of of your early posts. Proceed to maintain up the excellent operate. I just further up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. In search of forward to studying more from you afterward!…
I was just searching for this info for some time. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this kind of informative websites in top of the list. Generally the top sites are full of garbage.
We are a gaggle of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with helpful information to work on. You’ve done an impressive process and our entire neighborhood might be thankful to you.
Thanks for giving your ideas. One thing is that students have an option between federal student loan plus a private student loan where it is easier to select student loan consolidation than in the federal student loan.
Its such as you read my mind! You seem to grasp so much approximately this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I believe that you just could do with a few % to force the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is excellent blog. An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.
very good put up, i definitely love this website, keep on it
Thanks for your article on this blog. From my personal experience, many times softening right up a photograph might provide the digital photographer with an amount of an artsy flare. Many times however, that soft clouds isn’t just what exactly you had at heart and can sometimes spoil a normally good snapshot, especially if you thinking about enlarging that.
Excellent blog here! Also your site loads up fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Superb site you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics discussed here? I’d really like to be a part of online community where I can get suggestions from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Appreciate it!
Attractive element of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to claim that I get actually loved account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment or even I success you access persistently fast.
Thanks for the helpful write-up. It is also my opinion that mesothelioma cancer has an extremely long latency period, which means that signs of the disease won’t emerge until finally 30 to 50 years after the original exposure to mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, that’s the most common sort and influences the area about the lungs, could cause shortness of breath, torso pains, as well as a persistent coughing, which may result in coughing up our blood.
I love what you guys tend to be up too. This kind of clever work and coverage! Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve included you guys to my blogroll.