Don't get wrong guys, I LOVE modern films. And ones that just seek to entertain also. Nothing wrong with mindless fun, but...
Music and film are things I care deeply about. And as an art form, film has
everything that I love. Visuals, sound design, music, lighting, etc., so it's somewhat sacred to me. I just enjoy craft and quality. Whether it's a popular film or a mainstream blockbuster. Or conversely, a Top Ten pop song or a symphony. Either way, they should be of high quality and not insult your intelligence.
And films that are pretentious and "artsy" for their own sake are just as annoying to me as something that is utter garbage like Transformers (you can actually feel your IQ going down while watching Michael Bay movies). Time is precious, why waste it on mediocre crap?
I know people sometimes say about critics: "Movie/music reviews are just opinions and are no more valid than my own." Uh, unless you know the medium, no. They are informed opinions by (if they are a legitimate critic) people who know an artist/director's work, the history of film/music and can discuss film/music from a technical and artistic aspect. And even if they disagree, there are subtle points that can be learned by both the pros and cons.
That's why Citizen Kane is still being studied in film schools, because it's a work of art that withstands the test of time and takes the medium seriously
and is entertaining. Good work sustains, ie. The Beatles, Stanley Kubrick, Monty Python, Mozart, Picasso, etc.
And Grunt, I'm not just into the subversive/anti-hero stuff, lol. I love the old John Ford films and John "motherhumpin' Wayne pilgim! I grew up in the late 60's/early 70's, so I was raised on the "good guys wear white" paradigm.
I'm also with you on the 30's/40's black and white film noir stuff. Hard boiled, two-fisted Raymond Chandler, pal. James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart... And don't even get me started on the dames from back then! Va Va Voom!!! I can't stand where "beauty" has evolved to for a lot of mainstream people. Fake tits, bad plastic surgery, ugh. The barbie doll cookie cutter stripper look. I'll take a buxom burlesque chick from the 50's any day over Pam Anderson wannabes. But I have digressed a bit haven't I? Thinking about "Bettys" does that to me...
But if you want to know who is kicking America's ass this century in film making, it's the Asians. From anime to revenge and horror films, the Asians are doing the most cutting edge and original stuff right now imo.
If you haven't seen the Korean film 'Old Boy' yet, you really, really should because if you like brilliant film making, it's one of the best movies ever made. Beautifully shot, great soundtrack, acting, script and direction with a story that will blow your mind.
But
please watch it in it's original Korean language, it's much better...
