For those of us who hate Hollywood films...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

Guest
...what have you seen lately?

Had to start this after the mass influx of people praising those goons Spielberg & Lucas, whom, as far as i'm concerned, should be dragged out into the street and shot for churning out such manipulative, mindless drivel.

As for me--

"Lucky Three" by Jem Cohen--a great short about Elliot Smith. Cohen's one of my favorite fimmakers.

"Conmingled Containers" by Stan Brakhage--absolutely beautiful

I rented "Movern Callar", which I'm probably going to watch tonight.
 
Re: For those of us who hate Hollywood films...

Had to start this after the mass influx of people praising those goons Spielberg & Lucas, whom, as far as i'm concerned, should be dragged out into the street and shot for churning out such manipulative, mindless drivel.
Click to expand...

I'm being dead serious here...is this supposed to be a joke?
 
Re: For those of us who hate Hollywood films...

First off, at least register if you're going to run that smack. Secondly, I have never even heard of two the films you mentioned (art house I assume or straight to video?).

OKay... I looked them up and they are.... Short Films!

Answer me this. Define a "Hollywood Film" just so we can be clear on WTF we're talking about.
 
Re: For those of us who hate Hollywood films...

We have chewing gums here in France called "Hollywood". They're the most popular in the country.

I'm personally fond of the "Hollywood Power Mint" dragées. I chew them two by two. Much more powerful than TicTacs. They refresh the breath and keep you awake. Really good gums actually.

Unless you swallow them of course… :-/
 
Re: For those of us who hate Hollywood films...

There, I'm logged on now.

First of all, this is a forum for people who hate Hollywood film. If you like it, don't post here.

I started this thread because when the "film discussion" board first came on, "Dogville" was one of the first films mentioned. I figured at least someone here appreciated good cinema.

No, this is not a joke. And sorry John, but if you've never heard of Stan Brakhage, you pretty much don't have the right to hold a camera.

"Short film" is discussed as if it were a four-letter word, yet i've seen 2-3 minute long films that have more content & stylistic and intellectual depth that the majority of films coming out of the money factories in California.

For anyone who wants to discuss film as an art form and not just as mindless escapist nonsense, check out the ILX "I Love Film" site:

ilx.wh3rd.net/newquestions.php?board=35

And Anartiste, you got one thing right--you certainly like your "bubble gum". I'd expect more from someone from France--your nation pretty much invented the concept of the avant-garde. Are you plowing over the poetics of jean cocteau for the primate-response explosions and eye candy of michael bay?

it's too bad really. this camera could have such a democratizing effect for filmmakers, but it seems like 99% of its users just want to make a cheapened re-enactment of the standard garbage already being produced.
 
Re: For those of us who hate Hollywood films...

Wow! Hey! I never fully understood before this post that "art" has a such a concrete, ironclad, narrow, and immutable definition!

Nor did I understand that "democratizing" means "lock-step conformity with pretentious nonsense"!

Guess I still need to learn a few things, alas . . . :'(
 
Re: For those of us who hate Hollywood films...

Jay? Jay! Jay.

It's you? You're running this smack? Let me clarify if I may:

First, I (and anyone else) can post wherever we want. Especially a post such as this. This is exactly the kind of post that gets the fires going and fuels our passions.

Second, good cinema is subjective isn't it?

Third, I have heard of Brakhage but am not familar with his work. Now come on. Stop. Honestly. "No right to hold a camera?" Jay, Jay, Jay.

Fourth, A Short Film is no way a 'Four Letter' word in my book. When I proclamied "Short Films" I was just surprised that they were not features and it is most likley one of the reasons I have not seen or become aware of them. I love Short Films. Come on now.

Fifth, I share the same sentiment as most I think in the perception of the 'Holloywood' Film. The 'Bubblegum'. The 'Popcorn'. The 'Crap.' Are there HOLLYWOOD films released that I do like? Hell yes. I would love to know what you consider a HOLLYWOOD film specifically? That is a very broad term.
 
Re: For those of us who hate Hollywood films...

I had never heard of Stan Brakhage before. What kind of complete and total loser am I? :-/ ::)

I'm going to do a little research on him. I hope his work doesn't turn out to be some totally obscure stuff that elitist cinephile douchebags call art and use to look down on those who haven't heard of him.
 
Re: For those of us who hate Hollywood films...

Someone mentioned "Morvern Callar", which I saw the other day and think it's a masterpiece. Really, it's work like this that made me want to pick up a camera in the first place.

Brakhage has taught me too much to mention, even if I'd prefer making narrative films. His editing and images have permiated throughout Hollywood films and music videos for decades. His body of work is intimidating, to put it mildly. [His friend, Ken Jacobs, was a professor of mine and is as great as Brakhage I'd say].

And more of a personal response, I bought this camera not because I could "go up" against Hollywood types, but for making small films, personal films, out of the realm of big business. There's a big price to pay for making films on a big budget, and artistic vision comes third to business and salaries. This is a terrific piece of work, allowing one to control their own visual pallate. If only one could hold up a tape to light and see movement frame by frame.

So really, whatever your cup of tea is, make films. Different films. Things are happening in this world right now worth showing, don't ignore them! For three grand, you can make a grand statement and have it look pretty wonderful.

ML
 
Re: For those of us who hate Hollywood films...

You nailed it for me in "make films, different films..."

Different bodies of work speak in different ways to each person whether its Brackhage or The A Team (You get the point!). I read up on Brackhage this morning, and while it does indeed not sound like my cup of tea (although visual imagery I can appreciate in any genre of medium) it is an impressive resume; I'll keep an eye out for his work that I can watch for myself.

I wonder if Jay will still let me 'hold' my DVX?
 
Re: For those of us who hate Hollywood films...

I never told anyone what they could and could not watch--I only requested a forum for people who aren't interested in mainstream film.

I appreciate Michael Lieberman's post, which was the only response that seems fitting in this forum. The rest of you just seem like you've all gotten huffy for me putting down your favorite movies. Guess what--I'm used to people putting down the films that interest me for being "artsy" or "pretentious" or whatever other phrase that a person coins something as when they're afraid to admit they don't understand it.

You've got millions of people out there who think Star Wars is the next thing since sliced bread. So at least let the few of us who think its garbage have our own quiet little haven to discuss the films we find meaningful.

I have no problem bickering back and forth about the merits of films, but to be honest, I've been through these debates a thousand times & I would rather just have a discussion with people with similar tastes.
 
Re: For those of us who hate Hollywood films...

Also, Mike, you're incredibly lucky to have studied under Ken Jacobs--I'm a big fan of his work.

Do you participate in the Frameworks listserv?
 
Re: For those of us who hate Hollywood films...

[quote author=Jay_Blanchard link=board=movies;num=1081972841;start=0#13 date=04/15/04 at 14:09:48]I never told anyone what they could and could not watch[/quote]

No, you just presumed to decide who does and does not have the "right to hold a camera" while at the same time whining about "democracy."



The rest of you just seem like you've all gotten huffy for me putting down your favorite movies.
Click to expand...

I couldn't care less, actually. What got me "huffy" is the sneering, pretentious attitude not toward the films, but toward the people . . . all the while whining about "democracy." I guess, according to you, it's only "democracy" if people do what you want them to.



You've got millions of people out there who think Star Wars is the next thing since sliced bread.  So at least let the few of us who think its garbage have our own quiet little haven to discuss the films we find meaningful.
Click to expand...

You make it sound like it's an either/or proposition.
 
Re: For those of us who hate Hollywood films...

You go, David! ;)

Jay,

If you want some respect... you better show us something to respect.

And it's certainly not your attitude. We will pounce on someone with an asshole attitude. >:(
 
Re: For those of us who hate Hollywood films...

Jay

You still havent told me what your idea is of the HOLLYWOOD FILM and what is NOT. Back up with some facts will ya? I mean, at least say something with substance.

You know I am quite surprised really by your posts and the defensive hositility you are taking. Really. I am curious; define for me what the HOLLYWOOD film is and why you hate it so much. You've had this conversation a thousand times and you are in no mood to debate? I'm sure most of us will agree on what is Hollywood and what is not in your mind. You think I give a **** if you like Star Wars or Jaws? Come on man.
 
Re: For those of us who hate Hollywood films...

Besides, I'm not so constricted in thought or in taste that I don't recognize the possibility of *liking* a movie even though I *know* it's bad. Nor am I so indoctrinated that I automatically enjoy every single movie that I can appreciate as objectively good.
 
Re: For those of us who hate Hollywood films...

[quote author=Anartiste link=board=movies;num=1081972841;start=0#3 date=04/15/04 at 02:11:25]We have chewing gums here in France called "Hollywood". They're the most popular in the country.

I'm personally fond of the "Hollywood Power Mint" dragées. I chew them two by two. Much more powerful than TicTacs. They refresh the breath and keep you awake. Really good gums actually.

Unless you swallow them of course…  :-/[/quote]

In the midst of this discussion there's a comment on gum! That's priceless. My breath is kickin, I need a piece... :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top