Movie watching question.

Phil

Phil

Veteran
I've been doing a lot of thinking and I had a thought I wanted to run by everyone here.

I just had a conversation with a film school student who doesn't watch movies! I was shocked!

I've heard and I believe that everything you experience in your life, influences your films.

Going off this idea...

I see amazing cinematography, example is "Garden State"...Someone mentioned they were addicted to watching it...I agree! Its soo good...

One day I want to get to that level!

Do you think watching films of this caliber help you to create great shots of your own? I sure do.
 
Re: Movie watching question.

I have no idea how you could presume to MAKE films if you don't WATCH films.
 
Re: Movie watching question.

it is crazy. i too KNOW EXACTLY what you're talking about. The best improv actor i know who acts in some of my short films, NEVER watches movies. he doesnt even have a dvd player, and only one VCR and ones no movies, just records stuff from comedy central. he is truly an amazing actor, but fails to acknowledge it and hates movies.

he has never taken actors workshops or even been in a school play. he loves acting in movies, but hates watching them.
 
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Its almost like wanting to be a musician but not listening to music or an artist who doesnt look at art or a stripper who doesnt take it in the......

Sorry. 3 day weekend. Excited.
 
Re: Movie watching question.

I don't think you should watch too many films. Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I'm afraid that I'm subconsciously rip people off. I don't want my art to be derivative in any way. You know when it comes to music, listening to other people's music can seriously hinder your creativity. Personally, I try not to spend much time watching movies or TV unless it's something that's really good. Of course, you can learn just as much if not more by watching bad movies... you learn what not to do.

It is hard to truly be creative and original if you're caught up in what other people are doing and what other people have done.
 
Re: Movie watching question.

Tony, ur probably right, but I watch too many movies anyway and pay A LOT of attention. I can't help it, its a hobby. Ever since I started getting netflix I try to watch a movie a day. I can't do it EVERY day but just about.

I think the comparison about the improv guy IS a little different though. I personally find improv a skill you inherently have, after that its practice and becoming more comfortable with yourself. Watching whose line won't help you a lot.

Cinematography, editing and such I think is much more available to learn from example. Also, you may be "ripping ppl off" but really, unless your really experimental, there are only so many tradition camera angles, editing styles, lighting techniques, etc.

I'm not saying don't experiment and express your self, I'm just saying if I see a 2 shot, a freeze frame, a familiar lighting technique, whatever, I'm not going to call you on it. Those are things that work
 
Re: Movie watching question.

[quote author=TheAmPro link=board=Offtopic;num=1088804876;start=0#0 date=07/02/04 at 14:47:56]Do you think watching films of this caliber help you to create great shots of your own? I sure do.[/quote]

I watch movies to rip off....opps...."reference" shots and pay "homage" to, for my movies.
 
Re: Movie watching question.

Wow I just flashed to the last 10 years playing bass guitar and lead guitar in bands...it's the same thing...
Some people were so concerned about playing some body else's music, they just kept rewriting and rewriting and rewriting...trying to be "original"...Nothing is going to be original, and everything is going to be original.

It's all been done before, but since you created this work of art, that makes it original.

I think watching movies, inspires and motivates filmmakers to keep creating, and keep trying, and never let go of their dreams...at least for me they do.
 
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Every movie *is* a rip off of something. Nothing is original anymore...everything's been done in at least SOME way, shape, or form...you just gotta put an original spin on it.

I think the people who ADMIT they're 'copying' make the best work...so if you have to copy movies in order to make them, then you HAVE to watch them!
 
Re: Movie watching question.

[quote author=Mike_Donis link=board=Offtopic;num=1088804876;start=0#9 date=07/02/04 at 19:35:16]
I think the people who ADMIT they're 'copying' make the best work...[/quote]

Look at Tarantino. He drops names left and right. He takes lines, shots, plots, and everything else. He just drops the names of where he got it and his stuff is great. If you don't like his ways then I have to break it to you, he is actually making movies.....so I don't think you can argue....
 
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I think you're always going to rip off or pay homage to those who came before you, and that's okay. You'll find your own voice as a filmmaker as you grow. If you listen to the early recordings of Branford Marsalis, you can hear tell that Branford was listening to John Coltrane or Ornette Coleman, when he recorded certain passages. But by learning from those who came before him, Branford eventually found his own voice on the sax. Ripping people off is part of the learning experience of any art form. As long as you're not plagiarizing, it's cool.
 
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I'm glad we all agree. Tarantino is king of shot stealing, and I never noticed!

Psycho when she sees her boss crossing the road in front of her car. Pulp Fiction when Wallace is crossing in front of Butch...I didn't even catch that until SOO much later...

I'm actually going to show this thread to my friend. Maybe it'll help! :)
 
Re: Movie watching question.

dude you play bass? Me too! We shall unite to form the all bass supergroup known simply as

D...  V...  X!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :o
 
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