51–60 of 88 posts
Though not a film, Breaking Bad has I think been exemplary in its treatment of this subject. By and large now it’s a topic that sees much more treatment in TV than in movies. “Boyhood” comes to mind.
Hollywood has always been all about escapism. In the 1930's - the golden era of film - most of the offerings were aspirational and inspiring, not Grapes of Wrath gloom and doom, which was a lot of people's actual daily experience. There's a reason the mainstream entertainment doesn't make non fantasy films - it's because they are a for profit business and there's no money in it. The recent Churchill film, which was v…
When did people lose sight of the fact that the primary purpose of film on the silver screen is entertainment? Where do authors like OP get the idea that I want to go to the movies to have politics shoved down my throat? And that there is some kind of obligation for those in charge to forgo their primary motivations of artistic expression and/or profit in the interest of some totally arbitrary target of "representati…
> When did people lose sight of the fact that the primary purpose of film on the silver screen is entertainment? Where did people get the idea that the primary purpose of film on the silver screen is entertainment? Film has always been art: the purpose of art is to provoke thought, hold up a mirror to society and, of course, entertainment (among others): the ratio of ingredients can change, but it's never been solely…
Films like this stood out as original or thought provoking when released, but now films that emulate those classics are everywhere. They have become commercialised to the point of formula. The courtroom drama movie, the period drama set against the backdrop of conflict, the war is hell story. There's one out every other week. It's because they've become so commonplace that they're no longer thought provoking.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
But that's the point he's trying to make. A movie about poverty will probably not be a pleasant movie to watch. So don't shove it down people's throats. Also, the masses are not "predominately affluent", so not sure why you'd choose to describe them like that. The "white" part is unnecessary as well but that's a whole different discussion.
"A movie about poverty will probably not be a pleasant movie to watch. So don't shove it down people's throats." How is simply making a movie about poverty shoving it down your throat? It's not like anyone would force you to watch it.
Wendy and Lucy! Also, TV is better: Atlanta and the Wire are great about poverty.
When did people lose sight of the fact that the primary purpose of film on the silver screen is entertainment? Where do authors like OP get the idea that I want to go to the movies to have politics shoved down my throat? And that there is some kind of obligation for those in charge to forgo their primary motivations of artistic expression and/or profit in the interest of some totally arbitrary target of "representati…
The last paragraph of the piece kinda struck me: "And perhaps if others saw more realistic portrayals of poverty in the movies, they might be more receptive to programs that would help them instead of demeaning and punishing them." I would love an example where 'realistic portrayals' of a given subject in movies led to changes in public policy / public perception. If anything, I would argue that popular films, just l…
Last year's Palme dOr at Cannes was the British film I, Daniel Blake . It was a fantastic gut punch for how even well-intentioned technology is leaving behind parts of society. My partner and I had a very heated 2 hour discussion after watching it.
I, Daniel Blake has absolutely nothing to do with technology and people being left behind. It's entirely about the fucking awful mess caused by the Conservative government introducing Universal Credit and a punitive benefits regime. Being fully tech proficient won't prevent a Universal Credit claimant from being sanctioned. Daniel Blake has heart problems and is advised by his doctor not to work. But he fails his ind…
When did people lose sight of the fact that the primary purpose of film on the silver screen is entertainment? Where do authors like OP get the idea that I want to go to the movies to have politics shoved down my throat? And that there is some kind of obligation for those in charge to forgo their primary motivations of artistic expression and/or profit in the interest of some totally arbitrary target of "representati…
The last paragraph of the piece kinda struck me: "And perhaps if others saw more realistic portrayals of poverty in the movies, they might be more receptive to programs that would help them instead of demeaning and punishing them." I would love an example where 'realistic portrayals' of a given subject in movies led to changes in public policy / public perception. If anything, I would argue that popular films, just l…
When did people lose sight of the fact that the primary purpose of film on the silver screen is entertainment? Where do authors like OP get the idea that I want to go to the movies to have politics shoved down my throat? And that there is some kind of obligation for those in charge to forgo their primary motivations of artistic expression and/or profit in the interest of some totally arbitrary target of "representati…
The last paragraph of the piece kinda struck me: "And perhaps if others saw more realistic portrayals of poverty in the movies, they might be more receptive to programs that would help them instead of demeaning and punishing them." I would love an example where 'realistic portrayals' of a given subject in movies led to changes in public policy / public perception. If anything, I would argue that popular films, just l…
It's almost as if the artist can only bring out something that already exists in the audience. Everyone sees it through their own personal lens.
If a movie existed that realistically portrayed poverty, that would only move the viewer to the extent that they can relate to the characters. One person might be motivated to reform the social safety net to provide better support. Another might reaffirm their personal preconception that poor people are brutish, unintelligent, useless, and irredeemable, and might just sign on to a new eugenics program to sterilize indigents and undesirables.
The art rekindles empathy that is already there. If it wasn't already present, it is a lot more difficult to make it grow there from other places in the psyche.