Now in our fourth calendar year
I have noticed over the last year that people who really like old science-fiction films or corny unrealistic horror flicks, have a horrible attitude toward films of today. They are always complaining how unimaginative and "studio-like" films of today are. Frankly, I think that these people need to get real and stop being so ignorant. Films like Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Evil Dead trilogy are fun, no doubt, but are not masterpieces. Budgets were much smaller in those days, up to the 1990’s, and the technology wasn’t there or resources for that matter. Elizabeth Taylor and her late husband (pick one) Richard Burton’s Cleopatra still holds the record for the most expensive film ever made (in the late 1940‘s). Of course that is counting money of that time to the money of today. Technically, Titanic is the most expensive film to date at $200 million. Major movies today have $100 million plus budgets and state of the art computer graphics at their fingertips. My god, I digress! I believe that when you grow up watching movies like, Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things, you resent the fact that movies of newer generations are better. You grip to these cheesy flicks of your time and make excuses for why they are superior. Personally I like old movies, but I don’t like cheesy movies. There is a difference between Citizen Kane and Nail Gun Massacre and they are both old films. The over acting, naked women, gallons of blood, and lack of story lines leaves me feeling drained and tired. I can think of many ways in which to spend my time than watching these disasters.
My point seems to be very blurred because I have so much to say and I am not too sure of how to put it into words. Here is the bottom line...I have a problem with people saying that films of today are not as good as the "great" films of the late 70’s and 80’s. This just makes my skin crawl because it is so ridiculous. Although, when I refer to films of today I don’t include American Pie and such with that list.
Independent filmmakers' attitudes... People talk about Hollywood being very cut-throat but I think the indie film industry is worse. All you hear is how Hollywood sucks, but you know if this same person was offered a job in a major motion picture they would be signed up in a second and would leave behind there own brother for the chance. Of course there are exceptions to every rule, but in this case the exception is in the minority.
The other thing is, it seems to me, is that nothing local ever gets finished. For instance that film Unearthed looks like it won’t be completed just like most local independent films. Making movies is fun but isn’t it more fun to actually see what all the hard work went for? The actual finished product!
I do think Independent films are great for those who don’t want to make it big but want to make movies that appeal to a small group of individuals much like themselves. When the intent isn’t selfish. Director Danny Boyle makes smaller scale movies and has proven to the world that he is a brilliant director. He chooses to keep his budgets fairly low and make movies that he wants without the help of a large studio controlling every aspect. I can respect that. Not everyone can be James Cameron or Steven Spielberg nor does everyone want to be.
What I can’t respect is when people say to me, "Oh, Paramount is horrible I would never want to work with them. Gaga films in Japan is where I want to work." Don’t be ashamed to say what it is that you want to accomplish in the industry, even if it is working at Paramount or Dreamworks. It’s not impossible but don’t cut it down and make schlock films because you are to scared to make the sacrifices and try your best to see if it can happen for you. This, of course, is all MY OPINION!!! It is not fact nor fiction. If you don’t agree, fine. If you do, fine. I’ll leave it at that.
Disclaimer: It may sound like I am discouraging independent filmmaking. I am not! Once again I repeat, I am not! I just believe that the attitude from the independent film making community is ridiculous for the most part. There are always exceptions to the rule.
--Ashley Lauren
Independent filmmakers also have a very bad attitude when it comes to "Hollywood" films. They say that they are all about money and all they want to do is screw the underdog. Some of this is very true but what really gets to me is when they talk about crappy $20,000 films and how they are the way to the big time.
"Ashley Lauren's Hollywood" is ©2003 by Ashley Lauren Lewis. Webpage design and all graphics herein are creations of Nolan B. Canova. All contents of Nolan's Pop Culture Review are ©2003 by Nolan B. Canova.