Friday, July 2, 2010

TOO MUCH MOVIES?

I just wrapped up reading the book "George Lucas Interviews". He is an interesting and smart man; plus he is well balanced. In one chapter, Starlog Magazine writer/editor Kerry O'Quinn asks Lucas about some people liking a movie too much, but also questions whether it is harmful to get "carried away" over movies. The Star Wars creator answers with this...

"No, not really. I think it might be harmful to let it become all-consuming in one's life, because there are a lot more important things in life than a movie. I think that if someone became completely consumed by it they would lose their sense of getting something accomplished in the real world. There is a danger there."

Not only do I agree, as someone who loves movies, but I find it sad when I see people like that. Besides, the days are long, sunny, and the scenery is wonderful... better than any movie could ever be.

5 comments:

enjonze said...

I've never understood anyone investing all their own creativity in someone else's creations.

Barry Smight said...

If you are speaking of someone liking Star Wars too much, I agree. As Mr. Lucas would probably say, it is a way to avoid doing their own projects -- an insecurity. In my own humble opinion, the mistake a lot of young filmmakers (or those wanting to get into the field) make is that they think to be one you just watch movies all the time. No, to be an artist of any type you must observe and experience... life: The way people talk and move; strife, politics, science, history, nature; and yes, the arts in general. Living in a toilet-paper roll gets you nowhere.

enjonze said...

Fan films or fan fiction as a way to break in are often useful... but let's face it, lads... GL isn't about to put the keys to the kingdom in your sweaty palms anytime soon. Besides, I'm not convinced the majority of you would do any better than Attack of the Clones anyway.

enjonze said...

It'll be all Death Stars and Empire corridors, cuz, y'know that's ALL Star Wars is about...

Barry Smight said...

Originality counts for a lot. Making a fan film generally won't get you work. I understand that it is highly recommended that if you are serious about wanting to 'crack in', don't waste your time with fan stuff. (I'm speaking of a director's or producer's role. Obviously if you do some kick-butt imaging work, for instance, it could count on a demo reel.)

I've been reading a lot of up-to-date books on short-filmmaking, recently. No matter who the author, the point is made that a personal voice and some sort of originality is what the powers-that-be are looking for these days.

Cripes, making the simplest production takes so much effort. Why not expend that energy on something 'original'?