Is Hollywood Worth It?

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 5/4/07 at 10:11am

As we approach the season of the huge blockbusters and the sound and the fury, I find myself questioning whether or not Hollywood is good or worth it in the slightest. This would not be a problem had even the best work of Hollywood approached the joy or the wonderment attained from watching experimental film or video art.

Does anyone else feel the same way? Like the idea of being swept away in a great story just isn't enough anymore? Updated On: 5/4/07 at 10:11 AM

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 5/4/07 at 11:36am

I don't feel that way at all. I think what is amazing in our culture is we have room for everything. Guys like Shakespeare were writing for the masses. If they want violence give them violence, they are paying customers after all.



I for one have RARELY if ever been swept away in a great story in an experimental film or video art.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 5/4/07 at 1:13pm

People watch typical Hollywood blockbusters for an entirely different reason than they watch an experimental film or art video. It's apples/oranges. It's like opening the funny pages on the Sunday paper and expecting to find the works of Keats. Or visting Disneyland and asking Goofy directions to the 17th century cathedral. All types of films and genres are generated out of Hollywood including some really beautiful works. I think the feelings you are experiencing are those generated by your own personal expectations and opinions as a result of your obsession with the subject.

I have found joy and wonderment in many Hollywood films.

[SorryGrateful]

Posted: 5/4/07 at 1:21pm

"This would not be a problem had even the best work of Hollywood approached the joy or the wonderment attained from watching experimental film or video art."

I've experienced multitudes of joy watching Hollywood pictures. Without Hollywood, we wouldn't have Cary Grant or Fred Astaire movies. No Singin' in the Rain. No Audrey Hepburn. I could go on and on until I reach today's great actors and movies, but I don't think it's necessary.

If you like the more experimental stuff, go for it. But don't assume that because you like it more it's more valid than others' enjoyments.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 5/4/07 at 1:29pm

This is reminiscent of the old if-it-ain't-Sondheim-it's-garbage stuff so frequently thrown about the Broadway board.

[lildogs]

Posted: 5/4/07 at 1:35pm

First of all, is Hollywood worth WHAT?

We all know you like indie, off-beat films, but Sorry is right--we've been hearing this carping about product since the flickers...hundreds of films are made every year, they can't all be MULHOLLAND DRIVE.

[tazber]

Posted: 5/4/07 at 2:05pm

Of course it's worth it! Do you have any idea how much $$$$ our movie industry brings to our economy? The number of jobs it provides?

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 5/4/07 at 2:41pm

Not enough gory, bloodnguts slasher flicks for ya? Those come out of Hollywood.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 5/4/07 at 2:48pm

I agree with CruelSandwich, my way to protest is not going to the movies to see those big violent films. Im the only person I know who hasn't seen any Spiderman movie. Well...I do go to the movies, but those big blockbusters don't appeal to me at all. I see musicals or movies that catch my interest somehow. Last week I saw "In the land of women" and it was soooooooo cheesy. It killed my desire to see a movie for quite awhile. Also I watched a trailer of that movie with Jessica Alba about Superheroes, and it seemed very violent and inspiring for people to do crazy things. It was awful.

[Roninjoey]

Posted: 5/4/07 at 2:49pm

Hey... there have been times when you could open the Sunday papers and read Keats-worthy comics. Not so much anymore, but ah well.

Let's see... Spider-man 3, Shrek 3, Pirates 3, Harry 5, 28 Weeks Later, etc... call me a tool, but this summer at last Hollywood is worth it!

[tazber]

Posted: 5/4/07 at 2:51pm

And do not forget Black Sheep!!

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=black+sheep

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 5/4/07 at 2:58pm

Also Hollywood and the biz is one of the largest US exports. Our film, television and music is pumped into countries around the world. Spiderman 3 has exploded in Asia and Europe, all before the US opening.

[lildogs]

Posted: 5/4/07 at 3:04pm

IN THE LAND OF WOMEN is just as much a hollywood project as any Spiderman film, muscle...and director Sam Raimi is quite respected.

[tazber]

Posted: 5/4/07 at 3:21pm

I really feel every movie has it's good and bad points. Whether indie or blockbuster, they should be evalauated and critiqued on their merits with an understanding of their intent and genre.
A movie like Hostel may not appeal to everyone, but that does not mean it is a bad movie. (Actually, I think Eli Roth is one of the most creative young directors around.)
The same holds true of theatre. Anyone posting on this board seriously should understand that.