What makes a great movie?
A friend on wisemenpromotions.com posted this question: "what makes a great movie?" I thought about it, and here's my best attempt at a brief response. ;)
The formula is simple: "Heat" is a great movie. :)
Actually it is simple, it's just maddeningly difficult to achieve from the looks of things. My belief is that the film must tap into the spiritual current that is alive in all human beings. That's a fancy way for saying, what are the stories that we remember? What are the stories that lasted? Why?
Because those stories have such a deep connection with audiences that we can't help but be affected and find meaning in them.
I try to answer this with emotional answers. What are the great movies to me? What made them great?
Chances are, your list will not be unified by genre or tone--that doesn't bode well for coming to a clear conclusion does it? But it still stands: your list is still great, so what is it that they have in common?
Like I said earlier, I think it's spiritual. The greatest movies I've seen have a lot to say about truthful meaning. I believe it's because the stories and aesthetics are appealing to a natural stream that we are born with.
Why does every person strive for meaning? Why are there so many religions? Why do people care about art? It's all going toward the same thing in my belief: we're all trying to get to God.
So what makes a great movie in my belief is that it is exhibiting pieces of the truth that surrounds us: God stuff.
Some of you may not like that answer, and I may not have articulated it very well, but that's to be expected. The truth is, it's completely subjective--a testament I believe to our varying degrees of relationship with God (also subjective because some people just aren't affected by art--they grow through other means).
All that to say, here are some symptoms that are typical for my particular walk and taste:
1: Aesthetics are critical. If there is no form of spectacle (a broad, textbook use of the term), then it's not entertaining, or interesting...i.e. I don't care. For me, a grand musical palette is a common element among my greats.
2: It does not dishonor God or Godliness. Many differing opinions on what that means no doubt--I don't care to elaborate as I can only point out specific examples, not general principles.
3: It reveals something I never knew before about the world, or myself. --some movies changed my life.
4: Something I can watch many many times. --some movies are good, but I'll not likely watch them again.
5: Ascension -- it must urge me to be a better person (in my case, get closer to God)
That's the best I can come up with.
posted by Your humble servant at 10:22 AM
7 Comments:
Why does every person strive for meaning? Why are there so many religions? Why do people care about art? It's all going toward the same thing in my belief: we're all trying to get to God.
no, we're not. in fact, it is very condescending to assume that everyone does things for the same reason that you do.
Sorry to hear that friend. I don't see my statement as condescending at all. I might reiterate that it's my "belief" whatever that's supposed to mean these days.
I believe in absolute truth the same way some believe that absolute truth is a fantasy. It's what I see, it's what I know, it's self evident.
I'm not sure what else to say.
you're right. perhaps instead of condescending, the more appropriate word would have been: egotistical.
now, are you sure Absolute Truth is "self-evident"?
I sure am.
Now the bigger question is this: am I in possession of this universal truth? Perhaps not. I am not a relativist and I certainly do not see evidence that truth is an illusion, but I am willing to consider that I am woefully misguided. Does that make sense?
sorry. i'm not following your logic throughout that post.
but now i'm curious: what would constitute evidence that truth is an illusion?
The logic is that I believe in universal truth, but I can't guarantee that I have the right idea of what that is. Though it is conceivable that my beliefs are the result of poor teaching, I do not believe that is the case. Why should I? Why should anyone? I'm a critical thinker and I challenge my teachings constantly (no matter who is doing it). I don't believe everything everyone says just because they say it. I examine it, explore it, and search for the truth in every teaching I ever hear--from anyone.
I guess the logic is this: I have come to the conclusion that absolute,universal, truth exists, though I am always open to hearing varying viewpoints on it because there is always the risk that I've got it wrong.
Anyway: I would consider inconsistency to be evidence of illusory truth. If that's not descriptive enough then I can clarify--let me know.
Otherwise, it's worth noting that illusion can be self-made--delusion if you will. Certainly there is always the possibility of being a "victim" of illusion--being deceived by another's design. But I do not believe that really happens often. I think most people have the capability to spot BS if they're watching for it. But, as you probably know, there are a lot of people who do not watch for it. But, then there are those who don't have to as well (they're too busy trying to survive poverty and sickness).
I'm always open to espousing my opinions and beliefs for what they're worth. I appreciate your attention whoever you are (haha). Let me know if you have any more thoughts you'd like to discuss.
One more thing: if I'm failing to explain things well, it's likely because I'm not following the parameters of thinking you're working with: your frame of reference.
In other words, when you say "I don't follow your logic" I would appreciate some explanation of why you think that. It would help my responses to be less rambling. :)
....or at least I think it would.
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