I’m with Keed. The number one criteria I use to judge movies is “did it entertain me?”. All the technical aspects are mainly a means to that end. I can appreciate stunning visuals but if I am bored then it’s not good movie.
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I don’t think anyone is arguing otherwise. The technical aspects are always a means to an end.
The same as it should be with all the Arts, including music.
Enough technique is needed to achieve whatever effect/result you’re after, but extraneous technique (eg as some film grads say of Citizen Kane) often detracts from the finished work if it’s allowed to drive it.
A good example is the film High-rise which is one of the most beautiful films to come out in the past few years but also terrible. Every other aspect is awful.
That you find the similarities and homages to be obvious is more a testament to your ability to perceive those similarities than any weakness in Ari’s execution imo. Most people will miss those things, and still more writers are incapable of being an effective hack even if they tried. Not saying Ari is a hack. Just been considering fears writers have of secretly being a hack just because they can perceive the objects of inspiration.
Although that link doesn’t state it, that must be based on Ballard’s incredible dystopian/futuristic novel that, like most of his, must be almost impossible to render in film.
Not sure.
All of the creative arts have works that are primarily or entirely a display of technique, with audiences who appreciate the works on those merits. They rarely achieve any degree of mainstream attention, but can be highly influential.
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Bad Boys 2
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Does a neighbour’s dog get eaten?
Aaron Sorkin had something to do with the rock? Or he is a guilty pleasure?
Yep
I’m sure there are people who don’t enjoy The Rock, but I probably wouldn’t want to hang out with them.
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You should read the book instead. Or read his earlier Drowned World. Prescient doesn’t even come close to describing him.
I’ll check them out. I liked the idea of the movie. It was just poorly executed other than cinematography.
He and QT were non credited screenwriters apparently.
for a second I read this as a reply to zik’s post and was all
Interesting. Had no idea. Love Sorkin. Wife hates him. Refers to him as the dude who writes all the fast talking.
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The Rock is not a very good movie, but it is very entertaining.
Not sure that makes any sense when I write it out like that, but it’s how I feel.
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Wtf. Divorce time! 
