Based on the book, this great documentary, this tell the story of Robert Evans, the prolific producer of Paramount who green – lit such historic films as “Rosemary’s Baby”, “Love Story,” and “Godfather” just to name a few. This tells of how he became discovered by Norma Shearer who cast him in a supporting role in “Man of a thousand Faces”. Afterwards, he made his attempt at stardom but inevitably failed and gave up on his career. With director Darryl Zanuck as his inspiration, the man who never gave up on him, he became a self-employed movie producer and went on to become a rich man always at war with Paramount pictures over his decisions. Ultimately, this tells the story of a man who created Camelot and lost it to his ambitions.
Tag Archives: hollywood
The MPAA
Ultimately, there’s no need for the MPAA. They’re an organization who not only rule over official movie based websites and movies in general, but they want to take control of the only facet for movie makers that have no boundaries: straight to video releases. I do agree with the rating system for television shows like TVY7 or PG because it’s a good tool for parents and I do agree with the movie ratings ala, R, PG, it’s very important we know what we’re dealing with when entering a film but there shouldn’t be any tailoring involved.
Why We Do It
“Great films are not happening because some mid-level schluphead wants to hold onto his expense account. He doesn’t want to risk it on a decision, or on somebody who hasn’t already made 10 hits.”
– Brad Bird, director of The Incredibles, The Iron Giant
I don’t think movies should be tailored for audiences. They should be created, made, filmed and then whatever audience it appeals to, then so be it, and that should make for a movie’s success. Movie’s are treated as a product by companies and studios. While they do have potential many times for franchises and money making opportunities, they aren’t a product, nor should they be subjected to scrutiny by audiences who decide something is good or bad in the story, or the characters.
Movies are works of art, moving works of art, thus they should be on display for onlookers to observe as works from artists. Should we still call movies works of art if they were immensely tailored for audiences? Trim the climax, keep the storytelling to a minimum, change this character to fit a better profile. It’s all basic bullshit. Davinci never went around his village asking people which shade of black they’d prefer on the Mona Lisa, and Stephen King never asked people which ending they’d like better in “Carrie”, so why should movies be subjected to such ridiculous routines such as testing audiences?
The Majestic (2001)
I love this movie for bringing to mind the old Frank Capra movies from the fifties telling the story of the average Joe brought about into a large situation where the character comes of age and self-discovery. Peter Appleton (Jim Carrey) is a movie writer for B-movies living in the 1950’s during the war where McCarthyism sprung forth upon America. He is blacklisted among others as a communist sympathizer and loses his job. Down in the dumps, one faithful night he goes for a ride and gets into a car accident. He is discovered that morning by an old man and is taken in a sweet little town. Struck with amnesia, he is accidentally mistaken by the townsfolk as a lost war hero and is instantly accepted within their confines, ultimately changing theirs and his own life. But what will happen when he eventually gains his memory back?