Do you think filmmakers think as much about their films' symbolism, underlying messages, themes, conclusions, depictions, style, and meanings as much as over-analyzing, never-a-film-makin' critics, reviewers, and bloggers think about them?
These wanton descriptions of MOVIES (they're just MOVIES, people) can make a theatregoer think to himself, "I like this, but should I?"
Too much education is worse than too little.
Posted by colrus at October 8, 2003 02:18 PM | TrackBackMy opinion...in some cases, yes, filmmakers have a very specific reason for the visual motifs or themes they use. Case in point: the shot at the beginning of the Wild Bunch where William Holden sees the kids who have the scorpion trapped on the ant hill & then they set fire to it. It definitely mirrors the final stand Holden & the rest take at the end of the movie.
But do I believe there's a case to be made for looking for symbols in every case..of course not. Dumb & Dumber is just that...a dumb, highly enjoyable (IMO)movie. Not a commentary on the overall ignorance of society.
Another kettle of fish to open for debate...when there symbolism, subtext, etc. who should get the credit...the director or the writer who put it on the page in the first place?
Discuss...or not...
Posted by: ThatChris at October 9, 2003 12:38 PM