I would return to my suggestion from your note of the influence of the dream being suppressed when directors give up. I still think about Kubrick's "Napoleon." Would we ever have gotten "Barry Lyndon" had the film not been conceived to be made at some point . . . A dream film fuels the direction of the filmmaker/writer/director, in my view.
Wonderful post. Yes, I think that filmmakers should still pursue their dream projects. Whether they "fail" with audiences is irrelevant to me. Most of the filmmakers you mentioned are artists and are pushing themselves and the boundaries of their art. Does it ultimately matter if they succeed with audiences? I know when they don't it makes funding a lot harder to get for their next films but if you aren't willing to roll the dice and follow your dream then what's the point? It's unfortunate that in some instances the studio steps in and cuts the hell out of the filmmaker's vision. I feel that the filmmaker's cut of their dream film should be seen. If a studio wants to cut it up later, if they put up the money then that's their prerogative, but let us see the original work. Whether it's a "failure" or not. I think it's important no matter who you are to pursue that dream film. Just my thought.
I agree, and I think studios, non-profits, and indie film organizations need to give filmmakers, especially indie filmmakers, more support so their dream films can get made too. Thank you for reading my post!
My love for Tati's Playtime grows every year! It is truly a remarkable piece of work. Unfortunately when I showed it to a class of film students this past Spring they hated it. Perhaps it will always be an acquired taste.
I also saw Megalopolis and while it is a deeply flawed film it is not without its pleasures. The production design in particular is pretty spectacular.
I think visual comedy is essential for the presentation of that film and Tati's others. I taught mise-en-scene on year through the production design of "Modern Times." It set the students up really well for Tati - the framing and settings are so important to draw heightened attention to. My Vietnamese students wondered if it carried into meme culture in France. I have been assured it does not!
Thanks for reading my post! I also love "Playtime" and just like your students none of my friends like it, unfortunately. Also, I've never seen "Playtime" in a movie theater. I'd love to see it in 70mm someday. Finally, I think "Megalopolis" is flawed, just like you said, but I'm still fascinated by it. I hope there's a director's commentary when the blu-ray comes out so we can learn what Coppola was thinking when he made the movie.
Really interesting stuff. That Hopper film sounds intriguing. I would honestly check them all out. I was leery about the Welles one since he didn't actually finish it. Perhaps I will check it out
Dennis Hopper's "The Last Movie" is really great. It's also beautifully filmed too. I have the bluray, but I'm sure you can find it streaming somewhere. Thanks for reading!
I would return to my suggestion from your note of the influence of the dream being suppressed when directors give up. I still think about Kubrick's "Napoleon." Would we ever have gotten "Barry Lyndon" had the film not been conceived to be made at some point . . . A dream film fuels the direction of the filmmaker/writer/director, in my view.
I wouldn't say "films are LIKE dreams," Jim, for films ARE exactly that: dreams we can all see and experience collectively.
And without dreamers, there wouldn't be art. And without art, we wouldn't—couldn't—be. Would be? Could be?
I think the real question here is, what would we be without dreamers and their dreams?
Wonderful post. Yes, I think that filmmakers should still pursue their dream projects. Whether they "fail" with audiences is irrelevant to me. Most of the filmmakers you mentioned are artists and are pushing themselves and the boundaries of their art. Does it ultimately matter if they succeed with audiences? I know when they don't it makes funding a lot harder to get for their next films but if you aren't willing to roll the dice and follow your dream then what's the point? It's unfortunate that in some instances the studio steps in and cuts the hell out of the filmmaker's vision. I feel that the filmmaker's cut of their dream film should be seen. If a studio wants to cut it up later, if they put up the money then that's their prerogative, but let us see the original work. Whether it's a "failure" or not. I think it's important no matter who you are to pursue that dream film. Just my thought.
Hi Kelley,
I agree, and I think studios, non-profits, and indie film organizations need to give filmmakers, especially indie filmmakers, more support so their dream films can get made too. Thank you for reading my post!
My love for Tati's Playtime grows every year! It is truly a remarkable piece of work. Unfortunately when I showed it to a class of film students this past Spring they hated it. Perhaps it will always be an acquired taste.
I also saw Megalopolis and while it is a deeply flawed film it is not without its pleasures. The production design in particular is pretty spectacular.
I think visual comedy is essential for the presentation of that film and Tati's others. I taught mise-en-scene on year through the production design of "Modern Times." It set the students up really well for Tati - the framing and settings are so important to draw heightened attention to. My Vietnamese students wondered if it carried into meme culture in France. I have been assured it does not!
Hi Dan,
Thanks for reading my post! I also love "Playtime" and just like your students none of my friends like it, unfortunately. Also, I've never seen "Playtime" in a movie theater. I'd love to see it in 70mm someday. Finally, I think "Megalopolis" is flawed, just like you said, but I'm still fascinated by it. I hope there's a director's commentary when the blu-ray comes out so we can learn what Coppola was thinking when he made the movie.
Really interesting stuff. That Hopper film sounds intriguing. I would honestly check them all out. I was leery about the Welles one since he didn't actually finish it. Perhaps I will check it out
I think Alejandro Jodorowsky was the one who suggested he re-edit the structure to be non-linear. When you see the movie, this will make total sense.
Fromtheyardtothearthouse.substack.com
Dennis Hopper's "The Last Movie" is really great. It's also beautifully filmed too. I have the bluray, but I'm sure you can find it streaming somewhere. Thanks for reading!