@dpcon said:
btw I started this thread so can't we talk about how crappy this or that film composer is? [:)]
My appologies Dave. That was perhaps a little harsh on my part. But I will finally say this with regard to Evans opinion about Jackson.
44 years after Psycho (for instance) was released, it is still discussed. The film has an effect before, during and after people have seen it. It's remembered long after viewing, and although people maybe cannot discuss it on an intellectual level or put into words their thoughts, the effect is there nevertheless. This is the art and effect of film making, filmscoring etc at it's best.
Strangers on a Train,
Vertigo,
Rear Window,
North by Northwest,
39 Steps and so on.
If Hitchcock were alive today and on top form and they offered him LOTR, he'd probably laugh and suggest they offer it to the special effects boys.
Bernard Herrmann would probably take a long holiday.
44 years after LOTR has been released, how often is that going to be discussed at any level apart from special effects comparisons in the future?
The Lord of the Rings is a cinematic achievement, but it is basically 8 hours of special effects. The acting is good enough, but is neither here nor there, partly because the characters in the book are already so clearly defined in ones own imagination. For a film to become a true piece of art, it more or less has to be flawless in most departments, with exceptions of course. The two actors, with the greatest respect, that play Merry and Pippin are basically dreadful in my view. These are key parts in the book and therefore the film. The best performance, in my view, was that of Sean Bean as Boromir. He understood his part well.
Part of the problem could be attributed to attention span. It's almost as if one is watching a video game, only without any control. Great film for the hard of thinking, as opposed to the hard of hearing. For people who don't want to read a 1000 page plus book.
To me, Psycho, for instance, is like a really good meal in an Italian restaurant. You come out and have no wish for any further gastronomic gratification.
On the other hand, LOTR is like a good Chinese takeaway; 10 minutes later your'e looking for a really good Italian restaurant again. [:D]
I haven't heard anyone yet, the day after they've seen LOTR, talk about it in any detail except to say, Yeah, it was really good,,,ummmm yeah'
If Peter Jackson is to be compared to Hitchcock, he'd better do something pretty original, and pretty quick. King Kong will probably look stunning, but it won't cut it with me. Your'e either a film maker or a money factory. Be original. And then do it again and again and again. If that happens, I will personally go to Carmel. Run through the streets. And proclaim Evan as the next Guru of all time. At the same time eating a hat of his choice. Can't see it happening myself.
Many thanks
PaulR
