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Post by Doghouse6 on Nov 15, 2021 15:16:04 GMT
I remember a time when trailers encouraged me to see a film. I haven't seen a new one in at least fifteen years that hasn't had the opposite effect on me. Sorry: feeling curmudgeonly today. No need to apologize for it Doghouse. I kinda know how you feel. In some ways I post more trailers than I actually watch (although, I still watch an extraordinary amount of new films; along with the oldies I love). I generally only post trailers of films I have seen and recommend. But every time I do it I feel I am doing the film an injustice because I'm too lazy or too busy to right a brief review or description of the picture. Here is a trailer that actually (finally) drove me to watch the beautiful, bittersweet Driveways (2019), and boy was I glad I did. As was my significant other who, immediately after we finished watching it, looked at me sternly and, in a calm, icy voice said to me; "you wanted me to watch a 1980s slasher movie with you today, and you have had a film as good as this sitting around for three weeks? I apologized, but I also quietly reminded her that I get it right - in what I select to watch with her - about 99% of the time. I would be interested in your opinion of the trailer. And yes, even this trailer doesn't do full justice to just how touching and human this lovely - yet also tough and true to its characters, little film really is, but it got me to watch it, and that's a good thing. I must say, it brings a much more favorable reaction from me, marketing-wise, than the one for whatever-other-film-it-was that set my teeth on edge. It reminds me of the one for Ordinary People, which was the first time I can recall thinking, "Now, that's a good trailer." In spite of their similarities, each exhibits indicators of the stylistic film marketing trends of their respective eras, but both convey the sense of stories being told, rather than the sort of punchy, catchy advertising "hooks" which seem to be the fashion in recent years. I remember reading some years back that studios, producers and distributors began farming out their marketing operations late in the last century to specialist enterprises, of which there were only a couple supplying the vast majority of trailers, accounting for the sameness apparent in so many. Remember all those that opened with grave underscoring and intense narration that began, "In a world where..." or "At a time when...? " And regardless of the era, it's often seemed to me that the films themselves were ill-served by their marketing, at least in terms of what viewers could actually expect from them. While the industry has always represented a delicate balance of art and commerce, the latter necessarily outweighs the former when it comes to getting audiences to lay out their cash for a couple hours entertainment. I'll add that I can be generous enough to allow that selling film product entails its own peculiar art form. Pursuant to that, does my favorable impression of the trailer induce me to see Driveways? Well, kinda, insofar as it appears to be an intelligent and sensitively told human story. My reservations have to do with what suggests a rather derivative premise, of the "troubled misfits reconnect with their humanity through unlikely friendships" kind (in addition to being a curmudgeon, I'm also a cynic). But covering ground already trod by other films needn't be a deterrent if the quality of execution is worthy. And honestly, your sincere recommendation is ultimately more effective than any advertising device. I reiterate my apology on another thread for the lateness of this reply. And given its verbosity, see what happens when you ask for my opinion?
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Post by jeffersoncody on Nov 15, 2021 17:31:46 GMT
No need to apologize for it Doghouse. I kinda know how you feel. In some ways I post more trailers than I actually watch (although, I still watch an extraordinary amount of new films; along with the oldies I love). I generally only post trailers of films I have seen and recommend. But every time I do it I feel I am doing the film an injustice because I'm too lazy or too busy to right a brief review or description of the picture. Here is a trailer that actually (finally) drove me to watch the beautiful, bittersweet Driveways (2019), and boy was I glad I did. As was my significant other who, immediately after we finished watching it, looked at me sternly and, in a calm, icy voice said to me; "you wanted me to watch a 1980s slasher movie with you today, and you have had a film as good as this sitting around for three weeks? I apologized, but I also quietly reminded her that I get it right - in what I select to watch with her - about 99% of the time. I would be interested in your opinion of the trailer. And yes, even this trailer doesn't do full justice to just how touching and human this lovely - yet also tough and true to its characters, little film really is, but it got me to watch it, and that's a good thing. I must say, it brings a much more favorable reaction from me, marketing-wise, than the one for whatever-other-film-it-was that set my teeth on edge. It reminds me of the one for Ordinary People, which was the first time I can recall thinking, "Now, that's a good trailer." In spite of their similarities, each exhibits indicators of the stylistic film marketing trends of their respective eras, but both convey the sense of stories being told, rather than the sort of punchy, catchy advertising "hooks" which seem to be the fashion in recent years. I remember reading some years back that studios, producers and distributors began farming out their marketing operations late in the last century to specialist enterprises, of which there were only a couple supplying the vast majority of trailers, accounting for the sameness apparent in so many. Remember all those that opened with grave underscoring and intense narration that began, "In a world where..." or "At a time when...? " And regardless of the era, it's often seemed to me that the films themselves were ill-served by their marketing, at least in terms of what viewers could actually expect from them. While the industry has always represented a delicate balance of art and commerce, the latter necessarily outweighs the former when it comes to getting audiences to lay out their cash for a couple hours entertainment. I'll add that I can be generous enough to allow that selling film product entails its own peculiar art form. Pursuant to that, does my favorable impression of the trailer induce me to see Driveways? Well, kinda, insofar as it appears to be an intelligent and sensitively told human story. My reservations have to do with what suggests a rather derivative premise, of the "troubled misfits reconnect with their humanity through unlikely friendships" kind (in addition to being a curmudgeon, I'm also a cynic). But covering ground already trod by other films needn't be a deterrent if the quality of execution is worthy. And honestly, your sincere recommendation is ultimately more effective than any advertising device. I reiterate my apology on another thread for the lateness of this reply. And given its verbosity, see what happens when you ask for my opinion? I really enjoyed reading your opinion Doghouse. Thank you for a cool and considered reply. The Classic Board Lives. I will get back to you, I sure know about the "delicate balance of art and commerce" in the film industry.
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Post by jeffersoncody on Nov 18, 2021 2:19:09 GMT
No need to apologize for it Doghouse. I kinda know how you feel. In some ways I post more trailers than I actually watch (although, I still watch an extraordinary amount of new films; along with the oldies I love). I generally only post trailers of films I have seen and recommend. But every time I do it I feel I am doing the film an injustice because I'm too lazy or too busy to right a brief review or description of the picture. Here is a trailer that actually (finally) drove me to watch the beautiful, bittersweet Driveways (2019), and boy was I glad I did. As was my significant other who, immediately after we finished watching it, looked at me sternly and, in a calm, icy voice said to me; "you wanted me to watch a 1980s slasher movie with you today, and you have had a film as good as this sitting around for three weeks? I apologized, but I also quietly reminded her that I get it right - in what I select to watch with her - about 99% of the time. I would be interested in your opinion of the trailer. And yes, even this trailer doesn't do full justice to just how touching and human this lovely - yet also tough and true to its characters, little film really is, but it got me to watch it, and that's a good thing. I must say, it brings a much more favorable reaction from me, marketing-wise, than the one for whatever-other-film-it-was that set my teeth on edge. It reminds me of the one for Ordinary People, which was the first time I can recall thinking, "Now, that's a good trailer." In spite of their similarities, each exhibits indicators of the stylistic film marketing trends of their respective eras, but both convey the sense of stories being told, rather than the sort of punchy, catchy advertising "hooks" which seem to be the fashion in recent years. I remember reading some years back that studios, producers and distributors began farming out their marketing operations late in the last century to specialist enterprises, of which there were only a couple supplying the vast majority of trailers, accounting for the sameness apparent in so many. Remember all those that opened with grave underscoring and intense narration that began, "In a world where..." or "At a time when...? " And regardless of the era, it's often seemed to me that the films themselves were ill-served by their marketing, at least in terms of what viewers could actually expect from them. While the industry has always represented a delicate balance of art and commerce, the latter necessarily outweighs the former when it comes to getting audiences to lay out their cash for a couple hours entertainment. I'll add that I can be generous enough to allow that selling film product entails its own peculiar art form. Pursuant to that, does my favorable impression of the trailer induce me to see Driveways? Well, kinda, insofar as it appears to be an intelligent and sensitively told human story. My reservations have to do with what suggests a rather derivative premise, of the "troubled misfits reconnect with their humanity through unlikely friendships" kind (in addition to being a curmudgeon, I'm also a cynic). But covering ground already trod by other films needn't be a deterrent if the quality of execution is worthy. I hope I don't drop any spoilers here, but I feel compelled to say that DRIVEWAYS comes with a potent emotional twist in the tail you won't see coming and which will surprise you; there is another character in the story (played by a formidable, gifted, one-of-a-kind performer) who makes an entrance at the end and adds much to the story's impact - and what we have seen up to that point. That this actor and the twist aren't mentioned in the film's trailer and marketing is to the film and the trailer makers' credit.
And honestly, your sincere recommendation is ultimately more effective than any advertising device.
Thank you for that Doghouse As for the trailer of ORDINARY PEOPLE - a film I saw on the big screen when it was first released and remember as if it was yesterday I watched it. It's a splendid trailer which, at the time, made me want to see the movie as soon as I possibly could. I thought the following 2 trailers were pretty good (I'm sure you haven't seen FALLING - a rare film about tolerance; which makes it un PC in the age of woke. and is why veteran performer Lance Henriksen lost out on a much deserved Oscar nom for his career best turn, but have you seen GREEN BOOK - a controversial Oscar winner for Best Picture and a huge hit at the international box office?) Green Book. www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC-_Gon2p9M Falling. www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvE0ReOrPn0
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Post by Doghouse6 on Nov 18, 2021 8:47:22 GMT
jeffersoncody - To be perfectly candid, neither lit much of a fire under me, and both gave a been-there-done-that vibe as film-watching experiences. The trailers seem very much in the current style, hinting of that sameness to which I referred in an earlier post, but these are my impressions from those trailers of what the films themselves offer. Green Book - Driving Miss Daisy with some gender and cultural migration, and perhaps a dash too many light moments in order to heighten the de rigueur searing drama. Another in a now very long line of manipulative "road pictures" in which divergent, mismatched personalities end up learning life lessons in the most unexpected places. I'm not sure I want to travel those routes again. Falling - Another drama of sordid family disfunction, punctuated by disarming moments of tenderness? Must I? The suspicion arose during the trailer of unloading some personal baggage and settling unresolved old scores on the part of a writer or director, and I was able to catch that Viggo Mortenson filled both those positions, so maybe he's the one with the baggage and scores. That's one thing about being a film maker: instead of spending your own money on therapy, you get paid to put it onto a screen. While both are very much alive, The Curmudgeon has taken a back seat to The Cynic on this particular day. And if my impressions are off, well, that's down to the trailers as much as to my admittedly stick-in-the-mud attitudes. Hope I haven't stepped on any sensitive toes, because I'm again gratified to be asked for opinions from a person who exhibits thoughtful consideration.
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Post by jeffersoncody on Nov 18, 2021 13:32:56 GMT
jeffersoncody - To be perfectly candid, neither lit much of a fire under me, and both gave a been-there-done-that vibe as film-watching experiences. The trailers seem very much in the current style, hinting of that sameness to which I referred in an earlier post, but these are my impressions from those trailers of what the films themselves offer. Green Book - Driving Miss Daisy with some gender and cultural migration, and perhaps a dash too many light moments in order to heighten the de rigueur searing drama. Another in a now very long line of manipulative "road pictures" in which divergent, mismatched personalities end up learning life lessons in the most unexpected places. I'm not sure I want to travel those routes again. Falling - Another drama of sordid family disfunction, punctuated by disarming moments of tenderness? Must I? The suspicion arose during the trailer of unloading some personal baggage and settling unresolved old scores on the part of a writer or director, and I was able to catch that Viggo Mortenson filled both those positions, so maybe he's the one with the baggage and scores. That's one thing about being a film maker: instead of spending your own money on therapy, you get paid to put it onto a screen. While both are very much alive, The Curmudgeon has taken a back seat to The Cynic on this particular day. And if my impressions are off, well, that's down to the trailers as much as to my admittedly stick-in-the-mud attitudes. Hope I haven't stepped on any sensitive toes, because I'm again gratified to be asked for opinions from a person who exhibits thoughtful consideration. Oh dear, Doghouse, I thought I had a bit of time, so I began writing a passionate and opinionated reply to your lively - yet, as you say, somewhat cynical and curmudgeonly - reply. Was in full flow when my other half walked in with the lunch, wanting to watch the final episode of an ITV series we are currently looking at. So I left my half-written, relatively lengthy reply on the page and the internet on. Some 55-minutes later I return, to find - to my dismay, only your reply is here, my words have vanished; into the ether of cyberspace I suppose? Now the quotidian calls - 3.25 pm in SA, and I must run. Will try to return and reply more, though. Meanwhile. As for GREEN BOOK, of course it is a formulaic road movie in the time honored tradition of Hollywood, albeit one which tells a cracking true story about two larger than life men - one extroverted one introverted, and shines a huge light into some not often spoken about aspects of racism and race. What's particularly wonderful about it is watching two of the most talented, giving and gifted, glowingly charismatic screen actors of the current era go head to head, working together, playing fascinating, one-of-a-kind people in complex character roles. These guys are so skilled ( Mahershala Ali won an Oscar, Viggo should have) won one too). It is a warm hearted, crowd pleasing film lifted by a topical story set in the past and two great performaners, who knock it out of park. It sends you home satisfied. It's a helluva film to see with a packed audience - who hang onto every word as they fall in love with these two men, and Tony's wife, Dolores, too. LOL, how do you feel about reviews: here's one from Variety's Peter DeBruge, which I think does this outstanding, original film from first-time director Mortensen justice. I hope it tells you more about FALLING, and how good it, than the trailer, and look forward to hearing if it does.
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Post by Rufus-T on Nov 18, 2021 17:40:06 GMT
( Mahershala Ali won an Oscar, Viggo should have). It was Viggo's best performance, IMO, even better than his Cronenberg movie roles. I don't think it was fair for people to compare Green Book to Driving Miss Daisy, just because both movies have similar set up. I have reservation for Driving Miss Daisy. It was a good movie with exceptional performance, but lack a punch. Green Book was so much a better executed movie, extremely entertaining, and wonderful ending. It is a what a great movie is all about. Very re-watchable.
I got to hand it to you that you predicted the Oscar would give the Best Picture to Green Book. Despite being my favorite movie of the year, I had a lots of doubt that the Oscar will give it to an old fashion, Capra-ish type movie. Glad I was wrong.
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Post by Doghouse6 on Nov 18, 2021 21:30:49 GMT
jeffersoncody - I know we all hate it when that happens, and I know that it's happened to all of us. As before, your salesmanship is better than that of the people who assembled the trailer, and renders me more favorably disposed to giving it a try. Perhaps film criticism is your true calling. Speaking of which... At this present stage of life, I'm afraid it just doesn't look like the type of thing in which I'm interested in investing a couple hours. Dunno what else I can say about that, except that my hat's off to anyone whose tastes remain as adventurous as they were in youth, and is held even higher for those whose horizons actually broaden with the years.
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Post by jeffersoncody on Nov 23, 2021 6:36:08 GMT
jeffersoncody - I know we all hate it when that happens, and I know that it's happened to all of us. As before, your salesmanship is better than that of the people who assembled the trailer, and renders me more favorably disposed to giving it a try. Perhaps film criticism is your true calling. Speaking of which... At this present stage of life, I'm afraid it just doesn't look like the type of thing in which I'm interested in investing a couple hours. Dunno what else I can say about that, except that my hat's off to anyone whose tastes remain as adventurous as they were in youth, and is held even higher for those whose horizons actually broaden with the years. Still trying to get back to you Doghouse, but know that if there was a special Oscar for Classic's Board MVP (Most Valuable Poster) you would win it hands down. And yes, I am sensitive, but I have enjoyed your responses immensely. In a week or two, God willing that is, a couple of great weights will be lifted from my life and I will be able to contribute to this board with more passion and zest. Much love brother.
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Post by Doghouse6 on Nov 23, 2021 13:24:39 GMT
Still trying to get back to you Doghouse, but know that if there was a special Oscar for Classic's Board MVP (Most Valuable Poster) you would win it hands down. And yes, I am sensitive, but I have enjoyed your responses immensely. In a week or two, God willing that is, a couple of great weights will be lifted from my life and I will be able to contribute to this board with more passion and zest. Much love brother. Those very kind words are humbly appreciated, and if the richness of your good fortune is even half that of your generosity, you have my confidence along with my hopes that your circumstances, whatever they may be, will resolve just as you wish.
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Post by jeffersoncody on Dec 9, 2021 12:23:34 GMT
Still trying to get back to you Doghouse, but know that if there was a special Oscar for Classic's Board MVP (Most Valuable Poster) you would win it hands down. And yes, I am sensitive, but I have enjoyed your responses immensely. In a week or two, God willing that is, a couple of great weights will be lifted from my life and I will be able to contribute to this board with more passion and zest. Much love brother. Those very kind words are humbly appreciated, and if the richness of your good fortune is even half that of your generosity, you have my confidence along with my hopes that your circumstances, whatever they may be, will resolve just as you wish.
I'm only halfway home, I've gotta journey on To where I'll find, find the things I have lost I've come a long long road but still I've got some miles to go I've got a wide, a wide river to cross
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Post by Doghouse6 on Dec 9, 2021 12:59:52 GMT
Those very kind words are humbly appreciated, and if the richness of your good fortune is even half that of your generosity, you have my confidence along with my hopes that your circumstances, whatever they may be, will resolve just as you wish.
I'm only halfway home, I've gotta journey on To where I'll find, find the things I have lost I've come a long long road but still I've got some miles to go I've got a wide, a wide river to cross Beautiful song. Thanks, bud. I always take it that once you know your destination, that's already half the journey right there. I know it's been true for me that figuring where I'm going can be the hardest part. I'm gonna hope you're farther along than you might realize. Strong boat, favorable winds and good sailing to you.
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