Sometimes I think there is a war between Art and Entertainment where many of those that produce such works fear that later. If it’s to entertaining then it’s not truly art because art must provoke you. I concur that art often must take you to a different place but I don’t believe that is going to nap time. Here are a few examples of art crossing the annoying or boring zone.
1. 2001 A Space Odessey Considered a wonderful piece of art but I couldn’t get past the monkey’s crushing skulls. I’m sure the film is “brilliant and I plan to watch it in the future but with a DVR to get through the extremely slow parts. Maybe I’m missing something brilliant but my mind would rather take a nap then absorb it.
2. Lincoln Superb acting but way to much dialogue going back and forth and back and forth and… There is sometimes more said with a picture then a thousands words Lincoln should have considered that in this production.
3. “Birdman” The acting was splendid but as I left the film my only thought was “what was the point” or “what did I watch”. There were great scenes but with no real endings I found it more annoying then entertaining.
I don’t mean to be insulting because I understand art appeals to differing audiences but believe you can have a balance that suits both interest. You can still provoke thoughts and still be entertaining as seen be great films such as “Black Swan”, “The Last Temptation of Christ”, “The Fight Club” & “The Artist”. That to me is true what true art should be.
The greatest art is thought provoking but still finds a way to be entertaining.