arts and entertainment

Golden Globe Winners 2015

Here is a list  (below) of the “Golden Globe Winners” a precursor to the Oscars.  I guess It’s time to hit the movies and boob tube.

HOT TUB TIME MACHINE (ARM)                 CARRIE (ENDING)

Fear and humor can be drawn from the same factors to produce their different outcomes.  For great horror movies and great comedies have these links that truly bring the audience to these emotions. Here are three elements (below) I believe are key. PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS.

(1) SUSPENSE – Whether it’s the table scene in “The Wedding Crashers” or Jason stalking his victims in “Halloween” suspense can draw the audience in and cringe with laughter or fear till the climax.

(2) SHOCK- Comedic surprises scene in movies such as “The Interview” with bitten fingers and “Carrie” with hands from the grave can leave impressions in the audience way after the lights come on.

(3) RAW/GROSS- Nothing can turn away a viewer but still draw them in then a grotesque scene whether it be the losing of an arm in “Hot Tub Time Machine” or  the blood dripping down the drain in “Psycho”.  I personally believe sounds and effects can take the place and actual add to the impact then a direct visual experience.

I see a day in the near future where many big film release will not be theatrical releases but pay per view.  This will occur because it will reduce the costs in distributing a film and in turn be more profitable. For example a new release for a horror movie by Wes Craven  on October 31st  pay per view one night only exclusive or “Chic Flicks” released on pay per view during Valentines weekend you can cuddle up at home.  Here are several reasons I believe the big studio’s might go in this direction.

(1) SECURITY- Studio’s won’t have to worry pirated versions of the film are being made as the film is shipped to different locations. This also will prevent incidents which occurred with the “Black Night” and “The Interview” from occurring.

(2) LOWER COSTS- Shipping a film to different locations an bargaining those rights to various movie chains can get expensive.

(3) HIGHER PROFIT- These studio’s can make these pay per view releases a viewing party where they sell merchandise before the viewing.

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.