Cinema Without Borders Blogs

Where is that fresh air? Hollywood, the same sad old story

Looking through the list of Hollywood films released in 2007 and early part of 2008, I could hardly find a single film with new ideas, with a fresh air in it.

What are US young filmmakers doing? What are their dreams? It is sad if this crowd’s ultimate dream is to become another Spielberg. It is heartbreaking if they are not willing to jump high in their work and touch the sky of “Experiment.”

 Last week I watched an independent American film with an interesting approach, Baghead. Duplass brothers’ filmmaking style is quite far from traditional Hollywood filmmaking and it has a touch of French Cinéma vérité and that’s good for a change. (Even if at times it falls to the low level of the American Reality shows!) Problem is that this film heads nowhere and you just forget it as you finish watching it. What remains with you from this film is not about the relationship of the characters, but just a visual gag! And still I praise the Duplass brothers for saving us from the same Hollywood routine! I thank them for the use of actors by improvisation and letting us witness at least a few beautiful acting moments in the film. I also like the loose plot of the film that brings it closer to be a picture of real life. Unfortunately filmmakers use this kind of unconventional plot just to surprise the audience here and there. But all surprises are only good for first time that you watch the film. I will write more about this. Please tell me what do you think about this topic?

Tagged as: against hollywood, anti-hollywood, Independant, Independant film, Indies, new directors, non-hollywood, short films