JamieMadden

Contributing writer for The Artifice.

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    Latest Topics

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    Do we still watch cinema?

    Consider the decline in visiting the cinema and how this (negatively) impacts our appreciation of the visual and sound quality, as purposely designed by the director for the theater.
    One significant cause would be the rise in subscriptions to platforms like Nettflix and more generally laptop streaming (which includes illegal viewing). What do we lose and gain from this change in spectating?

    • A useful parallel can be drawn from will email get rid of regular mail. The technology was predicted to bring about the eventual demise of the post office. But, people in the post office have said that email has facilitated more post office deliveries as people buy online among other reasons. It may be that movies are sort of like the hardcover of a book release and then you go to soft cover and then online. I think cinemas will launch their fares and there will be crossovers to crossovers, similar to the movie Fargo in the 90s launching a TV show. – Munjeera 8 years ago
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    • I still go to cinema for the movies I have had high expectations for, or for those with large-scale action scenes that could only be fully enjoyed on a big theater screen. Probably this is largely due to the fact that I don't have Internet or cable at home, and all I had was a small TV to play my VHSs and DVDs. Therefore, cinemas still have their charm to me as they offer things that are inaccessible at home. However, I think most people who used to visit cinemas frequently did so for the experience, instead of for the movies themselves. In other words, cinemas used to be fun. – Chiharu 8 years ago
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    • In all honesty, I think a huge factor in the loss of moviegoers is the excessive monetary expense of attending the cinema. A typical ticket costs approximately $11-13, and that's not for 3-D, IMAX, which is excessively popular. Tickets for such films are between $18-21. As a true devotee to the old films of classic Hollywood, all of the action, explosions, car chases, etc., are not appealing to me, personally. Another issue is the constant recycling that takes place, whether it be yet another addition to a franchise, or another re-adaptation. I do agree that the ability to watch new shows and movies on netflix, as well as amazon, hinders upon the cinematic enterprise. It is a shame, though, because seeing a film in the cinema, is an experience. How many times has someone mentioned a movie, and we are so quick to say, "I saw that in the theater." Interesting topic for conversation... – danielle577 8 years ago
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    • Going to the movies is still very much a part of my life. I plan years in advance for highly anticipated films. I attend the movies between 1-3 times a month. Netflix, and other video platforms, are reserved for older films and/or films I didn't catch or deem worthy to spend more money on at the theater. However, I enjoy the moviegoing experience. I like being submerged in the darkness with surround sound and a bucket of popcorn as large as me. Other moviegoers don't bother me because I tune so deeply into the movie. I believe what we lose from not going to the movies is the magic of cinema, the complete suspension of reality, the experience that's created by massive screens and surround sound. Also, unless the industry changes to catch up to the Netflix platforms, if we continue down a road of less moviegoing we'll lose the quality of movies because the lack of profits won't support it. What we gain is more power over our dollar and the ability to pause and play as much as we like. – CharmieJay 8 years ago
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    Latest Comments

    You mentioned Lynch a lot which begs me to raise the question of how artists move between the two options. Beginning in black and white was the natural route for many film makers we now regard as masters and it is undoubted that it offers a much more considered education on lighting and colour. In black and white the emphasis is down to lighting to mix up your tones in the frame, when a film maker then moves to colour they are spolied for choice but with training in black and white are sure to much more carefully deploy different colours. Consider Blue Velvet as an example of an evocative, striking and down right excelled use of colour. It’s not just reality as we see it filmed as it was but carries much more significance which i think many filmmakers without a base in b&w overlook.

    The Vintage Aesthetic: The Function of Contemporary Black & White Cinema

    Personally this is my favourite Disney. The problem with Disney IS the standards and songs and I wholeheartedly disagree that reproducing a (commercially) successful formula should be advocated or applauded.

    Criticizing the lack of background of characters in The BC is suggesting that the fuller portraits of idealised princesses of more acclaimed titles is more realistic/believable? I know that disney themselves probably reflected on where they failed (as you identified well with their traditions in this genre) however these are the aspects which I believe made the film a stand out from normal disney predictable crap. I enjoy not being told where a character came from and is going to and there is much more mystery that enshrouds this film and fun to be had imagining the past life of the bard or Dalben etc. Also Eionway is far more progressive as a female character than is sadly the norm.

    Another thing is the issue of the source. I have read a few of the books and they are a bad patchwork of Tolkein and Welsh mythology, diluted for children. So there’s not much to work with however I believe the ominous background music, and various settings create an expansive and threatening world, far more interesting than most Disney films of this genre.

    I think the obvious risks they took (genuinely scary villain and one of only two depictions of blood in their films at this time) are rewarded in how most people I speak to about this film recall it from childhood as something they were both scared and intrigued by, far more affecting than Cinderella.

    It doesn’t tick the boxes of a disney film but this is to be celebrated not condemned. I admit it’s far from perfect but this is personally more preferable to a twee, well knit story with well defined aspects.

    The Black Cauldron and the Seven Standards of Disney

    It’s terribly sad when you grow up to realize that people of colour are primarily recognized/applauded for playing the roles predetermined by their race and it’s traditional connotations in patriarchy. As good a step as it would be for films like Straight Outta Compton to be recognized and given equal space as representations of Black society, I think it’s equally critical that there is a rise in people of colour playing typical white roles, i.e. Bond- albeit a continuation of masculine and western ideals, these films will continue to be made so it would be a small but crucial step in the right direction.

    Exposing the Tragic Mulatta in Film