RLTerry

EXCELLENT topic! I absolutely loved reading your article. With the exception of “Gravity,” “She’s the Man” is my favorite movie from the list. So often we attribute female protagonist movies to romantic dramas. This just goes to show that a female can lead a movie and not need to be primarily engaged in a romantic subplot. Sure minor “love” plots can still have a place in a non-romantic film (“Easy A,” “Fried Green Tomatoes,” or “She’s the Man”); but, this article explores the reality that films can have strong female leads without having the external goal be a relationship (straight or lesbian). Actually, I just thought of another prime example of a “Wolf of Wall Street”-esqu movie featuring a female leads “Devil Wears Prada.” It appears though, in recent years that more movies have been produced lead females in non-romantic plots, but there is certainly room for more. Thanks for the insight!

The industry is definitely moving away from the old system. But, I cannot help but think that if it were to go back to more of an “in house” studio, that more jobs could be created from college graduates.

I am certainly interested to see what happens in the sequel. Not so much for the thrill of the plot, as much as I am hoping to see an actual bridge between Prometheus and Alien. I feel as though there are WAY too may unanswered questions and plot holes in the predecessor. Hopefully, the holes will be fixed. I’d like to see more allusions to Alien in the Prometheus sequel so the story can come full circle. Furthermore, hopefully the dialog, logic, continuity, and structure will be better suited for a sci-fy action movie that cannot hold a candle to the original.

This article reminds me a lot about what I saw in the musical “Disenchanted” this past weekend. It’s an Off-Broadway show that started at the Orlando Fringe Festival in 2011. The movie centers around the “princess complex.” Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty (Aurora/Briar Rose) headline the show. It goes though the lives of Disney Princesses following the close of their iconic movies. I truly believe that the classic Disney princesses, much like Cinderella, perpetuate the idea that a woman needs a man, is helpless, depressed, and incomplete. Gender roles have changed so much, and hopefully princess movies will start showing that. However, it’s not wise to go in a complete opposite direction either. A nice balance is what is needed.

Fascinating article! It definitely got me to thinking. I am not a fan of 3D movies, but many of my friends are. So, we have had very similar discussions. Many of the 3D movies I see feel like no more than enhanced 2D, with some wow effects occasionally. My first experience with 3D “movies” was at theme parks. But, I feel like theme parks have done a better job with 3D movies than conventional movies have. On another note, I don’t feel the new fascination with 3D is any different than the one from the 1950s. Honestly, it really hasn’t taken off and theatres still offer 2D versions of the same movies because there is a high demand for 2D movies. Otherwise, they could offer 3D movies and no 2D option. I just don’t see the evidence in my interactions with entertainment for 3D to be anymore than a novel experience.

Excellent questions! I’ll address them in order. You asked about what a reawakening of the studio system would mean for actors. You are correct in that the scope of what an actor in the studio system would do is limiting. However, I think many actors would take limiting REGULAR work over artistic, groundbreaking IRREGULAR work any day. There will always be exceptions, just like there is now. Some actors will get starring roles more regularly than others. But, working for a studio, on salary, would mean getting a paycheck every week for what ones loves to do–act. If an actor was more concerned with being able to express themselves artistically more than wanting a “job,” then they should continue to freelance themselves as they do now. It boils down to what is more important to the actor: regular acting work with a salary and benefits, or the ability to customize ones own future by freelancing.

Regarding the studio system, unions, and hierarchy, I feel as though that will not be an issue. I am a former Cast Member from Disney World. Working for Disney World (and TWDC in general), Cast Members are mostly permanent staff members (except for those who are seasonal) whose rights are determined by collective bargaining agreements. Constructed the right way, in a new studio system, the unions would work with Studio XYZ to develop fair worker treatment standards. Like: how long a staff member can work, guaranteed number of hours and pay, how they accrue time off, discipline actions, etc. That way, an actor, producer, camera operator, etc would not be overworked, yet paid regularly, and not able to be fired on a whim.

People would be able to get into a studio by applying for jobs like in other industries. In a new studio system, one could log on to the respective website and see how many openings there are (camera operators, writers, directors, etc) and apply with a resume/headshot or reel. Once employed, then the worker would have the freedom to sign with a union or not–just like in many industries. The workers would be treated according to the collective bargaining agreements. But those not in the union would not have the employment protection a worker in the union has (in terms of discipline mostly). So, in short, one would be hired by the studio then join a union–not the other way around. Essentially, studios would rely more on human resources for evaluating applicants than a union. But, the candidates would be vetted in the interview process.

My Bachelors degree is in Film and my Masters is in Media Studies (finish next year). My research area is internships in entertainment media, so I have done extensive research into labor and entertainment. You’re welcomed to read my research when I am done with it. I feel that we need to fix the entertainment system in such a way that creates jobs and build opportunities for budding professionals and graduates. Hope this info was helpful!

Double Indemnity is an excellent choice. Actually, one of my friends/coworkers and I were talking, and his favorite movie is DOuble Indemnity too, with Sunset being a close second.

Thank you to everyone who has taken time to read and reply. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your comments, and am so happy that this movie has a special place in so many peoples’ lives.