What role will the new Star Wars stories play in the unfolding expanded universe? The impact of Rogue One on the meaning and value of the data at the beginning of a New Hope may give us some idea, but there could be so much more. How will opinions of characters such as Han Solo continue to change and evolve? What about other characters such as Obi-Wan Kenobi?
Interesting topic, with recent news I think you can add in the discussion of Obi-Wan Kenobi as a standalone. Also typo on Rogue One, as you've put 'Rouge'. – Marcus Dean7 years ago
Sequels are almost always what follow a successful film but what actually makes a sequel as good or better than the original? Everyone's seen a sequel that they thought was either an obvious step down from the original or didn't have a real reason to exist but a sequel that surpasses or keeps up with its previous iteration are much rarer. So what are the factors that actually make the story in a sequel story worth telling? Obviously if the production is good then you could make a case for it but what narrative factors influence the worth of a sequel being told? And what are the unique characteristics of those sequels that did actually surpass their originals? What made them great?
I think this is a good discussion topic, especially seeing all the new sequels coming out. Could you give some examples to help narrow down the discussion? – birdienumnum177 years ago
I would say some really good ones to talk about would be the Harry Potter series, Hunger games, Divergent series and Fast and Furious. These are the ones I could think of from the top of my head :) – claraaa7 years ago
You're right I should have included some examples. The specific upcoming films that gave me the idea were actually Blade Runner 2049 and the new Pirates of the Caribbean. I think these would be good to talk about as the latter will probably fall into the "doesn't need to exist" category while the former could really go either way (I have unrealistically high hopes.) – JakeV7 years ago
I think this question is also applicable to book and television series.The largest draw for me to continue on with the sequel is if I find the main characters' stories unfinished. If readers or the audience are only there for compelling characters they genuinely care about, and those characters have "completed their arc" so to speak, there isn't really much motivation to pick up the sequel (in my opinion) where in most cases, are sustained through the introduction of new characters and less-than-spectacular plots that sometimes mar the main characters' consistency and lack purpose. What is the point in writing this sequel? (Perhaps for commercial purposes/ entertainment value if the first book/movie/season is well-received?) (I guess this wasn't so much a "helpful note" as it was an opinion. Apologies!) – autumnlights7 years ago
You could also look at Blade Runner 2049 and the new seasons of The X Files and Twin Peaks and Prison Break that have come out decades after the original. Isn't there a reason there wasn't a Blade Runner sequel in the 80s - and a reason all those shows were cancelled? – sophievannan7 years ago
My primary reason to watch a sequel is, did the characters make me say, "I want to see what happens to them next?" Did they make me say, "I miss/want to spend more time with these people?" If not, then it's likely I won't watch that sequel. – Stephanie M.7 years ago
If you run out of examples, you could even expand on this and talk about the modern remakes they're doing of movies. What makes these new elements worth telling? Doesn't the original stand on it's own? – Dani7 years ago
I think this is a more interesting discussion in the context of stories that didn't specifically set out to be a series. My favourite example is Toy Story. Toy Story 2 is a great movie and many would say better than the first. What makes it a sequel worth watching? It doesn't directly continue the story of the first film, instead it presents the characters with new challenges that build on the growth seen in the first film. – MarcoMorgan7 years ago
Recent News has been read stating the James Cameron has just finished the final script for Avatar five which means production can now start for Avatar Two followed by Avatar Three, Four and five. Do you think that this move was a good or a bad idea, Has he set the franchise up for failure with an eight year absence.
You could also explore why exactly this model was chosen for production and discuss any other directors that did this and how it worked out for them. – JakeV7 years ago
I like the pun in your title. I wonder if anyone has seen 'A Man Called Horse' (1970) directed by Elliot Silverstein and starring Richard Harris (yes, the same Richard Harris who played the original Dumbledore in HP)? A definite influence on the first Avatar storyline, in my opinion. – Amyus7 years ago
I enjoyed Avatar, but the gap between films has been way too long. People have moved on. Though I would still see the film, I wouldn't rush out on release day, and I'm not sure how well the movies would do at the box office (compared to the original). In addition to this, the original was the first to implement the 3D technology which has now become commonplace.
Also, it might be important to mention that the film was a self-contained story, so many people might feel there was no need for the story to continue, which could hurt the sequels chances. – AGMacdonald7 years ago
It's been such a long time since the original...what is the point? It is likely at best to engage a different audience. I remember enjoying the original, and would have watched sequels if they had been trotted out on a regular basis, but now I doubt if I could be bothered.
– JudyPeters7 years ago
The early silent films of Charlie Chaplin were masterpieces of entertainment. Yet, there was little to no soundtrack nor color. Even before that, audiences had to rely primarily on imagination in order to bring to life the voice-based scripts of radio. Since those initial attempts at conveying plot, a riveting account of history can be equally transformed by song and choreography, such as in Evita (1996) starring Madonna. For this matter, explore the requirement of prop and effect in adding to the effectiveness or detracting from the quality of film or television.
Now this could make for a fascinating article indeed! Might I also suggest including other silent greats such as Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd and similar? It would be also be worth mentioning the role that the accompanying pianist had in helping to create mood for these early cinematic audiences/viewers. With regard to voice based scripts on radio, I once worked with a chap who gave me a fascinating insight into some of the everyday 'found' objects that were used to add audio effects. I'll never look at a sink plunger in the same way again! The Foley artist is a valued and essential part of film making these days, especially when, in some instances, up to 90% of dialogue and sounds effects are recreated after the shoot has actually finished. Having done ADR (Additional Dialogue Recording) myself I can certainly attest to how tough it can be for the actor to recreate the mood and emotion, sometimes months later, of the original performance. Props can be a boon to any performer, if used well, but they can also be a right pain in the backside if poorly maintained and will detract from a performance. Every actor has his or her horror stories about props that seem to take on a life of their own. Thumbs up from me and good luck to he or she who takes on this subject. – Amyus7 years ago
Enter into a discussion about the identity of the villain in media and how this identity has changed and/or evolved over time. I think it would be interesting to take a sampling of different media over time (film, TV series, video games, literature) and analyze which group/people represent the "Bad Guy" in each and how that may correspond to the specific historical time period. Older Bond films often pit British intelligence against the Soviets – along with films such as Hunt for Red October – while many modern films concentrate themselves on Middle Eastern conflicts (i.e. London Has Fallen.) Does the bad guy always fall under a certain nation? Are directors forced to deal with the 'politically correct'?
Looking at the shift in villain identity in media over time could be an interesting read! Over my lifetime I've seen an apparent shift from villains as just wanting to destroy the world into a character we can relate with, however looking back to when film first came out, it's easy to see that the villain was sometimes racialized as a form of propaganda. Bringing a variety of media into the discussion could be a difficult task and I wouldn't blame someone for narrowing that down. But who knows, maybe there's a direct correlation between when film came out in regards to literature or when video games came out in regards to film, that the new media type inspired a change in villain identity across the others? – Slaidey7 years ago
One could easily address this topic only using superhero films. Or even just one studio's superhero films. Or just one superhero's films. In particular I think of the richness of the Joker in his depiction of an enemy that thrives on conflict, without a past or real identity. – jackanapes7 years ago
From the unfortunate Stormtrooper who banged his head on a door in 'Star Wars – A New Hope' (1977), to the brave souls who survived the 'Helm's Deep', three months of night shoots in 'Lord of The Rings. The Two Towers' (2002), the Support Actor or Extra is a vital element of film making, but often overlooked by the cinema going public. These days 'extras' are big business, with a myriad of agencies offering almost any size, shape and range of looks that any production may require. Yet it's not often that these loyal and hard working bodies even receive an end titles credit. The British sitcom 'Extras' (2005-2007), attempted the redress the balance, but still focused on the improbable rise to fame of the lead character. Perhaps it's time that our unsung heroes of film and television were recognised and rewarded for their professional skills and dedication to the art. An Oscar or similar for 'Best Featured Extra' perhaps?
I can't wait to see what you do with this topic. :) – Stephanie M.7 years ago
I'm tempted, Stephanie, but I fear that as an insider my views would be biased. I've had a few minor roles where lines were cut so I didn't get the eagerly anticipated credit, but I continue to slog on regardless. So, I put this topic forward to see if an interested yet unconnected party might like to delve into the fascinating world of the Extra. Ahh, we are such stuff as dreams are made on....and 10 points to anyone who can complete the quote! :) – Amyus7 years ago
Get out capitalized on an old formula of using exaggerated horror to commentate on pressing social issues in the vein of Invasion of the Body Snatchers or Rosemary's Baby. Do you think that it will usher in a new era of horror more concerned with having a greater social commentary?
In art school I met George Romero and Tom Savini at a Pittsburgh arts show con thing. I alas liked Romero's italian Roman satire take in the fact that his zombies were as he said to us then, a reflection on American consumerism and brain dead watchers of the vast wasteland. That idea of his, has become a gore fest making the sopranos look like king lear, and a study in the arts of make up. What do you think...? – Antonius8657 years ago
What makes two people (usually a man and a woman) compatible in an action movie? How do these moments get interspersed with action? What's the difference between a Bond seduction and a Tron flirtation? Why is The Matrix my favorite romance series? Are there harmful stereotypes, is there empowerment of female characters? Does kink gloss over unhealthy habits? Much to discuss!
Interesting connection here. Good examples too. – Munjeera7 years ago
Good choice for favorite romance series – Linden7 years ago
An interesting perspective. Looking forward to seeing what someone does with it. – AGMacdonald7 years ago
Interesting contrast could be Bond-Bourne too, as the recent Bonds are so similar to Bourne but Bond still does the whole romancey thing, where Bourne largely leaves it alone. – Marcus Dean7 years ago
As in raiders of the lost ark, the best girlfriends have a what i call the Suzanne Phleshette rule, they must be cute, but not fragile. – Antonius8657 years ago
Too many questions with very few points of connection. Almost nothing concrete to work with. – T. Palomino2 years ago
