Dull film titles...
October 22nd 2007 03:35
Is it just me or have other people noticed a plethora of dull, boring film names lately? Surely it’s a bit like a book cover, the name has to catch the audience’s interest so that they might see the film? To me I like to gain an impression of what the film might be like through the title. I lean towards the quirky, independent films more than the more linear, mainstream ones and it seems that the dull ones fall in the latter department. And there seems to be a theme of names in the titles.
The way I see it, we are capable of reading a synopsis of a film and deciding if we want to see it. I like a clue in title, but if’s it’s too dull; it’s unlikely I will see it.
The ones that I’m thinking of are the following:
Michael Clayton - so this title tells me it’s about a bloke called Michael Clayton. Big deal, yawn...
The Ex – Far too obvious a title and hasn’t it been done before?
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford – I have a slight interest in this film, but gosh couldn’t they have phrased the title in a more interesting way?
Elizabeth: The Golden Age – haven’t we had a few Elizabeth films, is it already time for another one?
Gabriel - Again, who is he and what does he want? But maybe those are the film questions the directors want us to ask and then see the film.
September – I guess at least we wonder what the significance of September us enough to warrant it being a title.
Irina Palm – the film may be interesting, but I think they could’ve done something a bit more unusual with the title.
Mr Brooks – hmmm, who is he and what does he want?
On the other end of the sphere, here are a few titles that have intrigue me and I am keen to see:
Dr Plonk
The Final Winter
Death At A Funeral
Control
4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days
Eastern Promises (already seen and very good)
Inside Paris
And in the middle of the spectrum are some that are slightly intriguing but still quite linear:
Conversations with My Gardener
Death at a Funeral
Contact
These films’ themes are not blatantly obvious, so they pique my interest and therefore I’m more likely to see them (unless I read the synopsis and it sounds like tripe). If they do sound rubbish, interesting title or no title I won’t see them, I’m not a biased-title viewer.
What do you think? Feel free to disagree or tell me to stick a sock in it. Or tell me the films that you’ve seen and that my title assumptions are wrong. I can handle it, I'm tough.
Byee
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Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
It's when I see such celluloid blockbusters as "The Minimalist" or "Attack of the Boring Movie Titles" that I'll be entirely convinced.
Stay well.
MNG
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Byee
Comment by Mountain Fog
Infognito
QUOTE ME NO QUOTES!
How about "TITANIC" for a movie...how on earth did they get 'float' money for that one?? hehe! And besides, the title gives you a sinking feeling and everyone knows it has a baaaad ending! tee hee!
Mostly, in the sixties and seventies, all the really bad crap films had really bad crap titles, life was easier then, you knew to avoid certain films by their title, today, I am not so sure, as many great sounding titles are absolute tripe as a film!
How about this for an idea for a post...movies that have been rebadged! That is, re-titled. This happens usually when a foreign film, like one of our Aussie ones, is taken up in the States, and they decide it needs a 'better' name...
eg, MAD MAX 1, became ROAD WARRIOR.
Some coked up ignoramous in a power position, usually a distributer, decided to rename it, because he could, and because he was surrounded by moron sycophants deluding him that he had brains and imagination!
They also used to redub the accents into American, because they said no one would understand the Aussie accent...true for a few awful Aussie accents...but usually they were not actors!
ummm..ok....that seems to be about it...but LOVE AMERICA!!! just in case you thought I had 'turned'...hehe!
cheers
fog
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
Health Focus
MS Paint Art
But with George Clooney, who needs a title.
The unmovie buff, katyzzz, risen from the dead again.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
You are absolutely right. I have often thought this myself, and have particularly been noticing it in the last few years with TV shows too.
Don't they know that if they have an unimaginative title, it's not saying much for the rest of the film?
Michaelie
BTW, Am also intrigued by Death at a Funeral!
Comment by peeker
Film Peek Forum
I think you're right, although sometimes a title doesn't need to explain anything in order to attract. Like Mr. Brooks, if you see that name together with the uncomfortable poster, you'd know that this is a story about and based on a crazy personality, hence Mr. Brooks. But sure, maybe it doesn't work the same way without the image.
Then I think "The Assassination..." is pretty amusing title, but a bit too long maybe.
I agree with the good titles, and you must like Death at a Funeral since you mention it twice =)
Have good one,
peeker
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I like your pun about Titanic, very true!!
I hadn’t thought about films in the sixties and seventies,only the more recent ones. While I was on holiday that I realised that there seemed to be wearisome titles happening. I was a being a bit facetious as of course the film could still be good, but the lack of imagination bothered me. But they could still be a load of hot air and in keeping with their tedious titles. I think I'm leaning towards that assumption.
I really like the idea you mentioned for a post. That is definitely on my list (I still haven’t done my holiday one yet, time is whizzing past too quickly at the moment). I didn’t know that Mad Max1, became Road Warrior. I love having post ides that I need to research and that one is an excellent idea, thank-you.
Bye and good to see you,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Non-film buffs are always welcome here. What was the film that your friend took you to that wasn't a good choice?
Yes, George is a bit of a handsome devil isn't he?
Byeee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Hi Michaelie
Good to see you, thanks for your thoughts. I’m glad I’m not alone with noticing it and yes, it does seem to be happening with telly progs too doesn’t it?
This is what I think:
Don't they know that if they have an unimaginative title, it's not saying much for the rest of the film?
I’m off to see Death at a Funeral tonight so I can let you know what it’s like.
Byeeee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I see what you mean with Mr Brooks, the combination of the title and poster does tell us something. But I didn't see the combination, while I was away that I kept hearing about Mr Brooks and Michael Clayton and the titles just seemed so dull, I kept thinking who are they and what the hell do they want? What a chirpy soul I am. So that’s why I wrote this rather facetious post which is fun as well as a chance to have a moan.
Yes, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford title is extremely long isn’t it? It seems like it might be a good film though from what I’ve read.
You are observant noticing that I mentioned Death at a Funeral twice, it must be because I’m seeing it tonight,
Tracy
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Yes, please do that Tracy, just leave a comment on here if you could and I'll be sure to read it then. I haven't even really read the reviews on it - I'm going purely off the name, so it'll be interesting to see how it measures up!
Michaelie
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I hadn't realised my pun of 'Morning Fog"...he he.
Yeppie, I'll leave a comment on here tomorrow about it. In an ideal world, I would love to do a full review but I feel so behind with things, that I might not be able to. I still have my holiday one to do!!
Byee
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Food Slate
p/s...Welcome back! Is Fergs back too?
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It's good to see you and your glamorous tootsies.
I'll definitely do an update on 'Death at a Funeral' tomorrow. A friend just told me that she thought it was quite dull and relied on only one joke throughout it...so we'll see. I like hearing opinions and then seeing it for myself.
Oh yes, Fergs is back!! I'm actually off to the park with him now, he's looking at me....and waiting...
Will speak to you tomorrow,
Tracy
Comment by Ashley
College of Cash
Why would I want to see a movie with a boring title? If they weren't clever enough to make up an awesome title, how clever/interesting will their film be? haha
Comment by Mitchell Hooter
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I agree:
I do sometimes look further than the title, but if I get the feeling it's a dull, obvious film, then I tend to give it the flick.
Thanks for popping in,
Tracy
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
That’s a good point, it definitely does sound authentic...it’s still a bit long for me though.
Hope you enjoy the film
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I can honestly say I hadn't thought of that point...!!
Tracy
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Great posts. Love your thinking here. I did not even think about how quirky titles really make the difference with me (in terms of my interest to see a movie in the first place.) I am looking forward to seeing Michael Clayton though.
Mis
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It's great to see you as always. I was being a bit mischievous with some of my pet peeves, but it was fun.
Hope you enjoy Clayton. Wil you let me know what you think, I'm curious.
Tracy