Dull stories, tidy endings.
February 21st 2008 23:03
Watching trailers at the cinema the other night, I wondered what is the mass appeal of seeing a film where you can predict its conclusion before even seeing it? Why bother? Unconsciously I sifted through the films, noting the ones that appealed and the ones that didn’t. The list of ones that didn’t was longer.
The old adage, ‘fun but predictable,’ seems to be a reason for film companies to continue churning out these masses of formulaic stories for audiences to ingest. Writers are determined to keep the ‘happy ever after’ theme but why, when life rarely ends tidily and perfectly?
Well, maybe I should try and answer my own questions instead of bombarding you with them. I think one of the main reasons is escapism. We often choose to hop into the film world as a break from our own lives. There is comfort knowing that we are in safe hands that the ending isn’t going to make us cry...or even more horrifying, think. I understand these reasons, I enjoy escapism occasionally, my gripe is that mainstream cinema heavily relies on this method, rarely deviating.
If more directors and writers would try the alternate endings a little more often, maybe there would be more diversity. Thank goodness for the insurgence of alternative films that rely on audiences having a brain that they want to use and don’t spoon-fed the film to us. As Ken Loach stated: ‘A good story should surprise you as it unfolds. Then afterwards it should seem the story could only have unfolded that way.’
By looking at which films are considered ‘sucessful’, the ones that shovel the money in, such as Titanic, it’s obvious that such films do sell. Titanic won eleven Academy Awards including Best Picture, and became the highest grossing film of all time, with a total worldwide gross of US$1.8 billion. What was the appeal? We all know the ending, it sank. A facetious example I know but I couldn’t resist as it got up my nose so much. So, is it is the process that is so beguiling, not only the conclusion?
The ending is not always a full stop of the film experience. Often it gives clarity and reopens the film experience by making the audience revise the film after leaving the cinema. Contentment with endings can of course be subjective. What may satisfy one viewer may completely dissatisfy another and possibly ruin the experience.
In Caché, Michael Haneke toys with the relationship between form and meaning. It is uncertain whose perspective the viewer is watching from, Haneke’s behind-the-lens perspective or a character’s perspective – in front of one lens and behind another? The opaque ending is ambiguous; the question of who sent the tapes is open to interpretation. Thus, a device that is alluring to some, frustrating to others. As Haneke said: 'I like the audience to finish the film; novels evoke images, cinema steals them, I am constantly looking for ways to give that power back to the spectator.' I agree.
Compare these two trailers: August Rush
Fool's Gold
with Caché
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Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
I see moving endings as a prelude to further experiences...
Comment by katyzzz
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Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I concur with all of it. Happy-ending escapism can be safe and satisfying sometimes when life is kicking your arse, but we all need a lot more in our movie diet! It's all Hollywood, it needs a shake up.
Fool's Gold - ick, a perfect example of what's going wrong. If I tried to soothe myself with that I would end up doing my head in!
I agree too, and have just been discussing something similar with Epiphanie.
Michaelie
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I’m glad I’m not alone with my grumbling, it just seems like all that can be produced in mainstream cinema is safe, predictable stories with the clichéd happy endings.
I would happily do a post on brain-numbing films...I would go wild with that one...I just wprry that I might scare other bloggers!
I agree: I see moving endings as a prelude to further experiences... What a fantastic statement and observation. Having just seen The Diving Bell and Butterfly, my mind has been opened to the power of the human mind and body; the images of Baudy and his resilience have stayed with me.
Thanks for popping over, always a pleasure!
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I agree, those elements really add strength to a film. Hitchcock did it so well. It didn't have to be overt or heavy-handed to be effective. Maybe that's one of the reasons why his work is still important and respected years on.
Thanks for your comments,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks for the compliment; I’m glad you like the post.
I agree, when I’m life-weary, I definitely enjoy some escapism but when it’s most of what is being offered something is awry. Plus, it’s plain annoying and often insulting. Light-hearted entertainment can still be clever, I've enjoyed many French films that have acheived this blend.
We need Hollywood to know that audiences can think and are able to follow a story without them leading us.
I’m going to hop over and see what you and Epiphanie were discussing (I'm a bit nosy).
Byee, good to see you.
Tracy
Comment by Mountain Fog
Infognito
cheers
pity can't watch the movies you posted, but, it all looks nice anyway...tee hee.
fog
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I know what you mean,haven't they heard of spoiler alert or perhaps stepping back from giving too much away? Ah well....
Pity you can't see the films, I think you would like Caché.
Thanks for popping by,
Tracy
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
I'm looking forward to watching "The Diving Bell and Butterfly" but I want to read the book first
Ta...
Comment by Krystal
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I'm also going to get a copy of the book. I could be wrong, but I have a feeling the film version will be comparable to it...
Thanks for popping in,
Trace
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Yes, Atonement doesn't fit in the predictable basket but I found myself quite agitated while watching. It has much to do with my frustration with Keira Knightley’s wooden performance.
Thanks for popping in,
Tracy
Comment by Miswanderlust
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mis
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I like having company with my grumblings!
Tracy
Comment by Techno
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I think life and films are inexplicably linked...great that you enjoy both.
I'm sure you think more than your dad thinks you do...
Tracy
Comment by JohnDoe
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I was a bit worried that if I didn't reign myself in I would scare everyone away...