Comments on: WTF: Mainstream Directors Selling Out for Art http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php A Website About Movies Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:06:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: cumshots http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-231063 cumshots Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:49:00 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-231063 Lol. you're an idiot Brett Ratner made Hannibal. David Fincher is a has-been music video director. The only etertaining film he ever made was Panic Room. The rest were total shit! Lol. you’re an idiot Brett Ratner made Hannibal. David Fincher is a has-been music video director. The only etertaining film he ever made was Panic Room. The rest were total shit!

]]> By: Seanithan Egan http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125977 Seanithan Egan Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125977 I have to say this is a pretty null argument in my book. I agree that sometimes directors purposely make an "award" movie.. but come on. The main problem with your argument is that you claim that something being a hit makes it a "sell-out" movie which is ridiculous. 28 Days Later was a relatively low budget movie and it did so well because it's fucking enjoyable. The Ocean movies, although a bit ridiculous, were well made (alright, maybe not the 2nd one) and also enjoyable. What the hell's wrong with David Fincher's movies? I dunno, from this article you just seem like the kid in high school who goes around calling everyone who doesn't listen to Black Flag and Minor Threat a poser. Some directors make movies to make money and some make money making movies. I have to say this is a pretty null argument in my book.

I agree that sometimes directors purposely make an "award" movie.. but come on.

The main problem with your argument is that you claim that something being a hit makes it a "sell-out" movie which is ridiculous.

28 Days Later was a relatively low budget movie and it did so well because it's fucking enjoyable. The Ocean movies, although a bit ridiculous, were well made (alright, maybe not the 2nd one) and also enjoyable.

What the hell's wrong with David Fincher's movies?

I dunno, from this article you just seem like the kid in high school who goes around calling everyone who doesn't listen to Black Flag and Minor Threat a poser.

Some directors make movies to make money and some make money making movies.

]]> By: James Rocchi http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125817 James Rocchi Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125817 Neil: You know I'm terribly fond of you, but dismissing The Wrestler as "a chepa grab at some award wins" is simply fatuous. Respectfully disagreeing, James Neil: You know I'm terribly fond of you, but dismissing The Wrestler as "a chepa grab at some award wins" is simply fatuous.

Respectfully disagreeing,

James

]]> By: rejectnation http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125822 rejectnation Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125822 James, I'm terribly fond of you, too. Thankfully Kevin wrote this article. ;) So you and I are totally on the same side of the argument. I think that most things Kevin says are fatuous. James, I'm terribly fond of you, too. Thankfully Kevin wrote this article. ;) So you and I are totally on the same side of the argument. I think that most things Kevin says are fatuous.

]]> By: BigPoppa http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125824 BigPoppa Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125824 To quick to judge my friend.I love alot of the movies out this year but how are they"selling out"?Personaly im so excited for benjman buttton.These diectors arent selling out their growing up.their abillity's as story tellers are coming full circle,david fincher dosent need to come out with another "shock n awe" gritty ,violent piece of film.All these diectors are able to tell simple stories,thats what they've brought to the table.As a director each movie you do is an opportunity to create something exellent and with movies like milk,the wrester,and benjiman button these diectors have created movies that i love,and critics alike agree are exellent.And common gus van sant is the very example of someone who hasn't sold out,hes able to do critically praised hollywood movies then he pops out movies like "elephant","paranoid park",and "last days" then to come back and do movie like milk,this man is genuis. PS.Darren Aronofsky deserves a paycheck just to make up for the beatings the fountain gave him To quick to judge my friend.I love alot of the movies out this year but how are they"selling out"?Personaly im so excited for benjman buttton.These diectors arent selling out their growing up.their abillity's as story tellers are coming full circle,david fincher dosent need to come out with another "shock n awe" gritty ,violent piece of film.All these diectors are able to tell simple stories,thats what they've brought to the table.As a director each movie you do is an opportunity to create something exellent and with movies like milk,the wrester,and benjiman button these diectors have created movies that i love,and critics alike agree are exellent.And common gus van sant is the very example of someone who hasn't sold out,hes able to do critically praised hollywood movies then he pops out movies like "elephant","paranoid park",and "last days" then to come back and do movie like milk,this man is genuis.
PS.Darren Aronofsky deserves a paycheck just to make up for the beatings the fountain gave him

]]> By: rejectnation http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125826 rejectnation Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125826 Also, Kevin, your oblivious knack for satire continues to be brilliant. Also, Kevin, your oblivious knack for satire continues to be brilliant.

]]> By: Cole_Abaius http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125830 Cole_Abaius Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125830 Haha! Fat! I get it. Haha! Fat! I get it.

]]> By: Cole_Abaius http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125832 Cole_Abaius Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125832 Neil, why do you have more meaningless commenting points than I do? This is an outrage! This agression will not stand. Neil, why do you have more meaningless commenting points than I do? This is an outrage!

This agression will not stand.

]]> By: Davebaxter1989 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125849 Davebaxter1989 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125849 In fairness some would say Fincher has deserved Oscar attention long before now with Zodiac, Fight Club and Se7en. At least most of these films are at least good as it would be worst to attempt an Oscar film and get shut out. In fairness some would say Fincher has deserved Oscar attention long before now with Zodiac, Fight Club and Se7en. At least most of these films are at least good as it would be worst to attempt an Oscar film and get shut out.

]]> By: Dave http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125859 Dave Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125859 I think you need to re-watch the Fountain before calling it a "shit storm". Sure, it had its production and finance issues, but it is a brilliant film made by one of the most brilliant directors in decades. I ask you to take back your comment. That being said, making a film to win awards is in no way selling out - if the film is good, it should win awards. If it's not, it won't. I think you need to re-watch the Fountain before calling it a "shit storm". Sure, it had its production and finance issues, but it is a brilliant film made by one of the most brilliant directors in decades. I ask you to take back your comment. That being said, making a film to win awards is in no way selling out – if the film is good, it should win awards. If it's not, it won't.

]]> By: Dani http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125860 Dani Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125860 Don't really get most of your examples. Ron Howard has been making oscar-y films for quite a few years now: Apolo 13, Cinderella Man, A Beautiful Mind... Successful or not, it's not like he suddenly changed his style. David Fincher already made a three hour piece with toned down visual stlye. It was called Zodiac, and not many people saw it. Don't think Benjamin Button is inconsisten with his body of work. Clint Eastwood has been directing films that were not westerns or dirty cop movies for a long while now. 20 years ago he directed a jazz musician biopic. A perfect world? Bridges of Madison County? Don't really get most of your examples. Ron Howard has been making oscar-y films for quite a few years now: Apolo 13, Cinderella Man, A Beautiful Mind… Successful or not, it's not like he suddenly changed his style.

David Fincher already made a three hour piece with toned down visual stlye. It was called Zodiac, and not many people saw it. Don't think Benjamin Button is inconsisten with his body of work.

Clint Eastwood has been directing films that were not westerns or dirty cop movies for a long while now. 20 years ago he directed a jazz musician biopic. A perfect world? Bridges of Madison County?

]]> By: Jackson mackson http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125861 Jackson mackson Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125861 Well David Fincher is doing HEAVY METAL, so I wouldn't say he is trying to make an oscar grab for that and Benjamin Button was suppose to come out in MAY and not be an oscar season movie, which looks amazing. Also Darren Aronofsky has always said he wanted to do big budget studio movies, he has always loved sports movies and he wanted to make this- Rudy is one of his favs. I mean why not bas Christopher Nolan while your at it, he made great indies and now does the big studio movies. Sure call Ron Howard a sell out but he is doing stuff that he wants to do. I don't mind calling Eastwood a sell out because he only seems interested in oscars. Its unfair to throw Gus Van Sant in there too because he just about only makes indie movies but MILK is getting the most recognition. Well David Fincher is doing HEAVY METAL, so I wouldn't say he is trying to make an oscar grab for that and Benjamin Button was suppose to come out in MAY and not be an oscar season movie, which looks amazing. Also Darren Aronofsky has always said he wanted to do big budget studio movies, he has always loved sports movies and he wanted to make this- Rudy is one of his favs. I mean why not bas Christopher Nolan while your at it, he made great indies and now does the big studio movies. Sure call Ron Howard a sell out but he is doing stuff that he wants to do. I don't mind calling Eastwood a sell out because he only seems interested in oscars. Its unfair to throw Gus Van Sant in there too because he just about only makes indie movies but MILK is getting the most recognition.

]]> By: ANGRYBROOMSTICK http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125863 ANGRYBROOMSTICK Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125863 who cares? If they want to make good, artsy films, let them do that. I like artsy films AND big budget Hollywood films. you need to relax, man. who cares? If they want to make good, artsy films, let them do that. I like artsy films AND big budget Hollywood films.

you need to relax, man.

]]> By: FilmFemme http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125865 FilmFemme Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125865 It seems to me that any director worth his salt as an "artist" probably wants to venture into new genres and styles as much as possible. Much better to "sell out" (which I think is the wrong way to put it) by exploring new techniques and styles than to get stuck in a rut, making the same movie over and over. PS: When Brett Ratner gets nominated for an Oscar is when I stop going to the movies. It seems to me that any director worth his salt as an "artist" probably wants to venture into new genres and styles as much as possible. Much better to "sell out" (which I think is the wrong way to put it) by exploring new techniques and styles than to get stuck in a rut, making the same movie over and over.

PS: When Brett Ratner gets nominated for an Oscar is when I stop going to the movies.

]]> By: John http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125872 John Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125872 I would not call it selling out. I would call it directors trying their hardest to produce a good film. The directors obviously have a passion for the project or else they would not have taken it on. The awards season is just an extra catalyst for them to try and do better. And what's wrong with that? At least people are trying to make good movies, instead of the run-of-the-mill action films and bland holiday comedies that people shell their money our for. At least people will experience different types of films and would be more open to newer things. And then maybe, we will have more decent films. Also, your reasons for these directors are faulty. As someone mentioned above, Ron Howard has been directing "oscar" type films for many years. And I would not repremand Fincher for doing something different. At least, he is trying to stectch himself as a director. And most of Eastwood's "DIRECTING" films have been "awards" type films. I guess this all comes down to taste, but I think this is a very unfair assessment of directors trying to make GOOD movies. I would not call it selling out. I would call it directors trying their hardest to produce a good film. The directors obviously have a passion for the project or else they would not have taken it on. The awards season is just an extra catalyst for them to try and do better. And what's wrong with that? At least people are trying to make good movies, instead of the run-of-the-mill action films and bland holiday comedies that people shell their money our for. At least people will experience different types of films and would be more open to newer things. And then maybe, we will have more decent films.

Also, your reasons for these directors are faulty. As someone mentioned above, Ron Howard has been directing "oscar" type films for many years. And I would not repremand Fincher for doing something different. At least, he is trying to stectch himself as a director. And most of Eastwood's "DIRECTING" films have been "awards" type films.

I guess this all comes down to taste, but I think this is a very unfair assessment of directors trying to make GOOD movies.

]]> By: Alericc http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125874 Alericc Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125874 Screw Ron Howard, he deserves all the bile you can cast at him. His films have been sliding into the Spielberg version of how to not make movies for the last 5 years. These days if I see Ron's name attached to it I close my wallet and move on to another movie. Have to disagree with Clint Eastwood, his track record shows he has no problem crossing from money making movies, Dirty Harry, to oscar contenders, Million Dollar Baby, just to throw the critics off balance. He at least produces enjoyable and watchable films. Screw Ron Howard, he deserves all the bile you can cast at him. His films have been sliding into the Spielberg version of how to not make movies for the last 5 years. These days if I see Ron's name attached to it I close my wallet and move on to another movie.

Have to disagree with Clint Eastwood, his track record shows he has no problem crossing from money making movies, Dirty Harry, to oscar contenders, Million Dollar Baby, just to throw the critics off balance. He at least produces enjoyable and watchable films.

]]> By: Nish http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125885 Nish Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125885 If these directors aren't selling out, why aren't these films being released outside the award season? It annoys me that films are being called the best film in 2008 when they've only been released for like a week. If these directors aren't selling out, why aren't these films being released outside the award season? It annoys me that films are being called the best film in 2008 when they've only been released for like a week.

]]> By: Kevin_Carr http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125897 Kevin_Carr Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125897 I think you're right. "shit storm" was a bit harsh... how does "shit sandwich" sound? Seriously, this movie was excruciating. I'd watch it again, but I don't hate myself enough to do so. I think you're right. "shit storm" was a bit harsh… how does "shit sandwich" sound?

Seriously, this movie was excruciating. I'd watch it again, but I don't hate myself enough to do so.

]]> By: Kevin_Carr http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125898 Kevin_Carr Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125898 I will fight you, Neil Miller. I will fight you, Neil Miller.

]]> By: Kevin_Carr http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/wtf-mainstream-directors-selling-out-for-art.php/comment-page-1#comment-125899 Kevin_Carr Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:25:07 +0000 http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/?p=26338#comment-125899 Amen, brother. Amen, brother.

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