Post by crazy_asian_man on Jul 31, 2022 0:17:23 GMT -5
It's true that movies reflect the times it was made in-
For me, I had my mind blown by the original Star Wars then saw it leave the theatres, leaving a big void (not quite filled by Close Encounters which came about the same time).... there was a sense of cinematic excitement in the air for kids and adults when the film amazed both.
But then- while having to wait for a sequel, the Superman buzz started to happen in tv commercials that would tease how grand the event was, with mostly only two clips released to tv: the first appearance of Clark Kent to the Daily Planet staff and part of the interview scene with Lois and Supes (without any flying or landing shots).
To see it with a long line that was excited and hungry to be wowed again not long after the first Star Wars was a giant event- keep in mind the movies were a bit of a desert at the time for young adventure films (The Star Wars clones hadn't happened yet & the Speilberg produced machine of summer adventures like Back to the Future, Goonies, etc. hadn't come yet)---
So to me the crowd excitement savoring each special effect moment (usually with a locked-down camera given the fx tech was still new and required it) as well as the style of filmmaking and editing that had an easy pace... that all was part of the special appeal.
Nowadays, the two films might feel a bit slow- or- dated.... but I kind of wish there was an extra dvd audio track that would have the audience reactions to remind me of the shared excitement of all the wonderful emotional responses felt-
The laughter that would come up at the right moments - like when baby Clark lifts the car and the Kents do a double-take to the ship.... the quiet moments at the cemetary and the creation of the fortress of solitude.... to the explosion of laughter and excitement during the helicopter rescue and the many funny and heartfelt moments during the interview/flying ballet scenes.
Aside from sharing wonderful behind the scenes production designers, of course the magnificent John Williams music for both film allowed audiences to just soak in the wonderful images and score. The slower pacing and lack of shakicam let you appreciate both.
Anyhow- maybe I sound like the old fart I probably am- but in rewatching the first films of both, I know it's part of how films were shot at the time- but, while big money was still spent on subsequent sequels.... in rewatching these- it's nice to be reminded that spectacle sometimes shone way more when fx shots were sparing and really special and the editing allowed you to sit back and really take in the beauty of the art department as well as the performances, when the story was strong enough to let you take your time without losing interest.
For me, I had my mind blown by the original Star Wars then saw it leave the theatres, leaving a big void (not quite filled by Close Encounters which came about the same time).... there was a sense of cinematic excitement in the air for kids and adults when the film amazed both.
But then- while having to wait for a sequel, the Superman buzz started to happen in tv commercials that would tease how grand the event was, with mostly only two clips released to tv: the first appearance of Clark Kent to the Daily Planet staff and part of the interview scene with Lois and Supes (without any flying or landing shots).
To see it with a long line that was excited and hungry to be wowed again not long after the first Star Wars was a giant event- keep in mind the movies were a bit of a desert at the time for young adventure films (The Star Wars clones hadn't happened yet & the Speilberg produced machine of summer adventures like Back to the Future, Goonies, etc. hadn't come yet)---
So to me the crowd excitement savoring each special effect moment (usually with a locked-down camera given the fx tech was still new and required it) as well as the style of filmmaking and editing that had an easy pace... that all was part of the special appeal.
Nowadays, the two films might feel a bit slow- or- dated.... but I kind of wish there was an extra dvd audio track that would have the audience reactions to remind me of the shared excitement of all the wonderful emotional responses felt-
The laughter that would come up at the right moments - like when baby Clark lifts the car and the Kents do a double-take to the ship.... the quiet moments at the cemetary and the creation of the fortress of solitude.... to the explosion of laughter and excitement during the helicopter rescue and the many funny and heartfelt moments during the interview/flying ballet scenes.
Aside from sharing wonderful behind the scenes production designers, of course the magnificent John Williams music for both film allowed audiences to just soak in the wonderful images and score. The slower pacing and lack of shakicam let you appreciate both.
Anyhow- maybe I sound like the old fart I probably am- but in rewatching the first films of both, I know it's part of how films were shot at the time- but, while big money was still spent on subsequent sequels.... in rewatching these- it's nice to be reminded that spectacle sometimes shone way more when fx shots were sparing and really special and the editing allowed you to sit back and really take in the beauty of the art department as well as the performances, when the story was strong enough to let you take your time without losing interest.
