Quote:
Originally posted by The STE
Based on the evidence presented by the effects these movies had, breaking the mold generally just creates a new mold. Not saying molds shouldn't be broken, but the innovation doesn't last long. It's like a camera flash.
As for the style/substance part, one could make an argument that a lot of American horror is devoid of substance as well. But substance over style isn't a bad thing. If the substance works then style might not matter at all, or the style might just come naturally from the quality of the substance.
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certainly - style over substance isnt a proven winner all the time ..
and it translates poorly in other markets.
Look at John Woo for example .. everything that worked in The Killer failed in Hard Target because he didnt understand the difference between the Chinese and american audience.
Corny doesnt work well here.
He found his balance in Face Off ..
substance over style works when you have a great cast .. you dont need the ultra-atmosphere or the reliance on the music because the performances work - or the great plot ...
Balance is the key ..
but back to the other point ... cultural differences are everything in cinema ... things that are trivial to us will have a greater meaning elsewhere ...
things that are corny to us are deep and meaningful elsewhere ..
When i think of Hong Kong ganster cinema for example .. as recently as the Woo films - they are still approaching the themes of friendship, women, etc from an american 1930's gangster film perspective. They are influenced by the US films but they were helplessly outdated.
The Japanese caught up to the US style and surpassed it - in a measured and methodical way.. sure they are atmospheric but they are very aware of their own formula too.
italian film .. well, they are a gem unto themselves .. they borrow from america but twist everything to suit their own origional (and entheusiastic) sensibilities ... which is probably why I like them the best ...