The genius behind "Blade Runner" and "Alien" warns that new technology is killing off the big-screen experience.I mentioned last month how Sir Elton John railed against the evils of the internet and for which he held responsible for "destroying good music" and stopping "...people from going out and being with each other, creating stuff." Well, now another "Sir" has entered the fray of artists criticizing the Internet with director Sir Ridley Scott voicing his distaste with the way the internet has revolutionized the ability of consumers to access content whenever and wherever they choose. From mobile phones to desktop PCs, the internet now provides the opportunity for end users to stream and download an increasingly large variety of digital material that has turned movie theaters into simply another access terminal of sorts, a twist of technological fate that Sir Scott laments is killing the cinema experience. "People sit there watching a movie on a tiny screen," Scott noted. "You can't beat it, you've got to join it and deal with it and also get competitive with it. We try to do films which are in support of cinema, in a large room with good sound and a big picture." "I'm sure we're on a losing wicket, but we're fighting technology," said Scott, the genius behind such classic films like "Alien," "Blade Runner," and "Gladiator." "While it has been wonderful in many aspects, it also has some big negative downsides." It isn't clear whether he's advocating a movement to tear down the internet as did Sir John, but he certainly dislikes the way that his movies are now able to be viewed in a way that he never intentioned. Each of his movies are filmed, edited, and produced with a creative vision in mind that takes into account the size, sound, and picture of movie theaters. When it's screened on anything less he thinks that viewers are being shortchanged. Now while I do disagree obviously that the internet is to blame for killing cinema, I do agree with his disdain for the way in which the experience he worked so hard to create for each of his movies is then ruined when people watch it on mobile phones or PCs. It's not hard to sympathize with the genius behind "Blade Runner" and the real beauty of that movie when seen on the big screen, and how it it pales in comparison when watched on anything less. But, to his credit he does recognize the garbage that Hollywood has been spewing out over the years, a real reason I believe for low ticket sales when the MPAA otherwise tries to blame piracy. "I think movies are getting dumber, actually. Where it used to be 50/50, now it's 3% good, 97% stupid. If Sir Scott is smart enough to recognize that most of what Hollywood makes is stupid, then the least I can do is sympathize with him for the way in which his movies eventually become disposable pieces of consumer goods, and his lamenting over how his works of passion become just another mans distraction while in line at the supermarket. Bottom line? Maybe the internet is killing the cinema experience, but so long as people keep producing QUALITY films that people actually want to see (you know that 3% crowd?) then he has nothing to fear. His upcoming movie "American Gangster" is a perfect example of why people do go to the movies. TRAILER FOR AMERICAN GANGSTER**NOTE: Sir Scott was in Venice to screen his new "Blade Runner: The Final Cut," which removes Harrison Ford's voiceover that was originally demanded by Warner Bros. for the "hard-of-thinking."Looking for more stuff to watch or download?Elton John: 'Close Down the Internet!'3 Quick Ways to Watch Movies for FREE!
|
 
|
members that voted for this story
|
It's just that when it is your very own sorry, coddled ass that is on the line, all rationale, logic and reason goes the way of the dodo bird. The threat of losing all the power, money and influence does take its toll on your sanity as demonstrated by these Royal Johnnie-come-late-lies.
Well, you know, if it's your ox that's being gored, as the aying goes, if it encroaches on your little patch of
As far as I know, he never claimed to be an english language teacher. LOL!
I found a lot of things wrong with the article....but the english language and it's use were not one of the top things that I found so horrible.
As u in fact admit, writing is truly an "art," and much as is the case with all other arts, everybody's a critic.
BTW, haven't used a Thesaurus since college.... :)
Works for me every time!
There are big screens in home theaters too, but I watch mostly on my 17" in. inch pc monitor, and don't feel like I'm missing out. I do have some great memories of seeing films for the first time in theaters, movies that have meant a lot to me. There is something special, but all in all, when the lights are out, it's just another screen in front of me.
Then barf into your milkshake and drink it up....adds that bitter salty flavor to the whole thing!
Yah, I still remember watching an "american werewolf in London" in the theater when I was like 13 believe it or not, was frickin crazy!
1. Solicitations for god knows what before the movie starts by theatre employees (I've seen members of the audience throw popcorn, candy and soda at them while yelling expletives, to get them to shut up)
2. People that won't shut up during the movie and think it's perfectly ok to talk.
3. People that talk on cell phone during the movie.
4. Noisy kids.
5. 15 to 20 minutes of commercials before the movie starts, in addition to commercials you see on television. (Uh excuse me, but didn't I just pay a hefty fee to see this movie in this theatre. Why do I have to see commercials?)
6. Not being able to see over Buster's head in front of you unless you're lucky enough to have theatre's with stadium seating.
7.Uncomfortable, cramped seats, that are even uncomfortable for a thin person. I can't imagine what overweight people have to deal with
8. Incredibly long lines at the booth.
9 Exorbitant admission prices
10. Exorbitant snack prices. Who wants to pay $5.00 for a cup of soda... Ridiculous. It's enough to make anyone sneek their own food in the theatre. :
11. Oh and let's not forget the trouble of finding parking, etc..
Get a life Ridley, Ipods have nothing to do with the detracting from the allure of the big screen. You might want to investigate the shortcomings of the business model. I'm sick of these technophobic old fogies that can do nothing but cry simply because the needs of customers have changed and they can't adapt. Well too f*ckin' bad.
On a similar note, If the music industry had negotiated a deal with Napster like they should have, they wouldn't have been in the mess they're in now. Napster would have been what ITunes is today, except much larger than life. But no, the music industry decided to skip what was a critical and important opportunity.