If there’s a loving god, why are there bad films?

[SoulManX]

http://cuttingroomtales.wordpress.com/2011/10/23/if-theres-a-loving-god-why-are-there-bad-films/

 

[Rocketman]

A nice piece overall.

The first problem, without a doubt, is always the script.
As long as the script is flawless first, everything else will fall into place.

I'm trying to think of an amazing script that ended up being a terrible movie, and I'm drawing a blank. Great Script -> Bad Movie ... not sure that exists.

The script, when completed, brings all the elements of acting, directing, cinematography, set design, costume design, music, editing, sound effects, together.

Visually speaking, the only anomaly to this is Public Enemies, for its digital brain-fart... but that was a completely separate issue from the script.

Script is key. Writing is key.

 

[redhawk23]

^ Brings it together in terms of the film itself or in terms of the production? Good scripts attract good talent.

A great script handed over to a horrible director and a bunch of soap opera actors will end up as a crappy film.

However, regardless of how much we like to rip on them, production companies actually do know how to get a movie made. When they get their hands on a good script they know it. Thats not to say that studio interference can't dilute or ruin a good script. Hell, some company tried to turn Being John Malcovich into "Being Tom Cruise."

But the fact remains, a good script attracts good talent, it doesn't do a whole lot to elevate an overall lack of talent.

Conversely, awesome actors and directors can overcome mediocre scripts.

 

[Rocketman]

A great script handed over to a horrible director and a bunch of soap opera actors will end up as a crappy film.

Not to be "that guy," but can you give an example? I honestly can't think of one. I'm really not trying to be snotty- sorry if it comes off that way.

 

[8wid]

I think it's because that start production and post-production often without a script being finished, poorly, written, or underused because it's being ignored usually.

 

[John2000]

Because the people making them have no talent

 

[redhawk23]

it doesn't happen rocketman because crappy directors rarely get a hold of good scripts, but we can all think of characters and such that may have been well written but actors were just miscast and they drag the whole thing down.

However surely you can think of many examples where kind of meh stories have been elevated by great direction or action.

Or think of this way, would a good movie, like Drive for instance still have been good if it had been directed by Freiberg and Seltzer and starring Hayden Christenson? Your telling me that all the quality of that movie has to do with the script? Scripts are very very important but they are just one of several factors that go into a good film.

 

[Rocketman]

Apparently, the script for Green Lantern is phenomenal.
And Martin Campbell is a great director.
A lot of talented people, including James Newton Howard, were a part of this movie.

... Yet, not so amazing movie.

That's maybe the only example I can think of.