4 of the most prolific and definitive filmmakers the Cinematic universe has ever seen: Aside from Mr.Scorsese (due to his recent success)... Coppola, Lucas and Spielberg have garnered fervent criticism and countless box office flops - Is this the beginning of the end for Cinema's most revered patrons?
These four great men have accomplished a tremendous amount in Cinema; the problem however being that expectations have now mounted to an unprecedented level. You can’t fairly cast such criticisms without addressing; what modern audiences want and what studio systems are willing to back...
A chasm has lingered in Cinema ever since the early 80′s – where the emphasis switched from delivering poignant and progressive art, to lucrative, high concept blockbusters – Of course, there are still myriad diamonds rooted amid this rough, but I feel it’s fair to say that artistic merit has remained a peripheral goal.
Thus, the burden doesn’t necessarily harbour in the palm of filmmakers, but the direction in which Cinema has lead us.
Crucially to this discussion, seldom would I group these four filmmakers together. Scorsese and Coppola I would say are the more artistically motivated auteurs, where as Lucas and Spielberg are unequivocally box office churners. Therefore, their ‘success’ (however you determine this) or lack of it, spawn from conflicting areas.
Filmmaking is a magical occurrence – just because one has a track record for genius, doesn’t mean to suggest that this is sustainable by any stretch of the imagination (history is littered with floundering genius's)
There will never really be a recipe for success in Cinema. The industry is forever changing; these four excelled during the peak of the American 'New Wave' movement – however since this artistic demise, Coppola for one (who I feel is at his element when he’s far removed from commercial works) has suffered; his artistic attempts (however much people dismiss them) have flopped - it's difficult to regain momentum after this.
I feel that Lucas doesn’t have the stomach to really flourish for the long haul and I suppose it's hard to upstage the most successful film saga of all time.
Spielberg’s enduring success has now fashioned farcical budgeting; too arduous to make a return (how his success is monitored)
&
Scorsese: the more eminent filmmaker. Perhaps this then is testament to his increasing ability to be able to please both sets of audiences, demonstratively making him the most complete filmmaker; one of the greats of all time.
Cinema is an ineffable and highly subjective entity; thus, it's fair to say: pleasing everyone is an impossibility.
And in any event, the baton has passed down to a new age of filmmakers & artists. These four men prevailed at the heights of their youth, where they had a greater propensity to push the boundaries, challenge form and unplug the system. Now, in the latter stages of their careers and with Hollywood already conquered, the spark and / or thirst for experimentation which previously defined their prodigious talent.. may have been relented by the breeze of time.
And so, a new age of cinema beckons: expect forthcoming greatness.
And in any event, the baton has passed down to a new age of filmmakers & artists. These four men prevailed at the heights of their youth, where they had a greater propensity to push the boundaries, challenge form and unplug the system. Now, in the latter stages of their careers and with Hollywood already conquered, the spark and / or thirst for experimentation which previously defined their prodigious talent.. may have been relented by the breeze of time.
And so, a new age of cinema beckons: expect forthcoming greatness.
