"Club Penton" - Ask questions to Hollywood insider "Penton-Man"

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by Doctorossi

You mean, George "Bringing-It-All-On-Myself" L.?

I can't share your sympathy for a guy who doesn't recognize that 'more criticism than almost anyone' comes, naturally, with the territory of 'more and bigger hits than almost anyone' and who seems to willfully deny what we all know he must surely understand on some level: that no one would begrudge a single tinkering he wanted to tinker if he'd just stick the originals in the damn box, too.

Boo hoo- I made some of the most popular, successful and beloved movies of all time and these terrible fans keep wanting them.

Do problems get more 'first-world'?

That would be true, if it were possible to:
Please all of the people, all of the time

Instead artists like GL can only do 1 of 2 things:
Please all of the people, some of the time
Please some of the people, all of the time

As a member of the highly discerning blu-ray.com forum I'm sure you understand this quite well.

It's like the Japanese say:
Only a fool doesn't climb Mt. Fuji once
Only a fool climbs Mt. Fuji twice

Well GL climbed it about 24 times, and he's done!

[Doctorossi]

Originally Posted by rickah88

That would be true, if it were possible to:
Please all of the people, all of the time

If he released the original movies alongside his reworked versions, who would remain displeased?

Instead artists like GL can only do 1 of 2 things:
Please all of the people, some of the time
Please some of the people, all of the time

If he released the original movies alongside his reworked versions, who would remain displeased? How is the power to solve his "problem" out of his hands?

And if his modifications are as "minor" as he paints them, what issue could he have with releasing the original versions? By his own estimation, they're practically the same thing. So, stick 'em in the box and everyone will stop being mean to you, George- it ain't rocket surgery.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Doctorossi

You mean, George "Bringing-It-All-On-Myself" L.?

I can't share your sympathy for a guy who doesn't recognize that 'more criticism than almost anyone' comes, naturally, with the territory of 'more and bigger hits than almost anyone' and who seems to willfully deny what we all know he must surely understand on some level: that no one would begrudge a single tinkering he wanted to tinker if he'd just stick the originals in the damn box, too.

Boo hoo- I made some of the most popular, successful and beloved movies of all time and these terrible fans keep wanting them.

Do problems get more 'first-world'?

Well….actually yes, i.e. funding the much needed construction of new buildings and renovations of existing structures and providing an on-going endowment in the promotion of educating our future filmmakers , at least, for me, somewhat counter-balances any misgivings or disappointments *fans* of Star Wars may have.

http://www.usc.edu/uscnews/stories/12754.html

Because, even if indirectly through the generosity of George L.’s cinematic philanthropy with USC (as the vehicle), we get the next Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Conrad Hall, etc., I think that’s a pretty fair exchange for any creative choices he has made or, has not made, which differ from the yearnings of fans of his Star Wars movies. That’s the BIG picture for me….which is why I said I feel sad for the guy, all things considered.

Donating 175 million towards the education of our future filmmakers can have truly life-changing consequences and I don’t think you can get anymore ‘first-world’ than that, but you may be justified in your animosity because I’m rather ignorant of the whole Star Wars situation having been deeply involved in job obligations at the time….establishing a successful career for myself. I’ll let more informed people like Rick, Peter THX and other Star Wars experts debate you on the purely Star Wars aspect of George’s contribution to theatrical and home media cinema.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by sharkshark

heh, hadn't seen that article.

http://twitchfilm.com/news/2012/02/a...nace-in-3d.php

Nice read.
I haven't seen it yet. Actually hoped to take my wife to the Valentine's Day Titanic 3D showing but I have a conflict and viewing that presentation won't work out either.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

All this ‘Doc’ talk has got me thinking…http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0796117/
ergo - http://www.whosay.com/mnightshyamalan/photos/126483

And, lest us all not forget (well, at least, for those who like to fancy themselves as being *environmentally conscious*), of the plusses of the environmentally-friendly aspect of the digital ecosystem as opposed to that of film -

http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/csr/Son...al_cinema.html

[Penton-Man]

Heads-up to a special awards celebration tomorrow evening because it can be a good indicator of the Oscar winner….http://www.theasc.com/asc_news/News_...s/News_385.php

As I may be unable to join in any members’ comments about the winner (personally hoping of course it will be The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo even though it’s a very competitive field this year) since I’ll be shortly thereafter headed out to a conference in the dez to exchange information and rub shoulders with fellow colleagues.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Well….actually yes, i.e. funding the much needed construction of new buildings and renovations of existing structures and providing an on-going endowment in the promotion of educating our future filmmakers , at least, for me, somewhat counter-balances any misgivings or disappointments *fans* of Star Wars may have.

http://www.usc.edu/uscnews/stories/12754.html

Because, even if indirectly through the generosity of George L.’s cinematic philanthropy with USC (as the vehicle), we get the next Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Conrad Hall, etc., I think that’s a pretty fair exchange for any creative choices he has made or, has not made, which differ from the yearnings of fans of his Star Wars movies. That’s the BIG picture for me….which is why I said I feel sad for the guy, all things considered.

Donating 175 million towards the education of our future filmmakers can have truly life-changing consequences and I don’t think you can get anymore ‘first-world’ than that, but you may be justified in your animosity because I’m rather ignorant of the whole Star Wars situation having been deeply involved in job obligations at the time….establishing a successful career for myself. I’ll let more informed people like Rick, Peter THX and other Star Wars experts debate you on the purely Star Wars aspect of George’s contribution to theatrical and home media cinema.

The only people that bear ill feelings towards GL are the irate fans that couldn't accept that SW is HIS art...meaning he can do with it whatever he chooses(and has done so).
I'm a big fan of the movies. Would I like the OT's on BD, of course. Am I going to cry about not getting them...0% chance.
I don't blame GL one bit for taking the stance he is on the SW movies. He has every right to feel bitter towards the moronic fans that have gone waaaay out their way to make a point, which has no bearing on GL's decision making.
I'm sure Da Vinci got grief from the king of France during the many revisions he made to his Mona Lisa over the years...and he, too, didn't seem that swayed. Ditto most every artist in his/her field of choice that have created a masterpiece.
As much as I'd like to see Episodes 7-9(based on the Timothy Zahn books) I respect GL's decision, as it's HIS artwork.
But I digress...I think we(this thread) are much better served hearing about Penton's conference tomorrow and how said schmoozing went!

[Penton-Man]

Ah, it spans the entire week starting on Monday. Honestly, I think the technological aspect of it all will bore even the most inquisitive and patient readers we have here as it can be quite dry and complex. I’m sure some of the press outlets like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, etc. will do at least some cursory reporting, if anyone’s really interested.

You guys can be much more entertaining on a visceral level . If there are indeed any “schmoozing” tidbits or nice one-liners said, and I remember, maybe I’ll contribute later…like for instance, the year one attendee who anteriorly dislocated his shoulder during the annual softball game signed out of the local hospital in time to make it to the breakfast roundtables….wasn’t me, but I don’t think there is a softball challenge this year.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Ah, it spans the entire week starting on Monday. Honestly, I think the technological aspect of it all will bore even the most inquisitive and patient readers we have here as it can be quite dry and complex. I’m sure some of the press outlets like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, etc. will do at least some cursory reporting, if anyone’s really interested.

You guys can be much more entertaining on a visceral level . If there are indeed any “schmoozing” tidbits or nice one-liners said, and I remember, maybe I’ll contribute later…like for instance, the year one attendee who anteriorly dislocated his shoulder during the annual softball game signed out of the local hospital in time to make it to the breakfast roundtables….wasn’t me, but I don’t think there is a softball challenge this year.

Ah I see, well any news is good news...right!
Hey if you need some *ahem* doctored bats, I'm thinking about selling off my arsenal! Guaranteed to hit bombs upwards of 350', if you're interesed in winning your next company tourney.

[Doctorossi]

Penton, I'm not saying that George is a bad guy; just that I can't cry too much for him when he complains about fans that are angry at him, because the solution to that is completely within his power to very easily and inexpensively solve. He's chosen not to do that and that's his decision to make, so that's just fine. However, it means he needs to stop crying about it publicly. As long as he persists in his bullheadedness, fans will be pissed about it. He can accommodate them or he can accept their ire as a product of his selfish choice- one or the other. Why should he expect to be able to deny everyone some of the most popular movies of all time without their being bothered about that?

[PeterTHX]

Originally Posted by Doctorossi

Penton, I'm not saying that George is a bad guy; just that I can't cry too much for him when he complains about fans that are angry at him, because the solution to that is completely within his power to very easily and inexpensively solve. He's chosen not to do that and that's his decision to make, so that's just fine. However, it means he needs to stop crying about it publicly. As long as he persists in his bullheadedness, fans will be pissed about it. He can accommodate them or he can accept their ire as a product of his selfish choice- one or the other. Why should he expect to be able to deny everyone some of the most popular movies of all time without their being bothered about that?

Will releasing the unaltered original trilogy make the criticisms of the Prequel Trilogy or Crystal Skull go away?

No.

The feral mutants at AVS now are saying Lucas is really just stupid and the success of the first film was all in the editing (read: it was all Marcia). Fanboys will never forgive, no matter how much Lucas could/would do for them.

[sharkshark]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Nice read.
I haven't seen it yet. Actually hoped to take my wife to the Valentine's Day Titanic 3D showing but I have a conflict and viewing that presentation won't work out either.

Would love if you left a comment to school the idiots who slagged it sight unseen...

[RiseDarthVader]

I was reading an interview with Scott Farrar the VFX supervisor for Transformers: DOTM and he said that the helicopter footage was converted. Do 3D camera rigs for helicopter not exist yet? Or was that just a decision by Michael Bay and his DoP to not use them?

[Doctorossi]

Originally Posted by PeterTHX

Will releasing the unaltered original trilogy make the criticisms of the Prequel Trilogy or Crystal Skull go away?

No.

The criticisms of those films parallel the criticisms of the earlier films in those series (and, indeed, of any films). Reviews have complained of the "wooden" acting in Star Wars since 1977- that just goes with the territory of releasing art for public consumtion and it's not what Lucas has been complaining about. If he was so thin-skinned as to demand that everyone simply love all of his movies, unconditionally, he'd be even more of an unreasonable whiner, but he's not that deluded. He's complaing about the people who demand the original trilogy and all he has to do to get them off his back is release it.

[Paul H]

Originally Posted by Doctorossi

The criticisms of those films parallel the criticisms of the earlier films in those series (and, indeed, of any films). Reviews have complained of the "wooden" acting in Star Wars since 1977- that just goes with the territory of releasing art for public consumtion and it's not what Lucas has been complaining about. If he was so thin-skinned as to demand that everyone simply love all of his movies, unconditionally, he'd be even more of an unreasonable whiner, but he's not that deluded. He's complaing about the people who demand the original trilogy and all he has to do to get them off his back is release it.

Your logic is refreshing. Seems to me that George suffers from some major control issues and or demons he has encountered in life. It could also be the dark-side of his genius attributes.

Paul

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by Doctorossi

The criticisms of those films parallel the criticisms of the earlier films in those series (and, indeed, of any films). Reviews have complained of the "wooden" acting in Star Wars since 1977- that just goes with the territory of releasing art for public consumtion and it's not what Lucas has been complaining about. If he was so thin-skinned as to demand that everyone simply love all of his movies, unconditionally, he'd be even more of an unreasonable whiner, but he's not that deluded. He's complaing about the people who demand the original trilogy and all he has to do to get them off his back is release it.

GL is taking a stand to defend/display his atrwork how he wants, I can respect that. Whereas certain masses of fan(boys) can't...that's a them problem, not a GL problem.
Because of their foolish backlash & ire, GL his basically saying: NO SOUP FOR YOU!
Peronally I think some musicians should provide alternate cuts to their songs, but they don't...as it's their choice.
Again, the SW debate will always boil down to 2 choice:
1) Accept the fims the way the are
2) Cry over spilt milk
I opt for choice #1, but that's just me.

[Paul H]

Originally Posted by rickah88

GL is taking a stand to defend/display his atrwork how he wants, I can respect that.

Can't see how defending and displaying his artwork has anything to do with the psyche of his fans, through ignoring historical events. I do believe the "crushing of his spirit" (suffering) and blaming it on his fans is real.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by Paul H

Can't see how defending and displaying his artwork has anything to do with the psyche of his fans, through ignoring historical events. I do believe the "crushing of his spirit" (suffering) and blaming it on his fans is real.

The 'psyche of his fans' really isn't his problem. Not trying to sound harsh, but basic art works like this:
Artist creates work. Fans will start to admire work(or not). Artist can make any/all changes they desire. Fans can continue to admire(or not).
I don't see where an artist has to do what the fans want. Of course he runs the risk of losing said fans, but that's a gamble this artist was willing to take...and it's still paying off for him. Would it have paid off larger dividends, had he caved to the fan's requests? Maybe? I guess we'll never know.
Bottom line, if fans can cry all the want...it's much like the child that stamps their feet when they didn't get the exact present they desired.
I've made my peace with the whole SW dealings, and am very happy with what I've got.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by RiseDarthVader

I was reading an interview with Scott Farrar the VFX supervisor for Transformers: DOTM and he said that the helicopter footage was converted. Do 3D camera rigs for helicopter not exist yet? Or was that just a decision by Michael Bay and his DoP to not use them?

Well they 'existed' but, I just don’t think there was a gyro stabilized helicopter solution with fully adjustable and functional convergence and interocular capability at the time of the shoot and Legend3D was to do a lot of conversion work on the picture anyway.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Doctorossi

Penton, I'm not saying that George is a bad guy; just that I can't cry too much for him when he complains about fans that are angry at him, because the solution to that is completely within his power to very easily and inexpensively solve. He's chosen not to do that and that's his decision to make, so that's just fine. However, it means he needs to stop crying about it publicly. As long as he persists in his bullheadedness, fans will be pissed about it. He can accommodate them or he can accept their ire as a product of his selfish choice- one or the other. Why should he expect to be able to deny everyone some of the most popular movies of all time without their being bothered about that?

Well, like I said, that aspect (Star Wars) of George's contribution to cinematic society is up to you guys to discuss, I'm just not qualified.