The F/X Killed It.

[bruce_pullen]

Originally Posted by Sussudio

not to bring this up again, but imo:

indiana jones 4

i really wish 100% live action stunts, miniatures, and models had been used over CGI. same for star wars prequels. when i can easily tell computer generation is in full swing i'm somewhat taken out of a movie. but knowing that what takes place on screen actually existed in front of the camera or with the actors just makes the movie feel more organic and alive to me. but CGI is the new thing, it's more cost effective, and it's improving every day, so that's what's going to primarily be used

Sussudio,

First, how many times have you seen it?

Once.., twice.., isn’t enough.

At first, I hated it. For the reasons listed above, but I went back. Watched some 50’s movies: Them! (1954), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957). And bit by bit, the film improved. Watched Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and picked up more depth. The editing pattern, throwaway dialogue, and mood were quite similar. Even without Marion, the film took risks. Tried different territory, reworked formula; like the original, it referenced much.

This time, it was different. Post-war filmmaking, rogue agents, communist threats, men from Mars, this was a whole new bag. And it took five times to get there. Each time, I saw more. Prompting me, to see how far the hole went. Something told me to dig. So, I kept coming. And the film grew.

The Wild One (1954), Rebel without a Cause (1955), the film reaches a different set. The world around Indy has changed. The world post Crusade (1989) has changed. Instead of repackaging (something you claim), Skull touches different traditions. Separate pleasures, not of the three. It echoes but doesn’t repeat. “WHY ALIENS????"

It took me five times: to see it. And it wasn’t till Blu-Ray, that all of it worked. Blu-Ray fixed the effects. And the film soared. Rewarding multiple viewings, making me smile.. everytime; I couldn’t believe it. The movie works.

But it took… looking at it closely. ..To get there.., I had to step back. Let the past go. It took faith. To see, if it did stink: beyond one view. I wanted to know. I felt people were rash. Burned by Episode I, people pelted rage. But, I distrust rashness. Especially with people who care; who already directed it: in their heads. How can anything live up to that? Name me anything that pleases a base; once liberties are taken. Once thoughts are made, and love confessed. Once you grow up with something. It could be Citizen Kane (1941). And you wouldn’t care. It’s mine not there’s. Why didn’t they do this? Why didn’t they do that? It’s all backlash. Based on something, no one can see. It’s a shame. So few see it.

Imagination. That’s something each of us have. And so few of us use.., it’s puzzling. Try getting into Steven’s head, rather than grieving for you own. I feel much of Indy 4 hate. ..Comes from this fact. And I don’t see it changing.

But do me a favor. Sit down, late one night, watch Skull on Blu-Ray. With nothing else in your head, except the will to watch; ..then see what happens. You may be surprised.