Whit AlexanderWhy I Enjoy Bad Movies
April 18th 2008 06:42
Some people, I know, go out and watch bad movies to write reviews and dis them. I am, by the way, absolutely NOT coming down on anybody for that, it's hilarious, and I enjoy it.
I actually enjoy watching most movies, no matter how bad it is- sometimes especially if it's bad. There's multiple reasons- sometimes the lines are so bad it's horribly cheesy, it's just funny. And I don't care if it's self-aware or not- deliberately bad movies are just as funny as anything that's done in a sincere manner. Some people think intention makes it funny, some think it ruins the effect, I don't care either way. The sincerity comes from the reading of dialog.
But I also, on some level, enjoy movies that are just painful to watch. The script is clunky, the dialog sucks, it's not even FUNNY bad it's just plain bad. Basically, the kind of movies Uwe Boll specializes in.
I like to learn things from what I watch. The Number 23 is a movie that's almost a lesson in story and plot. Lesson: if you're sub-plot is cooler, throw away the plot and expand the sub-plot. Alone in the Dark: there is nothing that can make Tara Reid seem intelligent. Bloodrayne: Uwe Boll wants gamers to suffer. Tomb Raider: when the game has a good formula, stick to the game- hot chick in tight clothes doing Indiana Jones. Is it that hard???
Anyway, you also learn a lot about dialog and what DOESN'T work. Dialog is one of the hardest things for me to write, and hearing bad dialog is always helpful to remind me what not to do.
So as a writer (no, I never intend on writing for film- I suck at scripts. Dialog is my weakness, and that's what scripts are) I learn a lot from movies that are written poorly. And, as an observer, you learn about what makes a movie good by figuring out what makes a movie bad. If a movie is well done, you don't notice the techniques used. When a movie is poorly done, the shoddy technique stands out like a sore thumb. Lighting, camera, editing- it's a lot more clear when it's poorly done.
I think that like seaweed or certain liquors (whiskey comes to mind) it's an acquired taste.
Yeah, okay, I'm rambling. I'll put something up worthy of attention in the next few days.
I actually enjoy watching most movies, no matter how bad it is- sometimes especially if it's bad. There's multiple reasons- sometimes the lines are so bad it's horribly cheesy, it's just funny. And I don't care if it's self-aware or not- deliberately bad movies are just as funny as anything that's done in a sincere manner. Some people think intention makes it funny, some think it ruins the effect, I don't care either way. The sincerity comes from the reading of dialog.
But I also, on some level, enjoy movies that are just painful to watch. The script is clunky, the dialog sucks, it's not even FUNNY bad it's just plain bad. Basically, the kind of movies Uwe Boll specializes in.
I like to learn things from what I watch. The Number 23 is a movie that's almost a lesson in story and plot. Lesson: if you're sub-plot is cooler, throw away the plot and expand the sub-plot. Alone in the Dark: there is nothing that can make Tara Reid seem intelligent. Bloodrayne: Uwe Boll wants gamers to suffer. Tomb Raider: when the game has a good formula, stick to the game- hot chick in tight clothes doing Indiana Jones. Is it that hard???
Anyway, you also learn a lot about dialog and what DOESN'T work. Dialog is one of the hardest things for me to write, and hearing bad dialog is always helpful to remind me what not to do.
So as a writer (no, I never intend on writing for film- I suck at scripts. Dialog is my weakness, and that's what scripts are) I learn a lot from movies that are written poorly. And, as an observer, you learn about what makes a movie good by figuring out what makes a movie bad. If a movie is well done, you don't notice the techniques used. When a movie is poorly done, the shoddy technique stands out like a sore thumb. Lighting, camera, editing- it's a lot more clear when it's poorly done.
I think that like seaweed or certain liquors (whiskey comes to mind) it's an acquired taste.
Yeah, okay, I'm rambling. I'll put something up worthy of attention in the next few days.
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Comment by Cheryl J
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Comment by Cheryl J
Funny Videos
Rhythmatism
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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perhaps i couldnt hear the soundtrack over all the revolting misogynist dialogue?
actually i thought the premise of getting a fake ID called McLovin was clever, it could have been a movie it itself
Comment by Bethany
I haven't gotten around to Superbad. I will probably wind up watching it, eventually, but I'm picky about comedies. I can generally tell from the trailers what kind of humor it will have and that determines whether I'm going to bother watching it. I do have a boyfriend, so I generally end up watching the movies I don't plan on watching anyway.
Like I said, this is rambling, I'm gonna try and talk about something real here in the next few days. I sense a trip to the video store!
Comment by Ann 2
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On the other hand, I can't stand comedies like Superbad. I don't mind seeing some clips but you won't find me watching it in its entirety.