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Post 0

Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 7:01amSanction this postReply
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I object!!!

Why can't you vote for both plot AND nudity equally...


Post 1

Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 8:06amSanction this postReply
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I voted for theme. However, the answer leaves a lot to be desired.

For a start the two most important things are music and theme.

If both music and theme can mutually support one another, the film has a huge impact upon me.

Of course the "theme" is plot driven, therefore a good plot is essential. However, there may be some small glitches in the plot, but if the theme and music can mutually inspire me - then these can be neglected.


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Post 2

Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 8:14amSanction this postReply
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Why is there no choice of "integration of elements"?

I hate it when a movie with a great plot is ineptly acted and directed, or a great theme is poorly written, or a sensational bit of acting shows up in a lame story.

So I'm not voting on this one.

Post 3

Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 8:54amSanction this postReply
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Humor.

Very few movies that take themselves seriously - drama, action, whatever genre - have a good enough plot or theme to be worth watching. I've learned not to expect either, but that it can still be rewarding to find movies that can make me laugh.


Post 4

Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 9:27amSanction this postReply
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Another impossible poll. ;-)

For me it is overall artistry and...eye candies.


Post 5

Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 10:16amSanction this postReply
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I agree with Bob that there must be an "integration of elements" for the film to be truly memorable.

That said, as an actor myself (stage), the quality of the performances is the first thing that strikes me, and my reaction to that affects my reaction to the film more than anything else.
There's rarely anything about a film that bothers me more, makes it more unwatchable, than a turgid acting job.  On the flip side, there's rarely anything that draws me in more, makes me a part of the characters and their story, inspires me as an artist, than a brilliant performance.

But to have one element going, without any of the others... well, that can hardly help but suck.


Post 6

Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 11:00amSanction this postReply
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Robert B. is 100% correct.  I will follow his lead and not vote.

(Edited for spelling)

(Edited by Pete on 6/16, 2:40pm)


Post 7

Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 11:56amSanction this postReply
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Integration of elements is a bit of a copout.  Of course we like a movie more often because it comes together than because we like elements of it. The poll is asking you to pick your favorite element of movie-making.

While personally, the elements listed above are too few, I like good camera work, though I would have picked special effects had special effects been an option. It doesn't mean that I dislike acting or plot.  I'm just pointing out that I love  the explicitly visual elements of movies.


Post 8

Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 1:43pmSanction this postReply
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Robert B asks:
Why is there no choice of "integration of elements"?
The original poll had something like that.  I suggested to the poll creator to remove it.  Really...who would vote for anything else if that was an option?




Post 9

Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 2:41pmSanction this postReply
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Why is music not a category?

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Post 10

Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 3:06pmSanction this postReply
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The most important element for me to enjoy a movie is that I need to identify with a character or characters. Without that identification, I don't enjoy the movie.


Post 11

Friday, June 17, 2005 - 3:25amSanction this postReply
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If I must pick one single element I guess I'd go for theme.

But other elements are important too: my very favourite movies do "come together" in the sense of the story, acting, directing and music all being well done. Like Robert says, good performances are wasted on lame scripts, and a potentially very good storyline can be trashed by poor acting and directing.

MH


Post 12

Friday, June 17, 2005 - 7:07amSanction this postReply
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I picked characterization … on my imaginary list of choices. I always wondered why Rand chose plot. After all, for the projection of the ideal man (characterization), plot is only the means – indeed, everything else is only the means – for demonstrating character in action. I admit, esthetics is the branch of philosophy I least think about. Still, has anyone else wondered about Rand’s writings on this matter?

Post 13

Sunday, June 19, 2005 - 2:36pmSanction this postReply
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I always wondered why Rand chose plot. After all, for the projection of the ideal man (characterization), plot is only the means – indeed, everything else is only the means – for demonstrating character in action. I admit, esthetics is the branch of philosophy I least think about. Still, has anyone else wondered about Rand’s writings on this matter?

I think the integration elements is the reason she chose plot.  Just take the Fountainhead for example... If not for the events that sprang forth from the character's choices and actions Roark's heroism, Keating's flaws, Toohey's impotence , and Wynand and Dominique's flawed and mixed premises would never be exposed or changed. 

The character's hands are forced at every turn, thus through each onion layer more of  the character's inner workings are exposed and developed.  Roark's heroism is shown in more detail with each setback he finds just as conversely Keating's premises lead him to worse and more disastrous decisions and greater corruption as the story continues, by the end of the novel you understand everything that made each character either good or bad.

A good way of explaining the importance of plot is that no matter how great your characters are unless you have a good stage to show them off it's meaningless.

Ironically I voted theme. 

---Landon


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