On Sat, 23 Sep 2006 12:13:38 -0400, "James Silverton"
wrote:
>Not quite! I said script in a different way so that the plot
>does not depend on the highly unlikely presence of a parking
>space :-) They never seem to parallel park in reverse either! A
>realistic movie should not have to rely on a complete fantasy!
I can appreciate that you (and others) groan a bit when you see the
"impossible parking job" in film or TV. But please remember that most
filmmakers are trying to create an artwork that is carefully crafted
and emotionally effective. The process of creating a film
(pre-production, casting, design, filming, edit and post) can create
havoc with a director's vision. Pacing and tempo are particularly hard
to maintain throughout the process. Believe it or not, a fraction of a
second between transitions can spell the difference between engrossing
narrative and sloppy irritation.
Imagine this:
Dexter has just finalized an embezzlement plot at workplace. Despite
his practiced efforts at staying cool, he is sweaty and edgy. He
leaves work early and recounts his plan in the car: check the online
account, get the boarding passes, grab his passport, etc etc. On the
way, he has time to stop and see his girlfriend early. She doesn't
know of his plot; she is only aware of his desire for a long vacation.
She's home packing her bags and calling the housesitter. As he turns
onto her block, his heart is racing. He's becoming paranoid. He
doesn't know if he can keep his cool in her presence. Should he just
drive on and see her later? Should he just keep it together and visit
her now - as a practice run of his temperament? Or should her tell her
about the plot and hope her reaction is positive? He's a mess. As he
nears her building, he...
circles the block twice, then carefully backs in to parallel park.
Can you see/feel the discontinuity here? The stuttered pacing/tempo?
Sure, it's not "realistic" to glide into a conveniently open parking
spot. But a filmmaker must balance pace and tempo with the suspension
of disbelief. I think most filmmakers do it quite well.
Just my $.02.
- TR
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