Post by Admin on Dec 31, 2023 8:14:31 GMT -5
pauline kael
The New Yorker, June 23, 1980 P. 82
Entire column about the poor quality of movies over the last couple of years. If for this period Hollywood couldn't seem to do anything right it's the result of recent developments within the industry. Conglomerates have taken over movie companies. Studio heads want nothing more than to make money and grab power, there is no reason for them to make better pictures. Studios have discovered that they can get much more from the sale of movies to TV than they have been getting, and they can negotiate pre-sale agreements with the networks for guarranteed amounts before they commit themselves to a production. Theoretically, a movie can be profitable before shooting starts. The total advance guarantees may come to almost double the budget. Movies have gone to hell and amateurism. A third of the pictures being made by Hollywood this year are in the hands of first-time directors, who will receive almost no guidance or help. There is no willingness to take chances. Films have become television. But the writer does envision some real moviemaking in the future when writers and directors find backers outside the industry, who will gamble on the money that is to be made from a good picture. Writer says there have been few recent American movies worth lining up for - last year there was "The Black Stallion" and this year there is "The Empire Strikes Back." She praises them.
The New Yorker, June 23, 1980 P. 82
Entire column about the poor quality of movies over the last couple of years. If for this period Hollywood couldn't seem to do anything right it's the result of recent developments within the industry. Conglomerates have taken over movie companies. Studio heads want nothing more than to make money and grab power, there is no reason for them to make better pictures. Studios have discovered that they can get much more from the sale of movies to TV than they have been getting, and they can negotiate pre-sale agreements with the networks for guarranteed amounts before they commit themselves to a production. Theoretically, a movie can be profitable before shooting starts. The total advance guarantees may come to almost double the budget. Movies have gone to hell and amateurism. A third of the pictures being made by Hollywood this year are in the hands of first-time directors, who will receive almost no guidance or help. There is no willingness to take chances. Films have become television. But the writer does envision some real moviemaking in the future when writers and directors find backers outside the industry, who will gamble on the money that is to be made from a good picture. Writer says there have been few recent American movies worth lining up for - last year there was "The Black Stallion" and this year there is "The Empire Strikes Back." She praises them.