LuckyWillFilm as art?
September 1st 2006 06:58
Can film be described as art? What is art anyway?
Andy Warhol once famously retorted on the question of art – “Isn’t that a man’s name?”
A number of theorists all gave their definition of what are was from author Leo Tolstoy - “War and Peace”, philosopher Immanuel Kant whose credited with being a major contributor to the Enlightenment period and forefather of the Romantics, to playwright Oscar Wilde to even Adolf Hitler.
But aside to these people, do we think film can be art? And more importantly, are films more artier or artfully done than others? Surely there are films that are more serious than others, more realistic than others or more subjectively representational than others; but does that mean they are art while others not? Can think of some examples?
If we are to envision art in the most narrowest of the sense we could posit that some films are like watching moving paintings of incredible depth, vibrancy and colour. Some examples spring to mind including “What Dreams May Come” featuring Robin Williams and Cuba Gooding Jr. Quite literally the actors step in and out of paintings! The visuals are delicious and so sumptuously rich it elevates your heart into your throat in some sadder moments.
This brings us into another classifier for art; does film move us like art would/should? Numerous times I’ve wept while watching a film (I know, I know.. I’m letting manhood down) during pivotal scenes involving not only heartbreak or loss, to even bittersweet and rejoicing moments. From memory I’m reminded of the final scenes of “Gattaca” where Ethan Hawke, let down his whole life by being genetically inferior to most finally makes his ambition come true at great cost to those around him.
I’m sure others can think of times during film you are watching something so picturesque or so moving that you’ve stumbled upon the idea of film as art too, whether it be for purely subjective perspectives or general ones.
Andy Warhol once famously retorted on the question of art – “Isn’t that a man’s name?”
A number of theorists all gave their definition of what are was from author Leo Tolstoy - “War and Peace”, philosopher Immanuel Kant whose credited with being a major contributor to the Enlightenment period and forefather of the Romantics, to playwright Oscar Wilde to even Adolf Hitler.
But aside to these people, do we think film can be art? And more importantly, are films more artier or artfully done than others? Surely there are films that are more serious than others, more realistic than others or more subjectively representational than others; but does that mean they are art while others not? Can think of some examples?
If we are to envision art in the most narrowest of the sense we could posit that some films are like watching moving paintings of incredible depth, vibrancy and colour. Some examples spring to mind including “What Dreams May Come” featuring Robin Williams and Cuba Gooding Jr. Quite literally the actors step in and out of paintings! The visuals are delicious and so sumptuously rich it elevates your heart into your throat in some sadder moments.
Image taken from wikipedia
This brings us into another classifier for art; does film move us like art would/should? Numerous times I’ve wept while watching a film (I know, I know.. I’m letting manhood down) during pivotal scenes involving not only heartbreak or loss, to even bittersweet and rejoicing moments. From memory I’m reminded of the final scenes of “Gattaca” where Ethan Hawke, let down his whole life by being genetically inferior to most finally makes his ambition come true at great cost to those around him.
Image taken from wikipedia
I’m sure others can think of times during film you are watching something so picturesque or so moving that you’ve stumbled upon the idea of film as art too, whether it be for purely subjective perspectives or general ones.
Part II of “Film as Art” coming soon.
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Comment by Adrian
Philosophy Blog
I think ALL of the comments you'll get will say "Fuck yeah it's art."
The interesting question, therefore, might be: Why would anyone not think it's art?
Comment by Justin
But, to answer your question, I can think of a couple of possible reasons why some may not think it's art. However I'm not going to list them to influence opinion.
Comment by Justina
Love all your posts.....mainly because I love watching movies as well!
Comment by Justin
Loves movies, and shares a very similar name - I have found my feminine half!
Comment by Adrian
Philosophy Blog
Sickly sweet cuteness...