The Fun in Movies
I think I had a revelation. Well, I already knew this, to a certain degree.

I like to know what is going to happen in movies beforehand. Today I think I figured out why.

I used to think that it was because I was a writer and I liked watching as the story unfolded, seeing how the writer maneuvered certain plot tricks. Well, that is true to a certain degree.

Lots of people like to re-watch movies over and over, falling in love with them over and over. To me, this isn't so. I try to watch as many different movies as possible, so I'll be familiar with as much as I can. This doesn't leave a whole lot of time to re-watch movies over and over. Even the ones I want to see again.

I have a huge, long list of movies I want to see again. But they will just have to wait. I like Woody Allen. I have made it a priority to see Annie Hall once every five years. I have a year and a half to go before I see it again.

Ok, the point. I discovered maybe another reason or maybe THE reason I like knowing the plot beforehand. And I think this ties in with my post earlier today. Hollywood plots are old and tired anyway.

I like to what is going to happen, so I know what to expect. Then if the movie does something unexpected (and is still relatively good), I'll like the movie even more.

But THE reason is because I see movies because of the actor. Yes, there are certain movies I'll see for the writer or director. I like Charlie Kaufman and the aforementioned Woody Allen. And I like Wes Anderson. BUT--I am an actor junkie. If there is an actor I like, I will track down all the other movies of theirs and watch them, even if they aren't that good. But an amazing actor can take a flat, unexciting script and make it vivacious and moving.

Watching a Gerard Depardieu movie made me realize that today. I read the back of the movie cover, kind of laughed because the plot was so ridiculous. Then as the lousy story moved forward, I laughed again as I realized how predictable it was and not at all original. However, the way Gerard was talking to this chick, it was outstanding. It was absolutely enjoyable watching them interact.

So I've realized that I don't really care about the movies for the sake of the plot, but for the execution of the script. I was also watching a lesser known Al Pacino movie today. The script was ok (would have been unbearable with the wrong actor), but Al made the movie delightful.

This realization was scary. Because I'm a screenwriter. And who the heck cares about your script if the actors screw it all up and make you look lousy. Well, that is a fear I have.

I guess you have to write the best you can and hopefully the right actors will be attracted to your project.

Anyway, I titled this entry "The Fun in Movies". The fun isn't seeing how the movie unfolds lots of times. But it's in seeing the actors work their magic.

That being said, I could care less about Kirsten and Tobey, so fortunately the writers for Spiderman were good. But I'd say 85-90% of all the movies I see are based on if the actors are good and not the writer, director, or storyline. And I'm surprised that I only fully realized this today.