Understanding Film Excellence: The Gap Between Theory and Practice

Is there a significant distinction between comprehending why a film is considered excellent and striving to create a compelling film by adhering to certain principles? The answer is unequivocally yes. This article delves into this often-overlooked gap and explores why, despite the intricacies and rush of film production, theory and practice can diverge significantly.

The Rush of Film Production

film sets are typically driven by haste to capture every shot a director wants. This necessitates constant attention to detail. One way to ensure that these details are not lost is through the effective use of storyboards. These visual aids can be designated to note how a dress hangs, the lighting setup, and facial expressions. These annotations serve as a reminder of the director's initial vision, allowing them to maintain consistency throughout the shoot.

Imagining vs Applying

Is there a correlation between understanding what makes a film good and successfully implementing these concepts on a personal project? The consensus among experts suggests that there is very little, if any, correlation. Filmmaking is inherently not a formulaic art. No matter how many generalizations are made about what constitutes a successful film, there will always be notable exceptions.

Moreover, even when one identifies the principles that make a film great, simply incorporating them into a project does not guarantee success. Often, only in the concluding stages of production can one truly assess whether these elements are being executed effectively. This reflection might not occur until after the shoot, making it challenging to adjust during the process.

Examples of Filmmaking Techniques

Does theoretical knowledge translate directly to practical application in filmmaking? While it can certainly help, there are limitations. Consider Tarantino's extensive knowledge of film techniques and how he applies it to create phenomenal films. On the other end of the spectrum, consider Michael Bay's work. His knowledge of realizing visual effects, pacing, and crowd control can be observed in countless action films. But even then, practical application requires more than just theoretical understanding; it demands experience, intuition, and a bit of magic.

The Impossibility of Copying Success

Is it possible to simply copy what a renowned filmmaker does? The answer is no. Take, for instance, the legendary director Scorsese. Even if you were to sit beside him while he analyzed a classic like Bicycle Thieves (1948), directed by De Sica, you would gain valuable insights into his decision-making process. However, you would not come away with a set of prescriptions that would guarantee your own film's success.

Similarly, in literature, consider short stories. Even with the guidance of a skilled creative writing professor, who can break down each paragraph to reveal Carver's techniques, replicating those exact methods does not automatically make your work influential. Literature, like filmmaking, is as much about personal style and voice as it is about technique.

Conclusion

The gap between understanding why a film is excellent and the practical implementation of these concepts is a defining one. While theoretical knowledge is invaluable, it is the combination of practical experience, intuition, and creativity that truly brings a film to life. Therefore, aspiring filmmakers must not only learn the technical aspects of filmmaking but also cultivate a unique voice and vision to stand out in the industry.