errrrrrrr
I get what you’re saying but I can’t quite share the feeling
You don't have to. I'm not interested in changing anyones mind to not like something they do like. Only to clarify the little niche area of movie appreciation I live in. To draw attention to films that do the kind of things I like in hopes of deepening the apprecation of those kinds of things when someone else comes across them.
While I can certainly be harder on films that waste talent and resources on a lower product, I also know how difficult it is to do any of this so when I can sense that a director is trying in any regard
I know what you're saying, and I think for years I felt similarly, until I started realizing I could appreciate the effort or difficulty in one column, and in another I could zone in on what I actually think is important in art. What makes certain films stand out and mean more, and fixate exclusively on this when it comes to what my preferred aesthetics are. So in these kind of discussions I'm particularly vicious towards what doesn't measure up as a way of making the distinction clear regarding the ethereal, x-factor elements I'm always hoping to find in any piece of art. And I find its hard to explain what this is without having something to starkly contrast it against. And a movie like Babydriver or Saw, even if they do some elements technically well, are perfect specimens to hold up and say 'no thank you' to.
The reality is that while difficulty and learning is impressive on its own, I don't really know what it has to do with art. Time and time again it is proven to me that simplicity is often better, and artists with no learning at all aren't kept from finding equally or more interesting avenues of expression.
I feel appreciating on this level (particularly if it is all we can find of worth in a film) turns art into a feat of strength. I think of watching an Olympic level shotputter. I can see what he's good at. There's lots of proof of his immense strength and dedication to his training as he hurls that heavy ball a considerable distance but.....at the end of the day what did I learn about anything watching him outside of the fact that he's strong and clearly practiced throwing that pointlessly heavy thing a bunch?
even if it’s merely aesthetic, I can’t place it in a “hate it” category.
I don't actually hate any movie either (except for those which I consider as nothing but product). I'm only profoundly disappointed in them.
I reserve that for lazy and cynical incompetence with resources (Netflix’s Red Notice) comes to mind or films that feel like they can replace talent/effort/purpose with hollow provocation (Uwe Boll).
I've only seen one Boll and he would absolutely be on the hate pile just from that singular experience. He deserves to be considered as the worst director of all time. Literally. I don't need to see anymore.
If someone manages to pull off an actual style, I almost certainly at least find it mediocre when I step away from any hyperbolic disappointment I feel at the moment. Except the Predator. But I can’t tell if that’s a brilliant self sabotage or the worst movie ever made by talented people. Maybe both.
Babydriver has style, style put to much better use in virtually all of Wright's other films.
So does Wan, but I just think it's a boring and tacky and insecure style. Even with all the money he's made from his films, I still feel embarrassed for him whenever I watch him movies.
Them having style is what put them in my crosshairs. I only shoot big game.