I’m always tuning into the most action packed Hollywood movies with the most spectacular special effects. Whether it is Spider-Man or Fast & Furious, I thoroughly enjoy them. But although I have a positive opinion on these films, many critics call them run-of-the-mill, unoriginal, and inadequate. So I always ask myself, “What does the critic see that I don’t? What is missing from the fiery explosions and frenzied car chases?”
Independent films are films that are produced outside of a major film studio. Knowing that, explosions are car chases are certainly not on top of the to-do list. Rather, indie films will need to stand out through their story or delivery. The 30th Annual Sundance Film Festival is set to take place from January 16 to January 26 in Park City, Utah. A total of 117 selected feature-length films out of over 4000 entries will be screened. The genres or themes that are explored are very expansive; a few prominent ones include family dysfunction, race, and comedies. Others include documentaries, more provocative themes, and a rather novel genre: horror.
John Copper, Sundance’s director, describes the new entries to be “of much higher quality.” He explains that past films looked and felt “gritty, the writing is what drove them.” Now with technology there is what he calls, “a visual boldness.” Whether this is good or not is up to debate. Of all the indie films I’ve seen (and sadly, there weren’t too many) they all had an emanation which separates themselves from Hollywood films. The writing and presentation of indie films are what generate this entirely different experience. The feeling is just so real and raw.
I also appreciate indie films for a separate reason: they remind me of my videos. Whenever I had to film a video, whether it was for foreign language class or Arts in NYC, I always took pride in my work. What amazes me and frightens me at the same time is just how absorbed I was filming and editing it. I had to make sure the end result was just like I imagined, leaving me to watch and edit my film time after time again. But I was always smiling, always glad that I was creating something I was passionate about.
So I leave you with some questions. Do you think there is a difference between Hollywood films and independent films? What is your opinion on independent films? Any recommendations? How will technology change independent films? Do indie films remind you of your IDC creative projects?
It was great getting to know all of you and I hope everyone will have happy holidays.
In English we watched an independent film called “happiness” by Tod Solondz, it couldn’t be further form all of the Hollywood films I’ve seen. In my personal with Hollywood films, they seem to have a lot more freedom to express ideas and explore subjects that are much less mainstream and more controversial than Hollywood movies. I mean how many Hollywood movies have pedophilia scenes? Much less plots highlight the humanity of pedophiles, some of the most despised members of our society. So while they lack the advanced animations of Hollywood films, independent films definitely have a larger capacity to make you think, at least in my opinion.
I think the biggest difference between Hollywood films and independent films is the motivation. Like you described, most Hollywood films are action-packed and littered with explosions and CG-effects. And I believe that these films don’t serve a purpose other than to take the money from those who are willing to watch it. On the other hand, independent films are created to send a message. They are created because, like you also said, it was something someone was passionate about. And I think these films have more to offer and from it, more to receive, than Hollywood films. A very good example of this would be a Tropfest Australia 2013 Finalist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gryenlQKTbE. Whereas most Hollywood zombie films depict the survival of self, this short film depicts the survival of another.
Initially, I didn’t think I was very exposed to independent films because I thought most of the movies I saw were from well-known studios and producers. However, after looking though a list of some of the greatest independent films, I was surprised to see that a few of the films mentioned were indeed indie films. Films like The Terminator, Night of the Living Dead, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Juno were all produced by independent studios. Now that I think about it, these films did have a kind of “serious” tone to them that felt real and thought-provoking. They weren’t focused on the glamour and fantasy that people have. Instead, they emphasized the “nitty-gritty” facts of life and the human psyche. In this sense, perhaps independent films do deserve attention, more so than the thin plots and overuse of effects that many mainstream Hollywood films deliver.
In addition, I also enjoy making videos very much. I was a video production student in high school and took enormous pride in my work. I made sure that everything I put out brought out the best version of me. I loved the whole process: storyboarding, filming, editing, because I was able to control what the audience could see and hopefully try to evoke a particular response from them. I try to cater to the audience because in the end, they are the one doing the judging. Because of this, I always ask myself: would anyone understand or would even want to watch something like this? Overall, filmmaking is a great experience for me because it allows me to truly express myself and experiment with creativity.
I actually went to the Sundance film festival in Utah a few years back, it happened to coincide with my winter break. I appreciate Indie films even though I haven’t seen very many of them. I like the idea that the technology is finally there that independent filmmakers aren’t limited. I know a few freelance videographers and they have always prided themselves on being badass and different then the classic Hollywood stereotype. I think thats what hollywood has tried harvesting in recent years because it makes for a MUCH better cinematograph experience.
I think this is an interesting topic to bring up because we have been creating so many videos this semester. I think both Hollywood films and Indie films can be well made and enjoyable. Personally, I enjoy movies on topics that I find interesting or want to learn more about. There really is no distinction to me about whether a movie has more effects and is being screened more than another film. I think this applies to everyone in the sense that the movies people enjoy are those which correlate to topics that they find interesting. This can also be applied to Youtube. Youtube clips are of all different calibers, but when people find channels and topics that interest them, they subscribe!
I like the adjective you used to describe indie films: “raw.” It’s special in that indie films are distinguishable from those produced under money and staff adequate conditions. It is true that as visually attractive clips can be produced with less financial support- but I believe what differentiates indie films from other types of films are the striking story lines and perhaps a shocking plot twist to leave the audience mesmerized. This is why I can associate them with our own IDC video projects. We conspicuously lack the technology, yet we have our brain power to produce nice films. I’m not toally disregarding the importance of technology, but I personally value plot and ideas behind the videos more.
Unfortunately I haven’t had a lot of time to watch movies lately, however when I did have more time on my hand, I used to watch a lot of movies. I agree with your observation regarding Indie films: they are very different from the “normal” hollywood movies. At the same time though, I’m not entirely sure which movies that I’ve watched were Indie or not, unless I knew ahead of time. I really wish I were better educated about the list of movies that are independent, because it’s always interesting to watch things that do not have the same endings as the generic hollywood movies. Because let’s face it: those movies are always predictable.
I agree with Samantha that the major difference between independent films and Hollywood movies is the motivation. While Hollywood movies have all those CG effects and “epic” car crashes. But I doubt these movies mean much to the producers and actors aside from the money they’ll make at the end of the production. Independent films, on the other hand, really are like the ones we make for IDC. It’s more personal and definite less about the profits.
I haven’t watched many independent movies, but after reading this article I will definitely try to watch more. I tend to watch more hollywood movies, which are usually disappointing. I feel like the quality of movies have gone down even though special effects and technology has improved vastly. Maybe it’s because they have become more predictable and less “passionate”. However, I think I’ll start watching more indie movies.
There seems to be a while “bigger is better” in the world of Hollywood movies. Because movies have been around for a long time, I guess it is harder for producers to come up with new, fresh ideas that no one has heard of. I’ve seen some independent films in my creative writing class and though they had less action or “big things,” I found the films more relatable that Hollywood movies tend not to have.
Do you think there is a difference between Hollywood films and independent films? What is your opinion on independent films? Any recommendations? How will technology change independent films? Do indie films remind you of your IDC creative projects
I don’t believe that I’ve watched many independent films, but I understand the concept of the difference between these two films. I agree with Karen, and I like how you used “raw” to describe independent films. Independent films grab the attention of the audience through a theme that is novel with no sugarcoating, in a sense. Hollywood films on
I am not really into movies that are technology-oriented with a stereotypical theme or storyline. They are more like a commercialized product than an old story book. For me, Indie movies defeat hollywood movies in their real, rough, and affecting stories. Indie movies are somehow a personal thing that shows more perspective of the people who made the movie while hollywood movies are simply labeled with fantasy and technology. A really good story does not rely on technology.
My first experience with independent films was a trip to the Tribeca Film Festival. I watched this really great movie called Struck by Lightning. It was more relatable than any film I’ve seen in a long time, before and since then. While Hollywood movies have the technology and effects that keep viewers appealed and coming back, there is a certain disconnect for me. I look at the people in it, how they act and look, and I am fully aware that this could never be reality. I feel like my world is very separate from theirs. However, when I watch independent films, the actors and actresses are so relatable. They are common, not overly done people that I could come across in school, on the job, in a store.
Movies such as Struck By Lightning rely heavily on a cleverly written screenplay. Due to the lack of technology, they kind of have to in order to be a success. I’m interested to see the technological advances this article talked about. I wonder if this addition will cause the film’s creators to slack in the areas such as script. I hope not!
I am beyond in love with indie. I like the whole hipster feel to it and how people are really trying to do something based on their passion and not to just make money. My favorite part of indie genres is that they know what they’re good at, or what is technically good. An indie moviemaker doesnt just write a script because she feels like it, but because she wants to create a story that can go deeper, and not just as the basic, tip of the iceberg level, like many hollywood films, but down to your core, where you learn things youve never thought about. I think that indie films also allow us to be easier to relate to because theyre made by the layman with little money and little connections, not like some of these hollywood movies which are made by people who just have the connection to the studios. The movie “Submarine” is actually a really good indie movie that is more static than the hollywood movies, but the moments that are spastic are really well thought out and enjoyable to watch. Here is a link to the movie
http://warp.net/films/submarine
Independent films are great. What is so great about independent films is that they are likely to bring forth new ideas and plots not seen on the original hollywood films. Everyone knows the types of films that come out of hollywood, they are all similar in their action, horror, or whatever the case. Independent film making gives new people a chance to bring forth their new ideas into the filmmaking world. Just like our IDC final projects, no two independent films use the same features which makes them unique.
Independent films and Hollywood films contrast in many ways, especially with the content that is commonly associated with Hollywood Films. Hollywood Films are very predictable and are known to have massive capital backing their movie endeavors. There are not many independent films that are extremely successful but the ones that were popular are often ones that stay in the minds of the generations that were present during their debut. Independent films also tend to focus less on glorification and more on reality and seriousness.