As it goes with film, television, music and the rest - well a Bruce Springsteen song comes to mind, probably from the 90s because it's out of date now "57 Channels and There's Nothing On" but he had a good point (and a pretty good song!) Now, there are more channels but generally less worth watching although it's getting better because things are changing. Change is good. It's happening differently in film; this is part of the reason why TV has gotten better (let's leave "Reality TV out of this for now)....film stars have gone to television because studios aren't willing produce quality films. They're giving us what they want to give us - sequels and remakes mostly, much like the music industry...turn on any pop radio station and you'll hear the same few artists repeated hourly, all generally with the same sound. One wonders how many of them ever got a recording deal and likewise, how or why some recent films were ever made. Well I do know, more or less. It's not unlike Washington DC: a few people are deciding what they think we want and thinking about their own arses along with the almighty dollar. Yes, these are all businesses...creative businesses (even DC lately!) though it seems they aren't listening to their "shareholders." No, not the actual stockholders - but the ones who actually purchase the tickets/entertainment, not the financial stock! Businesses don't do well when they ignore their customers!
Rest assured, there is great entertainment out there if you're willing to do a few browser searches until the creatives our there can realign Hollywood and Music back into a "new golden age." To look for great films, do a search of "Film Festivals" and you will find an abundance of incredible films, both long and short that are worth renting (if it's been out awhile) or try seeking out in a cinema somewhere. These films are known today as "Indies" because they are made outside of the major studios in Hollywood. They have to be. If you think you have not seen one, I'm pretty sure you have. For many years now, these films have been winning over audiences and the biggest awards in film. You're probably familiar with the Sundance Film Festival founded by Robert Redford and the TriBeCa Film Festival founded by Robert DeNiro, not to mention Cannes in France. Guess what? There are now film festivals in many States and Cities around the World! Many of these you can actually attend whereas the aforementioned "named" festivals are exclusive to filmakers, actors, invitees.
A lot of people may think "oh, I can't do that, what can I say" or "how do I start" well, you just do. Granted things have changed a lot and you cannot just mail in your song, manuscript, film script or awesome new video game and expect them to say "We'll take it!" but you do have to start. A few nights ago, there was an old Billy Joel concert on TV and he played a song that's not really ever played on the radio called "Goodnight Saigon." So, not a commercial success - Billy is a legend, of course but over time the song has become a sort of anthem. Keep in mind even Billy started somewhere; listen to "The Piano Man" that's basically his story - those people he mentions were real! I first only ever heard "Goodnight" live, lucky me! Inside Billy's "home" Madison Square Garden, when the song starts the first thing one hears isn't an instrument but the butchered wind chopping sound of a military helicopter's blades as if it were hovering above us. WHAT? I think I intuitively ducked. Next, a few piano keys and Billy starts to softly sing the lyrics of what is the narrative of a day in the life for Vietnam Vets "in country." The soft vocals and music eventually build to a majestic crescendo; cue goosebumps, tears. Wow is an understatement. That's what we go out for....to feel something! Laughter, empathy, inspiration, knowledge, excitement, thrills and so on. Much later on I heard Billy talk about that song. It wasn't anything he ever felt he should write because he had not been in Vietnam but he had friends who were - and they wanted him to write it so he asked them to tell him their stories. "Goodnight Saigon" is perfect and for years now, anytime it is performed there are either Veterans on stage or active duty service members. So what's my point?
Something Billy didn't think he could/should do or maybe a record executive might even have told him NOT to do ended up being something so meaningful to so many people; certainly one of his most meaningful creations. Most of us will never know what an experience like being in Vietnam felt like; this song takes you there and you "feel" it for a few minutes. It was one of the most memorable concert experiences I've ever had. I've rarely been that moved and I've seen a lot of shows. That's what great entertainment ought to do; tell you something, make you feel something, take you someplace. I think all of us want to be transported in some way when we seek out entertainment. We want to get outside of our own thoughts and escape for awhile. Film and music are just two of many things that can help us "get away."
These moments just aren't happening that often lately but as I said, there are great works out there (don't forget the greats from the past!) and many creatives who are working hard to bring great entertainment back to the main stream. I'm just one of them. Those who blazed trails before us made big changes happen in the past - they were bold; we're in the process of doing it again. It's not easy but it's very exciting and much better than waiting for "Bad Movie Part 7" or heaven forbid, someone says, "Let's remake "Gone With The Wind!" Great film and music is being made and more is one the way. Stay tuned.
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