Eric SamulskiEveryone’s a critic
April 13th 2007 05:57
Shooting the birthscene from The killbillies
Land of the la-la - the Sydney Morning Herald’s Sandra Hall said this about the film Fat Pizza:
“We film reviewers are often reminded of the need to examine a film from the point of view of those it’s trying to attract. And I do try and oblige. But there are times when I have to admit failure and my attempt to do justice to Australian film’s newest hit, the “ethnic comedy” Fat Pizza, is one of them.”
To be a film reviewer.
Let me put this into perspective. You’re at a party. If you’re playing in the NRL you can only drink alcohol. If you’re a normal person there maybe the unsupervised application of non-prescribable drugs. Anyway, the person next to you on the couch says;
A: I’ve made ten films…
or
B: I’ve watched 10,000 films…
I know who I’d be groping. Sadly it’s rare to find a film reviewer who’s actually made a feature film. There’s an unwritten law that artists don’t publicly criticise other artists work. When they do, they do at their own expense - a film reviewer is not an artist (frustrated doesn’t count).
As a film-maker you’re always looking for feedback. It’s the only way to truly develop any talent you think you may have. A good way is to sit in on a screening and see how the audience responds. Not listen to someone who’s never done anything – would you take road safety advice form someone who doesn’t have a driving licence or… owns a Volvo? No.
“I think you should re-shoot it as a scene by scene remake of Shindler’s List – now, that would be funny.”
Five minutes with someone like Lloyd Kaufman shows up a bad review for what it is – the blah blah of some hack who wants to be in the film industry.
Like I always say; art is a Worker’s Club, not a toff’s la-la Country Club.
Until next time and happy film-making.
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