Taking a stroll down Sunset Blvd.
A group of students and myself recently attended a fairly prestigious film festival at the Director’s Guild on Sunset Blvd. in L.A. It was exhilarating to be in the lush film screening room sitting on plush red chairs beneath sparkling chandlers, and mulling over thoughts of what famous director probably sat in my very seat. Sadly, as the winning films were screened and the awards distributed, the elegant ambiance did not carry over into the stories we saw on the screen. Some were cliche and other were just bizarre, with a couple being just satisfactory. The production value was great for all of them, nevertheless, one crucial element was missing: a fresh and compelling story. One of the animation films was so “artsy” that I, even as a student film maker, failed to recognize the “deeper meaning” amidst the twisted characters and jumbled thematic elements. Most people are not philosophical film critics, and usually attend a movie to be entertained, amused, and emotionally moved. Even stories told in non-linear fashion with metaphors, subtext, and quirky characters can still encompass universal human qualities that the mainstream audience can relate to and understand. Instead, what I saw on screen in this student film festival were not what I would call golden eggs for investors. I took away from this experience 2 things: First, hope — that with much effort and perseverance I can definitely compete with other film students from UCLA and other elite film schools, because as of right now, the choices are limited and the stories are trite and stale; and second, appreciation for the education I’m now getting at JP Catholic. Not only are we learning how to tell a great story and create realistic dialogue and compelling characters, but we also are reading great literature and studying philosophy. I often wonder if the lack of great and new stories on screen has to do with a decline in reading. Here at JP Catholic we believe that one must have a working knowledge of authors such as C.S. Lewis, Flannery O’Conner, Dante and beyond, who have truly mastered the craft of story and transcended into the realm of universal human qualities. As our fall quarter begins next week, I look forward to continuing my portfolio of film projects and perfecting my craft for the big screen. With determination, patience, and effort, entering into these film festivals with other film students is a goal just in reach on the horizon.
