Steven Spielberg gets criticism for playing the emotions like a fiddle.
Thing is, all the filmmakers do that.
You cannot improvise a movie.
Everything must be scripted.
Scripting something to carry emotions is what movies do!
When one filmmaker makes us feel cynical thoughts in the Godfather movies, they call it legit
And when Steven Spielberg makes us feel love and joy in E.T. they call it contrived!
But which is the important emotion?
Cynicism?
Or love and joy?
Which one gives you a fulfilling life?
It may have aliens, but E.T. is about something we all have all around us- friends and family!
When Godfather makes you think cynical thoughts about criminals, it is playing a game with your mind
When E.T. plays with your emotions, it is to teach you to appreciate love and joy, friendship and family!
The Godfather movies are playing a game with your mind!
E.T. is showing you the real thing!
What really matters in life!
It is not Steven Spielberg's E.T. that is fake!
Yes, Steven Spielberg scripts the movie for an emotional response!
That's what movies are! That's what movies do!
All decent movies that make us feel something do that!
Why are cynical emotions more legit?
I say joy and love are more legit!
I say it is the cynical gangster movies that are playing a mind game
And E.T. that is showing us what is real
And not the other way around!
And that's why I follow the spiritual vision in Steven Spielberg's E.T.- only my own personal version of it, which I have sought all my life!
I am not saying that you cannot enjoy the Godfather movies! Movies do not have to be serious and profound! You can watch them for sheer fun!
Go ahead! Enjoy the Godfather movies!
The Godfather movies are brilliant examples of the craft of filmmaking, and are meant to be enjoyed on that level, on the level on which you would enjoy a work of Shakespeare as pure intellectual entertainment and a brilliant example of craft!
Go ahead! Enjoy the Godfather movies as brilliant examples of the craft of filmmaking!
Just like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg thems
And then go to E.T. to learn the meaning of life!
God loves you! Thank you, Steven Spielberg!
Sincerely,
David S. Annderson