Javad Karimabadi

Ms. Curtin

Independent Research 1 GT

17 May 2019

The Importance of Film

Filmmaking was once considered to be one of the most impactful art forms due to its

ability to tell stories through the use of dramatic and cinematic mediums that have an effect on

people that would not be created by reading a book or listening to someone tell a story. A recent

decline in quality of films in the last five years (with some instances going back decades) occurs

where studio executives interfere in the filmmaking process rather than let directors have full

control over their own films. These films have taken precedence over films that are made to tell

compelling stories. This decline in quality of films has caused film and cinema to not be viewed

as the art form that it was once regarded as. This more often than not, hinders the film’s quality

and causes the film to feel disjointed due to the conflicting visions and choices. It is important to

preserve the art of film so that important stories will still be told, and so filmmakers and

storytellers will be able to express themselves on the large stage of cinema. An increase in films

that are made in the vision of the filmmaker is a way to combat this decline of quality. Directing

is the most important job in the filmmaking process and an increase in filmmaker-driven films

rather than studio-controlled movies can stop the recent decline in quality of cinema, which in

turn will convey more compelling, relevant, and important stories.

The first step in making this resurgence in film quality a reality is to understand that an

increase in filmmaker-driven films rather than studio mandated movies can stop the recent

decline in quality of films. This is because the essence of any film is created by the filmmaker’s
vision and execution of the storytelling. According to famed director Quentin Tarantino, “Keep

reinventing yourself and your art. Number one skill as a director: Being able to explain your

vision”. (Renne, V 1). This shows that the soul of a film comes from the soul of the filmmaker,

and that the only limits on a film are determined by the limits of the filmmaker’s imagination and

ability. The quote supports the idea in showing that great films are made when filmmakers

realize their vision and are creative. Directors must reinvent themselves in order to keep their

films fresh and new, and this idea enforces a sense of quality in all aspects of filmmaking

(writing, directing, story writing etc.)

The films of quality (which are needed) are made with the purpose of communicating an

idea or message to the audience. Award-winning filmmaker Martin Scorsese supported this by

saying “The greatest filmmakers, like the greatest novelists and poets, are trying to create a sense

of communion with the viewer. They’re not trying to seduce them or overtake them, but, I think,

to engage with them on as intimate a level as possible” (Scorsese, Martin 1). This proves

(especially coming from a renowned director such as Scorsese) that the greatest films have a

connection with the audience that watch them in one way or another. This demonstrates how to

engage the audience in a film’s story by giving a very relatable, human element to any story

being told. Filmmakers must share common ground with the viewer in being invested, which will

ultimately invest them in the story being told. When the studio interferes with a film for

whatever purpose (whether it be increasing profits or marketability), this relatability and

intimacy with the audience is lost.

As for more seasoned/established filmmakers, they do their best work when they stay true

to who they are and what made their first/original films great. A prime example of this is M.

Night Shyamalan. When on the topic of Shyamalan, film critic Brian Hiatt stated, “He would
eventually conclude that he’s at his most commercial and accessible when he’s most himself, but

not before some considerable pain” (Hiatt, Brian 1). This shows the perspective of a

controversial yet renowned director in Shyamalan and how staying true to what made him

publicly praised in the first place helped him maintain a constant rate of quality and success. It

further develops the notion of a filmmaker’s true interest and taste being the driving force in

what makes their film engaging. It applies to both new and established filmmakers and provides

insight into what makes a great film, and what establishes a director’s “style.” An increase in this

type of filmmaking will undoubtedly combat the decline of quality in recent films, and will

return cinema to the artistic prevalence that it was once at.

In terms of what makes great films “great”, they are typically higher in quality when a

director expresses him/herself through their own unique way through cinematic and narrative

mediums. These impactful stories are usually made when the filmmaker feels a connection with

them and thusly is able to infuse their own personal experience and authenticity into their film.

An example of this is rising director Ryan Coogler, who was able to infuse his own african

heritage and culture into his critically acclaimed film, Black Panther. This e emphasizes the idea

that a concept for a film can be started within a filmmaker as a result of his/her personal taste

and flavor. By “starting in the soul” so to speak, this shows a filmmaker’s deep and personal

connection with the story they’re trying to tell. This gives deeper meaning to how a director must

feel a personal connection to their film and if this is established, then the film will feel authentic

and will stand out from other films of the similar genre.

Another example of personal experiences and flavor influencing one's films is with one

of the most revered and respected directors in history: Steven Spielberg. In an article by Art

Streiber that breaks down the life and career of Spielberg, Streiber references Spielberg’s early
infatuation and pursuance of film when he states, “He ventured up to...one of Hitchcock’s

famous sets”. (Streiber, Art 1). Alfred Hitchcock is considered a pioneer of cinema and was one

of Spielberg’s greatest inspirations. This further develops the spark of creativity sometimes being

lit by film itself, which leads to people going out and becoming filmmakers and expressing

themselves in their own unique way. This quote shows that a personal infatuation for film can

begin as far back as one’s childhood. This also shows how exposure filmmaking as a child can

spark one’s love and determination in the field and the desire to succeed.

As a successful filmmaker, famed director Quentin Tarantino gives rules for becoming

one. One of his top points was “Make films that you'd pay to see” (Renee, V. 1). This means for

filmmakers to not only infuse their own flavor in their films, but to make films that they would

be interested in as a moviegoer. This will not only create an authentic film, but will let the

filmmaker find ways to invest the audience in the same ways that they would be invested in a

film themselves. This develops the idea that great films are made by filmmakers who infuse the

film with their own taste, flavor, and interests This ties into the financial aspects of movies and

filmmaking (such as what will make someone pay to see a film), and relates the director to the

common moviegoer.

All of the mentioned aspects of film is what makes filmmaking one of the most important

and effective art forms in today’s society and thusly, its quality must be preserved as effectively

as possible. The stories conveyed through cinematic mediums can be relevant and as established

earlier, can inspire viewers to create films and tell stories themselves. Acclaimed filmmaker

Martin Scorsese states, “I’m a filmmaker. I saw something extraordinary and inspiring in the art

of cinema when I was very young. The images that I saw thrilled me but they also illuminated

something within me. The cinema gave me a means of understanding and eventually expressing
what was precious and fragile in the world around me. This recognition, this spark that leads

from appreciation to creation: it happens almost without knowing. For some, it leads to poetry, or

dance, or music. In my case, it was the cinema” (Scorsese, Martin 1). This develops the idea that

great films do not only tell compelling stories, but inspire the audience to do something with

their talents. This also lays the groundwork for the arguments made in favor of up and coming

filmmakers. This develops how well-made and resonant films bring more people into the field

through inspiration and investment.

As for the work ethic of filmmakers, filmmaking is a rigorous job and requires a lot of

commitment. As put by film critic Elliott Grove, “Filmmaking is not just a lifestyle – it’s a

strategy, a different way of thinking and doing” (Grove, Elliot 1). This quote develops the extra

aspect of the commitment that it takes to be a filmmaker and to work in that field, and that it is

not all easy work. This adds to the previous quote as they both show the stepping stones to

becoming a filmmaker. First they are inspired, then they have to put in the work.

An example of what makes films so inspiring is, “film is terrific at showing physical

action, movement—there’s a reason they’re called “movies.” Film gives the action directly—the

car careening through the streets, the play of muscle in the boxer’s biceps. It will always be

better than fiction at the direct display of movement, but fiction writers can improve their own

action writing by imagining it as a film” (Willis, Meredith Sue 1). This not only develops the fact

that some films are inspiring, but explains what exactly about them is inspiring. This further

develops the aspects of film which can hook the audience and make them invested. This also

shows that whether it is fiction or nonfiction, the visual aspects of film alone can capture the

attention of the audience.

 On the topic of audience investment, different genres of film can use their unique

qualities to tell stories in a way which grips the audience. This is especially true to different

genres of films. Horror films can not only scare audiences, but tell stories of characters

overcoming adversity. Action/Sci-Fi films can not only make the audience marvel at the

spectacular visuals, but also tell stories of characters being pushed to their limits and reaching

their full potential. This showcases all aspects of what makes a film successful and coherent.

This also gives new filmmakers an idea of what their films should include in terms of content of

story. This adds to how director-driven films can stop the decline of quality by investing the

audience through all aspects that it has to offer. All of these factors contribute to the thesis in

how the decline in general quality of cinema can be stopped.

Films of high quality in turn, must be made by competent directors. Directors must be

able to get the best out of everyone in the crew, whether they be actors or production crew. A

quote by Richard Brody states, “Great directors discover the talent and develop the artistry of

great actors, directors of photography, editors, and others, whose absences now scar the industry.

The mentoring, collaborating, and inspiration they could have provided for others to follow in

their footsteps have all been permanently lost, too.” (Brody, Richard 1). This describes the

criteria of a good director and its importance to the film being made. They must be able to get the

best out of their coworkers, as well as themselves. Overall, directors should have good leadership

skills and have a good understanding of all the jobs in the filmmaking process.

These mentioned qualities are necessities because directing is the most important job in

the filmmaking process and an increase in filmmaker-driven films rather than studio-controlled

movies can stop the recent decline in quality of cinema, which in turn will convey more

compelling, relevant, and important stories. In addition, film is a truly beautiful art form. An art
form which in recent memory, has been at risk of being tarnished, the process of which has

already begun. Due to studio interference which hinders a directors’ ability to express their

vision, many films have become a victim of dangerously low ratings, quality, and reputation(s).

A solution is an increase in filmmaker-driven films where a director expresses their own vision,

which will cause an increase in the general quality of films. Compelling stories will be told, and

powerful messages will be conveyed. Not only will this save the filmmaking industry, but could

help create societal change by bringing awareness to different serious issues, such as racial

prejudice, human trafficking, and police brutality (some of which have had films made about

them). This can even be achieved by young filmmakers getting opportunities to express their

visions and tell their stories to a larger audience on a larger platform. Inclusion and expression of

all types of films and filmmakers can contribute to creating a better society for the current and

future generations to live in.

Works Cited

Streiber, Art. "Steven Spielberg's Secret World" ["Steven Spielberg's Secret World"]. EW

Exclusive, pp. 36-39.

Renee, V. "The Quentin Tarantino Approach to Becoming a Successful Filmmaker" ["The

Quentin Tarantino Approach to Becoming a Successful Filmmaker"]. nofilmschool.com, 10 Apr.

2016, nofilmschool.com/2016/04/quentin-tarantino-approach-becoming-successful-filmmaker.

Web 18 Mar. 2019.

Scorsese, Martin. "Standing up for cinema" ["Standing up for cinema"]. THE TIMES LITERARY

SUPPLEMENT, 31 May 2017, www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/public/film-making-martin-scorsese/.

Web. 18 Mar. 2019.

Grove, Elliot. "Your First 100 Days As a Filmmaker" ["Your First 100 Days As a Filmmaker"].

raindance.org, 6 Mar. 2018, www.raindance.org/your-first-100-days-as-a-filmmaker/. Web 18

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Hiatt, Brian. "The Rise and Fall of M. Night Shyamalan" ["The Rise and Fall of M. Night

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m-night-shyamalan-glass-interview-771063/. Web 18 Mar. 2019.

Willis, Meredith Sue. "Improve your Fiction with Film Techniques" ["Improve your Fiction with

Film Techniques"]. Step By Step, pp. 1-3.

White, Deborah. "Top 10 Classic Films with a Social Message" ["Top 10 Classic Films with a

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