Quote by Raymond Chandler
The motion picture is like a picture of a lady in a half-piece bathing suit. If she wore a few more clothes, you might be intrigued. If she wore no clothes at all, you might be shocked. But the way it is, you are occupied with noticing that her knees are too bony and that her toenails are too large. The modern film tries too hard to be real. Its techniques of illusion are so perfect that it requires no contribution from the audience but a mouthful of popcorn.
Summary
This quote highlights the paradox of modern cinema, suggesting that it often fails to strike a balance between being engaging and offering a realistic portrayal. Using the analogy of a woman in a bathing suit, it suggests that when a film reveals too much or too little, it either fails to captivate or shocks the audience. Furthermore, it criticizes contemporary films for over-relying on advanced technology and realistic illusions, leading to a passive audience experience where viewers are only required to passively consume the movie without active engagement.
Topics
Film / Filmmaking / Movies
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