Everything I Learned In Film School In Under 3 Minutes

Summary

In this humorous and candid video, Mikey Gleason, an NYU film school graduate, shares essential lessons from his time in film school. He stresses the importance of story above all else, but also highlights the significance of audio and lighting. Gleason humorously reflects on the common trends and films in film school, giving insights into famous directors, must-watch movies, and the sometimes pretentious nature of film education. He ends with a defense of film school against critics, encouraging viewers to embrace their creativity while acknowledging that it's a great place to learn about film culture and history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Story is the most important element in filmmaking; audio and lighting are secondary but still essential.
• 😀 People in film school will try to emulate directors like Tarantino and Altman, but it's rare to see anyone try to be Michael Bay.
• 😀 Certain themes like suicide and rape will inevitably be explored by classmates, often in a way that is awkward or uncomfortable.
• 😀 To win an Oscar, focus on World War II or cancer-themed movies, but to make a billion dollars, go for action films with big stars like Will Smith.
• 😀 There are only 10 directors you need to know: Spielberg, Kurosawa, Fellini, Godard, Lucas, Coppola, Hitchcock, Scorsese, Woody Allen, and Orson Welles.
• 😀 You should watch Citizen Kane, The Godfather (1 & 2), Star Wars, Un Chien Andalou, and The Muppets Take Manhattan to survive in film school.
• 😀 'Citizen Kane' is considered the best film ever made and should not be disputed.
• 😀 The Godfather is one of the most quoted films; watch the first two movies but avoid the third.
• 😀 Star Wars is a must-see to understand cultural references, even if you're not a fan of all the films.
• 😀 Un Chien Andalou is a crucial avant-garde film for film students, known for its surreal imagery and shocking content.
• 😀 Film school can be a valuable experience for those interested in filmmaking, even if others criticize it, as long as you're not aiming to be a doctor or in a more 'practical' profession.

Q & A

Why is story considered the most important element in filmmaking according to the script?

The script emphasizes that while audio and lighting are important, the story is king because it forms the foundation of the film. A strong story can carry a film, even if the technical aspects are not perfect.

What is the significance of Tarantino and Altman in the context of this script?

The script humorously mentions that some filmmakers may overly try to emulate Tarantino's distinctive style or Altman's approach to multi-layered storytelling. The point is to recognize the influence of iconic directors but avoid blindly copying their styles.

What does the script suggest about making a movie for financial success?

The script humorously states that if someone wants to make a billion dollars, they should focus on making an action movie starring Will Smith or have Tyler Perry involved, underscoring the commercial appeal of certain types of films.

Which directors does the script deem most essential to know, and why?

The script lists 10 directors that are considered crucial to film education: Spielberg, Kurosawa, Fellini, Godard, Lucas, Coppola, Hitchcock, Scorsese, Woody Allen, and Orson Welles. These directors represent pivotal influences in cinema history, known for their distinct styles and major contributions to film.

Why does the script mention Orson Welles in relation to Citizen Kane?

Orson Welles is highlighted for creating 'Citizen Kane' at just 25 years old, which is often regarded as the greatest film of all time. This serves as a reminder of Welles' exceptional achievement and his young age when he made it.

What films does the script suggest are essential for anyone in film school to watch?

The five essential films mentioned are 'Citizen Kane,' 'The Godfather,' 'Star Wars,' 'Un Chien Andalou,' and 'The Muppets Take Manhattan.' These films represent major milestones in cinema, covering different genres and cultural impacts.

What is the script's view on 'The Godfather' sequels?

The script humorously dismisses 'The Godfather Part III' as not worth acknowledging, comparing it to 'Rocky 5.' It implies that while the first two films are critical, the third installment is considered a failure.

Why is 'Un Chien Andalou' included on the list of essential films?

The script includes 'Un Chien Andalou' because it is a short avant-garde film co-directed by Salvador Dalí. It is known for its surreal and disturbing imagery, making it a film school staple for understanding experimental filmmaking.

What does the script say about people who criticize film school?

The script responds to critics of film school, suggesting that those who say film school is a waste of time are usually jealous. It humorously points out that watching movies all day would be more fun than studying subjects like math or English.

What final advice does the script give to aspiring filmmakers?

The script concludes with the advice that aspiring filmmakers should go to film school unless they plan to pursue a more practical career like being a doctor. It playfully encourages embracing the pretentiousness often associated with film school education.