Movies Need to Shut Up | Video Essay

Summary

This video script critiques the modern shift away from quiet, contemplative moments in cinema, comparing classic films like *Spirited Away* and *Conan the Barbarian* to current Hollywood blockbusters and streaming content. It highlights how the constant noise and dialogue in today's films detract from immersive storytelling. The script also explores the decline of public spaces like movie theaters and malls, tying it to a broader cultural shift where everything is monetized. Ultimately, it laments the loss of meaningful silence in both film and public life, emphasizing a need for reflection over constant consumption.

Takeaways

• 😀 Silence in cinema can be powerful, as demonstrated in the quiet train scene in Spirited Away, which allows audiences to reflect on life.
• 😀 Quiet moments in films, like the stillness in Conan the Barbarian, Superman, and The Lord of the Rings, build emotional depth and suspense.
• 😀 Hollywood blockbusters today tend to over-rely on dialogue and voiceovers, often stating what could be shown visually.
• 😀 In many modern films, especially in franchises like Ant-Man 3, the dialogue-heavy approach undermines emotional depth by not allowing the audience to experience moments in silence.
• 😀 The dynamic range of film, balancing moments of silence with intense action, has diminished in contemporary Hollywood productions.
• 😀 Even in films that are dialogue-heavy, like Shaun of the Dead, there is a recognition of the power of quiet moments to build tension and atmosphere.
• 😀 The growing trend of silence in older films, like The Lord of the Rings, shows how effective silence can be in setting up suspense and anticipation.
• 😀 Streaming platforms' emphasis on easy-to-follow narratives, with lots of dialogue and explanation, may be designed for passive viewers rather than active engagement.
• 😀 Movie theaters are facing a decline due to the increasing focus on streaming, changes in public space design, and the rising cost of going out.
• 😀 The shift from public spaces like malls and movie theaters to private, consumer-driven experiences is a reflection of societal changes that have devalued communal experiences.
• 😀 The commercialization of art has led to films and media that prioritize profit over meaning, contributing to a loss of cultural and social value in the content we consume.

Q & A

What is the primary cinematic element highlighted in the video script?

The script emphasizes the importance of silence and stillness in film, showing how quiet scenes can convey emotion, build anticipation, and enhance visual storytelling.

Which scene in 'Spirited Away' is cited as an example of iconic silence?

The scene where Chihiro boards a train through the spirit world near the end of the movie, a quiet sequence that allows viewers to reflect and think about life without narrative interruption.

How does the script contrast modern Hollywood blockbusters with older films regarding silence?

Modern blockbusters tend to be dialogue-heavy and exposition-driven, often with unnecessary voice-overs, whereas older films like 'Conan the Barbarian' or 'Superman' used silence to create anticipation and let visuals tell the story.

What role does dialogue play in films, according to the script?

Dialogue has its place, especially for exposition or setup, like in heist films, but excessive dialogue can diminish the impact of quiet, immersive moments that allow viewers to feel suspense or emotion.

Why do Netflix and streaming films often rely heavily on dialogue?

Streaming content is designed for viewers who might be multitasking or not fully engaged, so characters are made to announce their actions explicitly to ensure the story is followed even as attention drifts.

What is the significance of public spaces in the context of cinema, according to the script?

Public spaces like malls and theaters historically allowed people to casually go out, experience films, and interact socially. The decline of these spaces has contributed to the rise of home streaming and the loss of immersive cinematic rituals.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected movie theaters and public engagement with cinema?

The pandemic accelerated the decline of theaters by limiting access to public spaces, reducing foot traffic, and increasing the convenience and appeal of streaming, further decreasing box office sales.

What examples from film history illustrate the effective use of silence?

Examples include the ten minutes before the Battle of Helm’s Deep in 'The Lord of the Rings', the nearly three-minute farewell scene in 'Superman', and long travel sequences in 'Conan the Barbarian', all of which rely on visuals and minimal dialogue to build tension or emotion.

What criticism does the script make about contemporary films like 'Inside Out 2' and 'Ant-Man 3'?

These films are criticized for being overly dialogue-driven, with characters expressing emotions verbally rather than allowing visual storytelling or silent moments to convey depth, reducing the audience's opportunity for personal reflection.

How does the script link the decline of silence in films to broader societal trends?

The script argues that the decline of silence reflects a society where everything must justify itself financially, public spaces are disappearing, and experiences are commodified. This mirrors the broader trend of noise and over-stimulation in modern life, leaving little room for reflection or immersive experiences.