Yesterday, in discussing Carol Reed’s Graham Greene adaptation The Fallen Idol, I mentioned Greene’s famous insistence that his “entertainments” not be confused with his literary works. But where do we draw that line? Greene considered Idol to be an entertainment because it was about a police investigation, but is it?
I agree that a distinction should be drawn. Longtime readers of this blog know that I can appreciate The Scorpion King as much as Il Posto. But it does neither of those fine movies any favors to lump them into the same category. So what is the difference? To my mind, it has nothing to do with subject matter, or even tone. It has to do with the relationship of the character’s actions to the outcome.
True “entertainments” are about intended consequences—the action is determined, one way or the other, by the intentional efforts of the heroes and villains. Literary works are about unintended consequences—The action turns on ironic twists of fate. In The Fallen Idol, the more the boy tries to clear his hero, the more he condemns him accidentally, so that the irony just twists and twists, right down to the denouement, so I disagree with Greene: it is literary.
If you want to see the two dynamics in action, there is no clearer demonstration than watching a week of shows on CBS, then watching a week of shows on AMC, which, against all odds, has become our most literary network for original programming.On CBS, you would never see an episode of “NCIS” or “The Mentalist” that focuses primarily on the unintentional consequences of Gibbs’s or Jane’s actions, but on AMC that’s all you’ll see. Here’s a typical episode of “Mad Men”:
- At breakfast, Betty criticizes Don in a way that brings up the frustrated memories of his buried past. He doesn’t respond...
- ...But at work, Don says to Pete the angry retort that he wanted to say to his wife...
- Unable to yell at Don, Pete randomly yells at Peggy instead...
- Frustrated by this, Peggy criticizes Joan. And so on…
On “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad”, and even on lesser AMC shows like “The Walking Dead” or “The Killing”, actions never have their intended consequences. Life is a whirl of misdirected and sublimated emotions. This is the domain of literary fiction: understanding the ironic hidden forces that underlie all human interactions. Entertainment can be fantasy-based (super-heroes, wizards...) or reality-based (cops, doctors, lawyers...), but it all flows from the most cherished fantasy of all: the idea that you can know you’re doing the right thing.
26 comments:
"If art isn't entertainment, then what is it? Punishment?" -- Pauline Kael.
Like you, Matt, I love all kinds of books and films, the whole spectrum from art films and literary novels to trashy entertainment and everything in between. But for the past couple years I've been obsessed with books and films that have it both ways. Not half art and half entertainment, but fully both.
Since I can only think in terms of specific examples, let's say the films of Jean-Pierre Melville and Sam Peckinpah. Or a show like BREAKING BAD.
One of the aspects of BREAKING BAD I admire most is how it nails the mechanics of thriller writing far more effectively than, say, NCIS. And it's not just because you care more about what happens to the characters. I've had so many moments where I genuinely don't know what's going to happen next and care utterly, where I'm riveted by the suspense of a scene that has little or nothing to do with complex inner irony.
The distinction I'd make isn't between intended consequences or unintended consequences -- most stories trade in both -- so much as it is about the depth and emotional resonance of the narrative reversals. I'd argue that in any given episode of NCIS, things don't always go the way Gibbs or anyone else wants them too, but the reversal of our expectations will almost always remain at the level of plot.
BREAKING BAD has storylines as chock full of thrilling plot twists as NCIS, but many of the reversals in Vince Gilligan's show also play out their ironies at multiple (and deeper) levels -- plot, character, theme.
I've never thought of it like this! Very interesting. I'll need to mull over that interpretation, because I think I like it. I always drew the line at the expectation the creator had for their audience. What they were trying to achieve.
I see literature as more of a two-way street. The creator is expecting some sort of intelligent reciprocation. Essentially, they're teaching something, even if it's just teaching a wider view of the world and the human condition.
While entertainment always feels more like a spoon-fed dessert. Nothing is expected back from me. I just enjoy it and soak it up. It doesn't challenge me.
I think both are valuable, of course.
You don't usually remind me of Chesterton and C.S. Lewis, but I just had the familiar sensation of blinking and saying "Wow. That is so brilliantly clear," and only later "Is it true?" And I think it may ... be. Going to keep holding the template up against books, films, tv -- but I think I'm dazzled.
Kick. Ass. Post.
Brilliant.
Thanks For sharing this Superb article.I use this Article to show my assignment in college.it is useful For me Great Work. Escape rooms blog
Wow this was amazing. I was just about to look for some expert and educative content like this, I am grateful that I have frequented here! 1x tennis streaming sportlemon
Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It's so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also.
showbox download for android
This website and I conceive this internet site is really informative ! Keep on putting up!
notepad for mac
I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or tips. showbox movie download
Really impressed! Everything is very open and very clear clarification of issues. It contains truly facts. Your website is very valuable. Thanks for sharing.
gb whatsapp new version download
I am really enjoying reading your well written articles. It looks like you spend a lot of effort and time on your blog. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work.ricepuritytest.net
The web site is lovingly serviced and saved as much as date. mobdro for macbook
I went over this website and I believe you have a lot of wonderful information, saved to my bookmarks best site to buy instagram likes reddit
After reading your article I was amazed. I know that you explain it very well
Web designing and development Training in Coimbatore | HTML Training in Coimbatore| React JS Training in coimbatore | Online React JS Training in coimbatore| Web Development Training in Coimbatore | Online Web Development Training in Coimbatore | Web Designing Course in Saravanampatti | Web Development Institute in Coimbatore | Web Designing Training in Saravanampatti | Online Web Designing Training in Saravanampatti
Prevent leaving behind large amounts associated with finance in any affiliate marketing or even event web page! Almost all sites employ a rigorous insurance plan on spamming along with for anyone who is at any time falsely accused (deservingly and also mistakenly) involving transmitting unrequested email messages, you’ll probably have your levels shut down, that may cause a person getting rid of the initial funds way too! Virtual Trade Shows
I wish more authors of this type of content would take the time you did to research and write so well. I am very impressed with your vision and insight. 먹튀검증사이트
Nice blog, I will keep visiting this blog very often. 호빠알바
By the 1970's, movie posters used photography, occasionally using drawing and painting styles. 123 movies
In the early days, the names of actors did not appear on the posters, which the movie studios liked, because it meant paying actors less money. 123 movies
As you probably know, the movie buff in your life definitely has a love for electronics. This is especially true when it comes to their home entertainment setup. All of that gear can get out of hand though when remote controls begin piling up. Introduce the Logitech Harmony. yesmovies
GoAssignmentHelp is a place where students can get all type of academic writing services. The most common comes up with the online assignment help which is quite common these days among the people who are searching for some affordable writing services that also includes online homework helper as well as the people concerning this with the other countries. So, for that, the company has the global support as well as the students who lives in Canada can take the assignment help easily by just filling up a form at the website and get the services. Sometimes, it may happen that the students don't need the writing service but needs the plagiarism checker tool to check their plagiarism status of their content.
If you're more of a home body you don't have to leave the comfort of your own home to see a movie. You can literally channel movies through your TV's regular cable or on specialty movie channels like Thrill, The Movie Network, HBO, Movie Central, Showtime, Turner Classic Movies, etc. gogo anime
The show ran for over 10 years (March 1984 - September 1995). What a run! What a concept! We actually got to tag along and drool over the extravagant homes, lifestyles and dream vacations spots of the stars. Today, you can watch similar shows like MTV's 'Cribs' and VH1's 'The Fabulous Life of....' soap2day
It doesn't matter if they already have a subscription either as a Netflix Gift can simply be added to their already existing subscription and they'll get free months of their service. soap2dayhd
A good blog always comes-up with new and exciting information and while reading I have feel that this blog is really have all those quality that qualify a blog to be a one. Austin strippers for bachelor party strippers Austin
"Crisis situations often bring out the best in communities, with people volunteering their time and resources to help those in need. These acts of kindness highlight the strength of our social fabric and the importance of community solidarity."Visit globallyviz.com!
Post a Comment