Hollywood Director 1992

[Chapter 120: Entertainment is Key]

"Dad, while traveling in Rome, Italy, I found myself pondering the purpose of the Colosseum. Was it to drive the economy of Rome, or was it a showcase of power against rival factions? After some serious investigation, I realized that neither was the case. The main function of the Colosseum was entertainment; it provided a means for ordinary citizens to vent their frustrations and helped reduce urban unrest.

Modern sports events serve a similar purpose. They replace weaponry with competition, gathering physically strong individuals together for games, ensuring they channel their energy into something harmless rather than becoming violent rebels like Spartacus.

Looking globally, the countries with good public order often excel in international sports.

From sports to movies, painting, music, dance, and novels, the theme remains consistent. The primary role of film is to entertain, providing ordinary people a way to pass their leisure time, diverting their attention to entertainment news and celebrities instead of plotting civil unrest. It encourages dreamers to aspire to be stars, not politicians or warlords.

For instance, if Hitler had landed a reputable job as a famous painter, would he have morphed from an art student into a figure who disrupted the world?"

Sophia smiled brightly at the listeners.

The crowd frowned. Initially, many were ready to speak against her comparisons about the Colosseum and sports, finding her remarks ludicrous. However, her reference to Hitler shifted the tone of the conversation to something much heavier. It was 1992, after all, and World War II had ended less than fifty years ago. Many present had experienced the global turmoil firsthand.

"Sophia, don't be ridiculous. You're too young and haven't even made a film. You don't truly understand what cinematic art is. Starting next year, when you study directing theory for two years, you'll realize just how important artistry is to film."

Director Coppola cast a stern glance at his daughter, realizing that after less than a month working with Link, her ideas had become quite radical.

Link was a bad influence.

From here on out, he would make sure Sophia didn't continue mixing with Link. The direction she was going could ruin her.

"Dad, I absolutely understand what you mean by the artistry of film. However, I believe that artistry should exist within entertainment. Uncle Scorsese, please let me finish," she said, raising a hand to forestall any interruption when she noticed Martin Scorsese preparing to speak.

The noted director from New York University folded his arms in resignation, despite having a great deal he could counter with. Sophia wasn't giving him the chance.

"I firmly believe I'm correct. The artistry of cinema must include entertainment because the primary function of most films is to entertain average audiences -- those who haven't received higher education and may not understand art or have high aesthetic standards.

Films that ordinary people enjoy are often not favored by intellectuals or those with refined tastes. So how do we entertain the masses with cinema?

It's simple: integrate what you authority figures see as artistic qualities into regular films. Use those qualities to stimulate their enjoyment, to keep them engaged with cinema and distract them from joining some modern-day 'Paris Commune.'

Therefore, artistry can also be seen as a form of entertainment, albeit directed towards a slightly more cultured audience. Don't you think I'm right, Uncle Scorsese?" Sophia grinned.

Martin Scorsese frowned and pondered for a moment. "That's incorrect, and too narrow in scope. Art is still a form of wealth. Consider the works of Van Gogh or Picasso. Likewise, films of artistic merit retain value regardless of how many years pass."

"Director Scorsese is right," the crowd collectively nodded.

"Are you referring to silent films when you mention artistic movies? In the age of talkies, how many people actually watch these? How much value do films with few viewers really have?

And what about Van Gogh and Picasso? How many ordinary people grasp their artistic value? Not many. Most only know their paintings are worth a fortune. Thus, Van Gogh and Picasso's artwork serves as entertainment for the educated elite, and they are also a form of entertainment," Sophia argued, her words rushing faster now, her cheeks flushed, as if she were engaging in some thrilling endeavor.

"Sophia, stop talking," Coppola's expression darkened further. While he did agree with some of her points, this wasn't the venue for a young person to voice such opinions. Such discussions belonged at the family dinner table, not among serious filmmakers who valued cinematic artistry.

Suddenly, Coppola noticed Link smiling encouragingly at her, prompting him to scoff, "Link, do you agree with Sophia's perspective?"

"Absolutely," Link responded with a grin.

Sophia affectionately nudged his arm.

"So, Link, is that why you made a gimmick film like Paranormal Activity?" Dustin Hoffman chimed in from the crowd, his stature somewhat diminished beside the taller Keanu Reeves.

Link turned to him. "Sophia is right that artistry exists within entertainment. Regarding my films Buried and Paranormal Activity, I maintain that a movie is only valuable if people watch it, whether the audience consists of casual viewers or refined cinematic connoisseurs.

In 1776, America signed the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming all people to be created equal by God. In 1789, France enacted the Declaration of the Rights of Man, asserting equality before the law.

From that moment on, equality became a universal principle.

Yet, the film industry seems to have faltered, with those who watch art films looking down on those who watch mainstream movies. Filmmakers in the art realm often disdain their commercial counterparts, believing themselves superior.

That's problematic.

Commercial films cater to 90% of ordinary audiences, while art films exist for the 10% elite. We're all in a service industry; there's no need for any group to feel superior about serving the elite or to feel inferior about creating commercially successful films or gimmick movies. All that matters in entertainment is that everyone has a good time."

"Well said!" Sophia clapped excitedly, reaching out for a high-five with Link, like a victory duo celebrating a win.

However, others exchanged displeased glances at Link. Although he spoke truthfully, the facts were unpleasant, and no one enjoyed reflecting on their own flaws.

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Suddenly, the cheerful-looking Martin Scorsese began applauding.

"Ha! Link and Sophia, you both made excellent points. Your perspectives are refreshing. I hope we can chat more sometime, so this old-timer can hear what the younger generation of directors thinks."

"Sure, no problem," Sophia replied with a smile.

Link nodded in agreement.

Seeing Scorsese applaud prompted younger figures like Keanu Reeves and Nicolas Cage to join in with their own applause.

However, the majority of those present remained silent.

The silence lingered until the screening of Bram Stoker's Dracula began, and the cinema erupted into lively conversation once more.

In the entertainment industry, after all, the primary focus remained on everyone having a good time.

*****

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