Last week I came across the following text in a review of a iOS game: “The best movies convince you that you know exactly what’s about to happen, only to spin off in a direction you never saw coming.” It made me think if that is really true. Surely there are some great movies out there which are so good because of unexpected twists (The Usual Suspects immediately jump to mind), but great acting or a moving story without surprises can also make a great movie. Of course I will admit that I really love movies where you can’t tell where it all goes and which outsmart you, but it is not a must for me.
So this week’s question:
Does a movie need to convince you that you know exactly what’s about to happen in order to be great?
There are many reasons a movie can be great, but for me, although it’s nice if there are surprises, the big issue is the overall quality of the script and acting. A familiar plot done brilliantly is can be a great movie, certainly better than a unique idea executed with mediocrity (or worse). There are only so many possible twists to genre films, television shows and books. How well the tale is told is what matters most for me, not whether I can predict what’s going to happen. Because if I counted on surprises, there would be very little to watch!
Great answers and seems most people think about it that way.
Movies must move, true, and twists are really great elements when played right. I can’t however say that they are, in your words, “a must.” Take “Drive” for example. It heavily relied on characterization and great performance (from Ryan Gosling). It didn’t had the need for a movie twist. Even so, it was triumphant. Thus, great movies in my viewpoint are one that exploits these elements into great effect in terms of entertainment and artistry.
Great question as always Nostra!
Although I was not crazy about Drive it was a well made movie. In the end it is about how it manages to capture your attention.
Thanks Armand!
Good question! I think it highly depends on the movie. I am quite happy to watch something simple as long as the performances and the story are good.
As am I. Thanks Erik.
Good question. For me, I admire a movie for its craftsmanship and ability to transport audiences out of their seats and into the film’s universe.
I am with you on that!
A good movie is a good movie.
You know how “Argo” is going to end before the movie even starts, but it holds your attention throughout.
On the flip side, I would say 99% of the audience did not know the twist in “The Sixth Sense” and the film was better for that.
A good story will always carry a film no matter what. A twist for a twist sake if the story is no good is nothing more than a cheap parlor trick–hence M. Night’s career after “Unbreakable”.
Argo is a very good example. It was full of suspense. True, twists shouldn’t be used as the unique selling point.
Hi, all:
Far too many films telegraph what is about to happen. Not to tone down the shock or surprise. But more for the short attention span of today’s audience. Who need to hear something repeated three times in order for it to stick in their gray matter.
Some of the best and most memorable films have endings that come out of left field and no one sees coming.
‘The Usual Suspects’ is high on the list. As are ‘To Live and Die in L.A.’, ‘Dog Day Afternoon’, ‘The Parallax View’ and ‘The Grifters’.
Although I have not see all of those movies I get your point for the ones I have seen. Thanks for your comment Jack!
I can think of great films that are not twist orientated or necessarily throw me off the ball. Of course there are lots of really great films that do 😀
There are lots of them. I think everyone agrees there are more things that can make something great.
If you have seen Oblivion, I don’t think the movie makers knew what was going to happen until it happened and I loved it. I think I learn towards the unexpected twist in the plot type movies.
Have not seen Oblivion yet…
Hmm, I don’t think so. A good film for me just has to be engaging. Heck, I don’t necessarily need to know what’s going on, as long as it’s got me hooked! Reminds me of a TV show actually, Rubicon (Aired on AMC but got cancelled sadly.). Had me hooked. Every episode I had no clue what the heck was going on but it was a fantastic TV show that just got me sucked in. Acting, production values, story, it all got me. But ask me what was going on? NO IDEA!
Never heard of Rubicon, but sometimes something weird can hold your attention as well. Take 21 Grams for example, the first half hour I had no idea what was happening!