A One Man Self Promotion Machine
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GregoryWool — 19 years ago(October 14, 2006 06:00 PM)
I strongly disagree. I appreciate Kaufman's desire to create something ORIGINAL. If you'd actually payed attention to Adaptation, you'd see that he's tired of the terrible predictable movie Hollywood's been making over and over again for decades, much like Donnie's screenplay in the movie, "The 3."
He's developed his own style, something inimitatable, impressive, and enjoyable. You could say the same about David Mamet, as he created his own style and has used it in novels, screenplays and theatre pieces.
He's not trying to be recognized as clever, he IS clever, and he's found a niche for showcasing his talent. You can't assume that everyone who's good at something is trying to show off. I admire Kaufman for finding what he likes and is good at, instead of keeping himself in a cubicle, 9-5 job that upper class snobs would deem a "real job." -
chibiskip — 17 years ago(September 17, 2008 11:32 PM)
About 38 minutes into part four of Wired's 2.5 hours interview with Kaufman he specifically mentions THIS "One Man Self Promotion Machine" comment and how he feels about it.
Seriously. He went onto IMDB, read this thread, and gives his thoughts in the interview. Listen here: http://blog.wired.com/storyboard/2008/09/the-complete-in.html -
jackmanfred007 — 17 years ago(October 25, 2008 08:47 AM)
What's wrong with art being an exploration of self? Certainly if a writer (and many do) wrote about personal experiences in a novel or stage play you wouldn't condemn them for trying to be 'clever'? Kaufman just happens to work in the realm of film writing, and by the nature of how films are seen, more people see them than read books. I agree with everyone else on here that his work in the past ten years or so has been some of the most strikingly original and heartfelt to come out of Hollywood. That he and his directors have been able to translate something unique and personal in a system that tends to fetter out individuality and life experience should be applauded, no matter how you feel about it.
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Writer01603 — 17 years ago(December 14, 2008 02:11 PM)
This seems to be the complaint for anyone who feels substandard in the face of someone intelligent. The same I think can is said about Woody Allen, Richard Linklater, Ingmar Bergman, Stanley Kubricknot about educationbut about the amount of symbolism, imagery, and thought that is involved in their works. It couldn't be that someone is intelligent and they make works that mean something to them, it has to be that they're reaching for the Pretentious to show their ability and show their intielligence. I think this is more revealing about those feel that way, rather than those who write and create that way. If you watch an Eric Schaeffer film you see pretentiousness and egomania, you can feel it in all the dialogue and, like it's always said, "It's better to let someone think your stupid than to open your mouth and confirm it," he opens his mouth and confirms it.
5b4
People that criticize films for being smart, that are actually smart, seem to lack the knowledge, and for intimidated by it. It must be the writer and filmmaker, it can't be them. This is a cop out. And simply untrue. Kaufman's work are intelligent, funny, and entertaining, because that's just the way he writes. -
LeoPeo — 17 years ago(December 18, 2008 12:18 PM)
Actually I agree with the OP- specifically about Adaptation, as I'm not going to judge a guy for trying to be clever, and maybe falling short in his other films.
I'm specifically talking about the fact that the entire movie was about how interesting his "odd" behavior is. I'm not saying the guy isn't somewhat clever, but I AM saying that I was done being TOLD he was so interesting and special and clever about 20 minutes into the film.
The friend who recommended Adaptation to me is very similar to Kaufman, and has this same thing going on- he wants everyone5b4 to find him so strange and creative- and it's not as if he isn't. But why do they feel like they need to force the point? -
smitm215 — 17 years ago(February 10, 2009 10:31 AM)
You're a tool, did you ever think that in bashng his ability to be 'clever,' that you are simply trying to do the same thing as him but with less merit? I mean, what you're complaining about his 'look at me be over-analytical isn't it odd and entertaining,' is what you are doing on this post as you sound elitist and believe your opinion trumps anyone's (as if it isn't a debate of preference). This big difference of course he is creating a work of art that stimulates the mind. Meanwhile, you are using his fame to deliver your debatable and ill-fitting 'critique,' via an internet webpage. Hey, you are free to your opinion. Just as everyone else is. But honestly, you pouring a pile of beep on a successful writer will probablly take you less farther than you think. At the very least it may bring you some twisted pleasure, but it doesn't change the fact that other people like himask his Oscar haha.
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smitm215 — 17 years ago(February 10, 2009 11:02 AM)
You're a tool, did you ever think that in bashng his ability to be 'clever,' that you are simply trying to do the same thing as him but with less merit? I mean, what you're complaining about his 'look at me be over-analytical isn't it odd and entertaining,' is what you are doing on this post as you sound elitist and believe your opinion trumps anyone's (as if it isn't a debate of preference). This big difference of course he is creating a work of art that stimulates the mind. Meanwhile, you are using his fame to deliver your debatable and ill-fitting 'critique,' via an internet webpage. Hey, you are free to your opinion. Just as everyone else is. But honestly, you pouring a pile of beep on a successful writer will probablly take you less farther than you think.111c At the very least it may bring you some twisted pleasure, but it doesn't change the fact that other people like himask his Oscar haha.
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felipemanzur21 — 17 years ago(February 28, 2009 07:31 AM)
ooo come onif someone makes bad movies is fooland if someone makes good movies is egocentric and trying to look clever? ..just throw into a hole dude u.u at least he is not michael bay or uwe boll xDD