In my opinion, Bringing Up Baby is getting a bad rap from the students in my Art of Film Class. I'm probably biased because that film happens to be one of my dad's favorites. I've seen the film at the very least 4 times, and have it on DVD. But still...
Observing the class's reaction to the film was both disconcerting and saddening. Mr. Klobuchar, you were sure right when you said that they don't make films like this anymore. What is wrong with our society when such a simple film like Bringing Up Baby can't be appreciated. Sure, I find some aspects of the film irritating (who doesn't want to kill that stupid dog?), but overall, I still enjoy the film.
What saddened me even more than the reaction to the movie (hey, everyone's entitled to their own opinion), was the suggestions that some of my fellow students made as to other films to watch in class. Face it, people, neither 'Blue Streak' nor 'Billy Madison' are quality films, sure they may be funny, but they have no brain. I mean... I'm partial to a good mindless comedy, but when I watch one, I pick something like 'Blazing Saddles'. It has both a brain and good laughs. How diluted is our culture when we can't appreciate something simple, without gross-out laughs or nudity?
Bringing Up Baby is a perfect example of a good, wholesome film. It has a genuine heart without pulling any stunts. I know its pretty much impossible for a film like this to be made nowadays, which works only to fuel my pessimism about today's society. But we can still appreciate those simpler films, with the hope that our culture doesn't go farther down the metaphorical toilet.
3 comments:
I can understand why such a negative reaction can be disconcerting when you actually enjoy the movie, but I don't think that our society is incapable of enjoying movies like this anymore. I think that it is simply a matter of taste; if you really looked, I'm sure you could find plenty of people who enjoy movies like this. Also, the opinions of a single high school film class are hardly representative of the country's tastes. Your dad is a perfet example.
really? Our class loved our movie "His Girl Friday" I dont remember watching Bringing up Baby, but i cant say for sure...
I do agree that some people in the class are very selective in movies and don't pay any attention to the cinematic elements of the movie.
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