Are you not entertained?

I was recently given an assignment to rate my 5 favorite movies, and give a synopsis of each one. That made me really think about why we like the movies we do. What are the key elements to a movie that make them resonate in us for long periods after? I have a few ideas, but I'm not here to impose an answer. It's just a thought I've been having, and wonder as to what all the answers could be. One thing can be certain though--the movie can't be lame! What is lame? Now that is also open to interpretation as well...

10 of my favorite movies... in no particular order:

The Lord of the Rings
Rocky
Gladiator
Star Wars Saga (Especially Episodes 4-6)
Stardust
Gandhi
Nacho Libre
Indiana Jones Movies
Chocolat
What About Bob?

There may be a couple comedies that I could interchange in the list occasionally, but that's pretty close to what my favorite movies are.

Symbol

I have lately grown a deep respect for film-makers that utilize symbolism. In my humble opinion symbolism can be the single thing that can separate a good movie from a great one. My recent viewing of "Kingdom of Heaven" proved to me again just how much a simple symbol--whether that be thematic, universal, or otherwise--can carry such massive weight that just showing it can elicit strong emotions. Example: for some people just seeing a cross can give them a strong feeling of solemnity.

If I were to recommend a director that you should take notice of it would certainly be Ridley Scott--most especially for his strong symbolism in "Gladiator", "Kingdom of Heaven", and "Blade Runner". You can even see strong symbolism in some of his less amazing efforts like "Legend" (intriguing, and amusing to be sure).

That's what I have to say about that.

Out of the frying pan and into the fire!

In crafting our latest Spencer Films creation, a christmas tale involving amnesia, Chris and I have run into about every personal difference I can think of. I think that the movie should be edited together one way, but he prefers another, etc. Things like this can drive you crazy. I'm amazed at how such simple stresses such as a slight disagreement on a camera angle can kill our creative spirits almost instantly. But despite personal struggles Chris and I barrel through because we both have a drive to film, and make movies. It's fun when you can see a product coming together. The tricky part is still trying to have fun when a product seems to be strewn amongst the four corners of the earth, and you can't see how it's all working.

Most important of all though is that Chris and I are figuring how to work with each other, and work with our surrounding much better. I will be the first to admit that our newest product may suffer a little bit because of our struggles, but in a way, once it is done I feel as though It will be one of Spencer Films proudest achievements.

Note: Aforementioned movie is yet to be titled or finished, so a release date is really hard to nail down right now. If i were to guess then i'd say mid-March. Have a good one!

Political Frustrations

I'll say it right out front. I wanted Mitt Romney as the front-runner for the republican party. As the title of this post suggests I am truly frustrated with the 'political game' that our country has. Incidents like what happened in West Virginia are what is wrong with our political system. In case any of you are uninformed about WV then i'll tell you. After the first wave of votes came in McCain saw that he was obvioulsy going to lose so he released his camp to go ahead and vote for Huckabee (if they wished, but McCain wont admit as much). No, this post isn't really related to Spencer Films other than the fact that it has effected the creator of Spencer Films....me.

Another thing that upset me about super tuesday was the fact that CNN said McCain would win the state of California when only 15% of the votes were in. It's true that in the end they were correct, but to assume as much with so little data is very frustrating, and arrogant on the media's part.

Anywho... that's my two cents. Take it for what it's worth....not too much, but enough to let it be heard. Until later...

-King B

Welcome To The Show!

Hi there all. Welcome to the blog dedicated to Spencer Films productions, images, ideas, and all the rest! I plan to periodically update as I see fit. Experience the joy, pain, and general exhilaration of what Spencer Films (Brian J. Spencer) has to share!