American Films?

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26632, 1 December 1947, Page 4

American Films?

FORUM

The Daily Times

British or

Although there were some minor criticisms of British films, and some of those interviewed felt that an unwelcome tendency to emulate American sensationalism might be creeping in, all who were questioned were agreed that, on the whole, British films are more satis-

fying to the New Zealand audience.

A Member of the Executive of the Film Society says, “My own feeling is that the British are tackling the film in an intelligent way, because they are regarding it as a serious form of art. They bring the quality of verisimilitude to bear in their screen productions, and have obviously based their film-making on the documentary outlook. Many British films deal with ‘ ideas ’ which have been too abstract for the Americans. They are not afraid to get down to truth, or to make films about ordinary people. The .film ‘People Like Us’ is an excellent example of this. British film-makers do not find it necessary to exaggerate characterisations, but American films must have black quite black, and white quite white. To American eyes the ‘in-between’ would be uninteresting. The British, too, ’ are paying more attention to screen-play writers.” An Elocution Teacher is of the opinion that British films are infinitely superior to those made in America. The diction of English people is, in the first place, pleasant to the ear, and, more important still, is a good example for young and old alike. The characterisation is thorough, while the smaller parts are satisfying, because they are generally played by experienced people.' This informant objected however, to the repetition of certain “pet” scenes in British films. For. instance, in almost every British film there is a solemn church service. In condusmn, she thought that Mr J. Arthur Rank had given a great fillip «° films, and had put them “on the map.”

. A n Ardent Film Fan is not entirely m favour of British films. “In simple films, she says, “ Britain is far ahead of America, but from the spectacular point of view, America can still show the world how to produce films. Both countries excel in their own type of comedy, but America scores when satire is attempted.” She cites “ The Man Who Came to Dinner ” and “ The Late George Apley” as outstanding examples of this type of film. “Another complaint," -she says, “is that English films are using the same stars too frequently, although this position may improve if Mr J. Arthur Rank continues his policy of encouraging young players. Student thought that when British films made their “come-back,” with the advent of the Rank organisation, they were of a very high standard indeed. The technique was economical, effects were achieved with a minimum of effort, and there was a pleasing absence of “frills.” A tendency to adopt American methods was, however, beginning to creep into British films. The horror is too horrifying, the romance too romantic, and the pathos Too pathetic. Another Student: “J think I prefer American films because British films, often make me feel slightly ‘ill-at-ease.’ The players seem to be painfully camera-conscious,, the same feeling, perhaps, that,we ourselves have when being photographed. They appear to be making. a desperate effort to be natural. This might be due to the fact that many of the British actors and actresses have arrived on the screen via the stage, where an entirely different technique is used. Time, experience, and the introduction of younger players might remedy this.”A School Teacher said: “Actually, the question of films has concerned the New Zealand Educational Institute. for some years. As a private individual I would say that the British film has more to offer the New Zealand child, in that,-the way of life depicted more nearly approaches that of New Zealand, and it is more satisfying to a child to visualise properly. I think, too, that the scientific and nature study pictures being made by Britain, and those based on good books have much to commend them. Children know the stories, and prefer them to American stories, which, after all, are highly improbable.” A W.E.A. Lecturer prefers British films because they represent life in .terms as he knows / it, without vulgarisation of values. “For one, thing,” he says, “American films are always full pf exceedingly beautiful women. This standardisation irons out any character that might be seen in a woman’s face. The English have to some extent borrowed Continental methods, which are lively and experimental. American production bows to a fictitious standard of taste, and if something is a success, then these successes are mass-produced ad nauseum. I think, though, that British films would be better in the hands of smaller groups, instead of the Rank organisation, which might tend to repeat the pattern of American success ventures.” Mother of Three was content to say that she preferred British films because they were more natural, and more easily understood. She deplored the fact that American accents and terms were so popular with the younger generation, and thought that children should be encouraged to see British films, in which they could hear excellent British speech. A Picture Theatre Manager says “ It has always been contended. that the production and photography in-Ameri-can films was superior to that of the British, but, in the battle for world markets I think that the British have caught up on this side of the business. American films are made firstly for the American people, who seem to demand the lavish fabulous productions peculiar to the American show business. There is certainly a slickness' about American films which British productions lack, but English players are more intelligent in their v approach to their roles, and they have an individuality which Americans, in their turn lack. There is plenty of room for both in our Empire, and each can learn from the other. I believe that now that British films have such a good footing in the U.S.A. it is going to bring about a tetter understanding between the two peoples. Old Bert from, his seat down at the corner said “ When I go to the pictures I go to see something funny. I don’t care where they’re made as long as T get a good laugh! ”