I like to rag on George Lucas. A lot. Oh sure, he’s made some pretty solid movies that you’ve probably heard of. And he seems to be the reverend of all polished facial hair everywhere. So why the ragging? I dunno. I’m sure I could start out with a list, but we all know what I’d list before you got close to reading it. And some people would do that whole “you’re just jealous” angle – which isn’t the case, spare his facial hair talent. I mean, zing.
However, I was recently enlightened to something that George Lucas was pretty much a pioneer of. Not Blockbuster movies, not special effects, not 24 frames per second filming, not ILM, not digital theatres, not THX sound – none of that stuff. -I mean, who gives a crap about that piddly stuff anyway? I mean really.
So what was it that George did? Well, I’ll let ya.. he got in a big pile of cow flop for doing it too. Got fined, what was it? Either a quarter million Or half a million.. I can’t remember, either way, it was enough that if I had it, I might actually be able to impress a lady. And her family. Of Twins. Never mind….
Anyway, I’m glad that this little move of George’s caught on, and I’ll always have a little sliver of thanks for George whenever I see it, because I freaking love it… and that’s simply: No Opening Credits.
That’s it. No Opening Credits: Sit down. Bang. Movie Starts. George’s Fault.
Granted, today it’s: Sit Down. Watch feminine products. Watch cars driving. Watch almost everything else. THEN the movie starts, but that’s another issue altogether.
I don’t hate credits. In fact, I occasionally stay after and WATCH the credits. No really. And when people use the opening credits for the film’s purpose like David Fincher of David Lynch does, then hey, Jim-Dandy. However, nothin’ beats a movie that says ‘Welcome!’ and immediately packs movie up your hoop.
Perhaps that’s a bad image.
All in all: Go George Go.
(oh…and quit fixing things that aren’t broke)
