Re: The Dark Knight changing Aspect Ratio feels like a Joke
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Originally Posted by Dave H
I find it ironic some always state they want director's intent until it's something they don't prefer.  |
For my part, I cannot remember ever saying that the director's intent is some sacrament. I don't hold with the view that a director's intent automatically makes a film of his/hers the only and best version. There are plenty of examples where the director's "preferred" version does not improve and, in some cases, may actually make a film worse. Two that come immediately to mind are APOCALYPSE NOW REDUX and THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY.
AN:R is not improved by Coppola going back and tinkering with it to create his "definitive" version. To his credit, he doesn't have the arrogance to demand that we only watch his supposedly definitive version. He is obviously intelligent enough to realize that both versions of AN are his and both versions are available. I thank the man for allowing his audience to make up their own minds on which version they prefer to watch.
TG, TB, and TU extended cut which was designed to posthumously recreate the director's "vision" is another film that is not in necessarily improved by the reinsertion of extraneous footage. Except for one small sequence, the rest of the added footage only succeeded in making the film longer. the phrase, "sometimes you have to kill your babies" aptly fits some of the footage that was put back into that film.
Now, as far as director's intent goes, I like to see the director's "preferred" version, so that I can compare it to his or her other versions of the film and then I like to be able to make up my own mind as to which one I prefer to watch. I'm not someone that suscribes to the misbegotten belief that the director is always right and, therefore, I should only watch the version that he personally likes.
That is why I respect directors like Ridley Scott and Coppola. They may like their later versions better than their earlier efforts but they are not so arrogant to demand that their audience watch only the version THEY PREFER. That is called professionalism in my book. Nolan's alleged insistence that the BD of TDK contain only his "preferred" version shows a lack of professionalism, to some degree. Both versions of TDK are his film and he should have had the professionalism to realize that and ensure that both OARs were available on the BD. He should have had enough recognition of the individuality of his audience to let them make up their own minds on which one they prefer to watch, not try to force every audience member into conforming with his wishes.
Edit: Took out the more inflammatory statements. No one is perfect.
I thought you were already "done" (at least 2x already in the same afternoon/early evening. 
