Saturday, January 21, 2012
Let It Go, George.
I have no good reason to link to this profile of George Lucas. I didn't find anything especially revelatory in the coverage, but was surprised to read that “nuke the fridge” had joined the lexicon of derision — becoming, in effect, a sequel to “jump the shark.” I didn't think that scene was all that transgressive of B-movie credulity standards. Nor is Indy IV the most lamentable chapter in that franchise: Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom tops it both in preposterousness* and unremitting annoyance.**
On the issue of George's compulsive retreats to the editing room, I understand, even if I have no sympathy for, his impulse to constantly tweak his version of “his” films. But did he feel even the smallest hint of gratification when he added “Nooooo!” to the dialog? I doubt it. That kind of meddling is the result of holding onto regret. Dude: let it go.
In fact, let the whole franchise go. It's in capable hands. Make a video game, or something.
*Leaving an airplane sans parachute, tobogganing down the Himalayas in an indestructible rubber dingy and splash-landing in the Ganges, alas, can't be summed up as succinctly or winningly as “nuke the fridge.”
**I submit that it was not an evil spirit, but a temporary moment of clarity, that prompted Indy to send the caterwauling Willy and the witless-quipping "Short Round" to a fiery doom.
On the issue of George's compulsive retreats to the editing room, I understand, even if I have no sympathy for, his impulse to constantly tweak his version of “his” films. But did he feel even the smallest hint of gratification when he added “Nooooo!” to the dialog? I doubt it. That kind of meddling is the result of holding onto regret. Dude: let it go.
In fact, let the whole franchise go. It's in capable hands. Make a video game, or something.
*Leaving an airplane sans parachute, tobogganing down the Himalayas in an indestructible rubber dingy and splash-landing in the Ganges, alas, can't be summed up as succinctly or winningly as “nuke the fridge.”
**I submit that it was not an evil spirit, but a temporary moment of clarity, that prompted Indy to send the caterwauling Willy and the witless-quipping "Short Round" to a fiery doom.
Labels: diversions
