Cedars, October 2020

THE BUILDERS OF THE MODERN The term “blockbuster” originally referred to WWII aerial bombs capable of taking out entire city blocks. However, by the 1980’s, the word had come to be associated with the larger-than-life adventure, explosive excitement and widespread popularity of mov- ies like “Jaws,” “Star Wars,” and the like. In more recent years, we’ve seen this trend continue, with blockbusters becoming an established pillar of the film industry. I set out to determine which directors have had the biggest influence in defining the block- buster cinema of the 21st century. Below are the four names whose influence is undeniable. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Abrams is known his unique combination of mystery and fun. By Ben Hiett J. J. Abrams: known for “StarWars”Episodes7and9, “Star Trek,” “Mission: Impossible III” Most of Abrams’ films are good old-fashioned adventure stories told within a modern context. To draw the audience into the story, he intentionally begins all his stories with a mystery the main characters have yet to solve, hoping to incite the viewers’ imagination as to what the answer could be. This philosophy of storytelling is evident even in his earliest work. Back in 2004, Abrams helped create the TV series “Lost,” a show defined by its ever-unfolding mystery. A few years later, he developed the concept for the found-footage disaster film “Cloverfield,” which ends with only a brief, cryptic answer to the cause of the movie’s main events. However, the infinite potential of mystery sets viewers’ expectations extremely high, so coming upwith a conclusion that meets those expectations can be difficult. This difficulty is evident in the endings of both “Lost” and the most recent “Star Wars” trilogy, which left many viewers underwhelmed. Ironically, the best qualities of his films lie beyond his “mystery box” set-ups. His directorial style is visceral and stylish but also exudes an earnest enthusiasm that’s hard not to appreciate. Abrams grew up filming short movies with his friends, and that childlike wonder and playfulness shines through in his films. Given his childhood love for film, it makes sense that he has had a hand in rebooting or continuing the stories of his childhood, including “Star Trek,” “Star Wars” and “Mission Impossible.” Regardless of your opinion of these movies, there’s no denying the unique sense of fun he’s brought to them, deftly synthesizing the best elements of these stories with his own vision in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Christopher Nolan: known for “Inception,” the “Dark Knight” trilogy, “Tenet” Christopher Nolan is far from a typical blockbuster director. Favoring grounded realismover escapist spectacle, Nolan consistently crafts cerebral, thematic films with meticulously put-together payoffs. What he lacks in accessibility he makes up for with intriguing ideas, sophisticated storytelling, and a visceral intensity. His high-concept stories are frequently built around a moral dilemma or existential question, and these ideas not only shape the stories he tells but also the filmmaking techniques he uses. For instance, Nolan frequently makes use of non-linear storytelling to withhold certain pieces of information from the audience until later, which impacts how the audience experiences the story on first viewings compared to later re- watches. His scrupulous approach means that every line of dialogue, every plot point, and every visual cue serves a purpose in the greater story he’s trying to tell. This intricacy gives his films a high level of rewatchability, as there is always some new subtle detail to notice. This attention to detail also contributes to his films’ sense of grounded realism. Theatrical, big- budget adventure unfolds within an accessible, real- world context, raising the stakes for the audience. Fall 2020 23 Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Nolan’s intricate storytelling makes his films thought- provoking and grounded. BLOCKBUSTER