The latest Indy 4 madness...

[John Crichton 4]

Apparently it's "still on," at least acording to producer Frank Marshall. He says they're writing a new script and that Lucas is involved in it despite it being crunch time for Ep. 3 post-production and reshoots. The rumor is the guy who wrote Pirates of the Carribean, Stuart Beattie, is writing it.

I used to want to see this done, but now I just wish the project would die a slow and quiet death. The only good thing that can come out of this is a new Indy score.

Full story here:

http://filmforce.ign.com/indy/articles/529...9/529496p1.html

[Lurker 5]

I still don't see tihs happening, despiite what anyone says. This film has been a threat since I was in high school. Just let it go away.

Neil

[Steven Awalt 0]

He says they're writing a new script and that Lucas is involved in it despite it being crunch time for Ep. 3 post-production and reshoots. The rumor is the guy who wrote Pirates of the Carribean, Stuart Beattie, is writing it.

To split hairs, the article never says that they're writing a "new script." It may be a new draft of Darabont's script, or maybe a completely new script, but the article never makes it clear, so its not accurate to say it's a new script.

The other thing thing that should be pointed out is that the whole Beattie rumor has been shot down by Beattie himself. A writer misquoted him and he allegedly has nothing to do with the project what-so-ever.

I do agree with you that the film should just be scrapped at this point. I'd rather see Spielberg move on with new projects and not be forever looking over his shoulder like his friend Lucas does all too often.

[John McClane 1]

The only good thing that can come out of this is a new Indy score.

I'm with you Murray!

[JoeinAR 1,949]

If it happens it happens if not, ehhh,

Joe, wondering if Spielberg even matters anymore.

[John Crichton 4]

Thanks for the clarification, Steven. You'd know better than I would, I was just going by what's in the article.

Joe, wondering if Spielberg even matters anymore.

A fair question. He has certainly been surpassed several times over in the public's view. The "film by Steven Spielberg" tag doesn't create the excitement it used to.

[Steven Awalt 0]

I can't believe you'd write Spielberg off like that Joe (or at least question his relevancy as an artist). I know you're not a fan of "The Terminal" and the prospect of "Indiana Jones 4" doesn't excite you (me either), but aren't there any other projects in his future that have you interested or excited about his career still?

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

The "film by Steven Spielberg" tag doesn't create the excitement it used to.

So what, Spielberg is making different films then he used to, because he wants to push himself as a director instead of doing the same thing over and over again.

With such undeniable classics as Jaws, CE3K, Raiders, Schindlers List, SPR and E.T. he has nothing more to prove.

Even if he only ever makes crap from now on, Spielberg is still the most influential director of the last 50 years.

Period.

[Steven Awalt 0]

And I probably don't know much more than anyone else, John, but I just hope Frank Darabont will get his due if the film is made, either through his script still being used (with Lucas' alterations), a script, I should add that Spielberg reportedly really liked, or through the surprise that maybe the writer who Marshall won't talk about is Darabont doing another draft of his script (something I highly doubt since Darabont has the exciting "Fahrenheit 451" in his near future supposedly, and I wouldn't be surprised if he bails on the Indy project due to bad feelings he's hinted at over Lucas' dissatisfaction (in the face of Spielberg's satisfaction) over the script. All of this is a shot in the dark, but maybe we'll see how it comes out (and maybe we never will).

And I agree with all who agree about Indy 4's score being something to look forward to (although I also agree I hope we never hear an Indy 4 score for obvious reasons...)

[Elmo Lewis 6]

He has certainly been surpassed several times over in the public's view. The "film by Steven Spielberg" tag doesn't create the excitement it used to.

Well, he's less the crowd-pleaser he used to be. His films are more personal and less commercial each time. Considering in the long run the films themselves are what counts, I'd say that's not a bad thing.

[John Crichton 4]

So what, Spielberg is making different films then he used to, because he wants to push himself as a director instead of doing the same thing over and over again.

With such undeniable classics as Jaws, CE3K, Raiders, Schindlers List, SPR and E.T. he has nothing more to prove.

Even if he only ever makes crap from now on, Spielberg is still the most influential director of the last 50 years.

Period.

Well, he's less the crowd-pleaser he used to be. His films are more personal and less commercial each time. Considering in the long run the films themselves are what counts, I'd say that's not a bad thing.

Spielberg's change of direction is not neccesarily a good or bad thing. It's up to the individual on how they feel about it. Personally, I don't enjoy his work as much as I used to, but that's just me. And based on what I've seen I think it's factually correct to say that the general public doesn't respond to him the way they used to. Whether that matters is, again, up to you.

And I agree Steef, his legacy has already been cemented thanks to his work from the late 70s to the early or mid 90s. He will always be a legend thanks to that, no matter what he does now.

And the idea of a Spielberg War of the Worlds exites me in a way I haven't gotten excited about a Spielberg film in a looooooong time. I just hope it happens, I'm trying not to get my hopes up the way his projects can come and go.

[Morlock 11]

I agree with Ender and Stefan. And I'm shocked at the spelling nazi's spelling mistake in the second post.

[Lurker 5]

I agree with Ender and Stefan. And I'm shocked at the spelling nazi's spelling mistake in the second post.

I was busy at work.

Neil

[Morlock 11]

A true spelling nazi is never too busy. You've betrayed the code. I'm gonna have to give you extra work to keep you on guard.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

I'm sure the spelling Nazi code for Jerusalem differs from the code used in New Jersey.

How many spelling Nazi's are there in Jerusalem anyways.

[Morlock 11]

Well, I'm from New Jersey, so it still applies.

And I wouldn't know how many there are, people do a lot of talking here, and not much writing.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

people do a lot of talking here, and not much writing.

So i've been informed.

[JoeinAR 1,949]

I can't believe you'd write Spielberg off like that Joe (or at least question his relevancy as an artist). I know you're not a fan of "The Terminal" and the prospect of "Indiana Jones 4" doesn't excite you (me either), but aren't there any other projects in his future that have you interested or excited about his career still?

I think its a relevant question. There was a time when

A FILM BY STEVEN SPIELBERG, was the most anticipated film.

Today, its a film that you hope will remind you of his past greatness, and often times does in a most unflattering way.

Since his Best Picture win, he's made Amistad, which was a powerful story, told with mixed results. He made the Lost World, visually interesting, but shallow. Saving Private Ryan, is perhaps the best of its type, but falls somewhere short of truely great filmmaking.

Next was A.I., a visually stunning film that is as cold and empty as it technically flawless. I was very excited about Minority Report, but it doesn't hold up to repeated viewing. It doesn't help

that Spielberg himself tried to compare it to Raiders and the Maltese Falcon, films that far surpass MR. Catch Me If You Can is somewhat of an exception, beautifully acted, beautifully shot, hip and energetic, but even it isn't the top of its genre.

Terminal is a film I must give a 2nd viewing. My disappointment stems from a story that is messy, and very slow. Its hard to fault the acting, and the technical aspects. In this respect Steven is always at the top of his game. I owe Steven Spielberg a second viewing of the Terminal, because I think I owe each of his films that.

Believe me it bothers me that I don't get excited the way I used to. There are other films with adult themes that I find much more interesting than his. Perhaps he is simply in the "lite" years of his career, or it may be more of a problem with locating decent scripts. I am more interested in his film The Rival's (which will highlight acting, something that Spielberg has always been underrated for) than I am in his film about the '72 Olympics. I fear that film in particular will pigeonhole him, as a "jewish director with an agenda". War of the World is only interesting because it gives John a vast tapestry to score from, but I would prefer Steven to make his third alien movie more personal along the lines of Close Encounters and E.T.

That is a film I wish he would make, not the humongus special effects extravaganza, that has to live up to the Spielberg name, the Williams name, the ILM name, and equal or surpass the 1950's original.

[A24 4,354]

Good post, Joe.

----------------

Alex Cremers

[Morlock 11]

Althoguh I disagree with a lot of the points, I do agree with the spirit. I remeber when seeing SPR knowing that Spielberg could do no wrong, and that this film was a true event. As much as I love MR or CMIYC, there's that rush that's missing.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

Good post Joe, and I agree.

But Spielberg in his latter days is still better then 90% of the rest in their prime.

[King Mark 3,631]

I agree with Joe too,except about A.I.And I do think War of the Worlds is the most promising project in his future.

K.M.

[Justin 2]

Minority Report is excellent. One of his best films. Many will dissagree.

Justin

[Morlock 11]

I am not one of them.

[JoeinAR 1,949]

I also want to point out that in each and every Spielberg film, including the films of his that I dislike, there is at least one moment (Call it the Spielberg moment if you will) that signifies he is a master filmmaker. Some way or another he will wow you visually, aurally, kinetically, etc.

His films like Jaws, Close Encounters, Raiders, ET, JP, and SL, are filled with these moments from beginning to end. I miss that.

[Morlock 11]

I think SPR and MR are also filled with that.

[JoeinAR 1,949]

I wish I thought that too, but I don't

[Steven Awalt 0]

Really thoughtful post, Joe, but I still don't think it addresses such a dropped bomb as "has Spielberg lost his relevance." Apparently to you (and many others here), even if he's going through a period that isn't your cup of tea, he's still very relevant to you as a filmmaker (enough so that you are looking forward to or have at least given some good thought to upcoming projects he has lined up). He's also relevant in the respect that you are willing to look at a film a second time. So to answer your question that spurred my response for you, yes Joe, Spielberg is still relevant for you personally, from all you've written, and its seems he still is relevant to many others here, even if he isn't the same filmmaker many of us grew up with.

And for me personally, yeah, the man's more relevant to me than any other filmmaker living or dead, always has been. I'll follow his work anywhere (even into the dark and backwards recesses of "Indiana Jones IV," should he chose to revert to it still).

[Guest]

So what, Spielberg is making different films then he used to, because he wants to push himself as a director instead of doing the same thing over and over again.

With such undeniable classics as Jaws, CE3K, Raiders, Schindlers List, SPR and E.T. he has nothing more to prove.

Even if he only ever makes crap from now on, Spielberg is still the most influential director of the last 50 years.

Period.

Ditto.

I figure Spielberg's going to make another crowd-pleaser pretty soon for old times' sake. Or at least I hope so.

[Morlock 11]

Really thoughtful post, Joe, but I still don't think it addresses such a dropped bomb as "has Spielberg lost his relevance." Apparently to you (and many others here), even if he's going through a period that isn't your cup of tea, he's still very relevant to you as a filmmaker (enough so that you are looking forward to or have at least given some good thought to upcoming projects he has lined up). He's also relevant in the respect that you are willing to look at a film a second time. So to answer your question that spurred my response for you, yes Joe, Spielberg is still relevant for you personally, from all you've written, and its seems he still is relevant to many others here, even if he isn't the same filmmaker many of us grew up with.

And for me personally, yeah, the man's more relevant to me than any other filmmaker living or dead, always has been. I'll follow his work anywhere (even into the dark and backwards recesses of "Indiana Jones IV," should he chose to revert to it still).

You should think about starting a fansite, you love the guy so much.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

Numbnuts!

[A24 4,354]

Of course he's still relevant, Steven. As Joe pointed out, every Spielberg movie has at least one moment that makes you say, "Only Spielberg can do this". (OK, maybe not in The Lost World)

In his latest films those moments for me were: (the lights dim, ceremonial music softly makes its entrance)

In Saving Private Ryan: "Omaha Beach" and "The Village Battle".

In Catch Me if You Can: Frank Abagnale outsmarting expensive prostitute in hotel room.

In Minority Report: Uh, at this moment I honestly don't remember one. (a little laughter is heard)

In A.I. : The first act of the movie. (a few guests applaud)

In The Terminal: Haven't seen it yet but I couldn't say no when they asked me to be this evening's host. (no one laughs, bad joke)

----------------

Alex Cremers

[Steven Awalt 0]

Despite flaws in "The Terminal" there are certainly a few magical moments to add to the great list you have there.

And the last thing I would want to do is start a fansite, Morlock. People who run and frequent such sites are annoying nuts

[hoby12 0]

Harrison Ford is like 62 now. That should make for some really interesting fight scenes. I hope he has been taking his vitamins.

[JoeinAR 1,949]

Really thoughtful post, Joe, but I still don't think it addresses such a dropped bomb as "has Spielberg lost his relevance."

I think it was a fair question Steven. I question has he lost his relevance, that in itself is very fair with his recent filmography. Now if I said Spielberg has lost his relevance then that would be a bomb.

Obviously I have concluded that he is still relevant, despite my disconnentment with his recent choices.

And yes Alex, Lost World still has that signature scene. While I think LW has several, my personal favorite is that moment when the trailer is knocked over the edge by the T-Rex, and Julianne Moore falls and lands on the glass. Only Spielberg could have pulled that scene of with the intensity and the grit it displays.

[Lurker 5]

While I think LW has several, my personal favorite is that moment when the trailer is knocked over the edge by the T-Rex, and Julianne Moore falls and lands on the glass.  Only Spielberg could have pulled that scene of with the intensity and the grit it displays.

That's the only scene in the film that I like, but I bet Brian DePalma could have also done some interesting things with it.

Neil

[Ollie 1,059]

I think Spielberg is picking the type of projects he's really interested in and in my opinion he can do whatever he wants. He's earned it.

[Rogue_Leader 2]

The guy who wrote Pirates of the Carriabean is writing it? Oh brother!

[Morlock 11]

A few things:

First of all- doing what?

Second- PotC was written by a pair of writers

Third- the script was pretty decent. Bruckheimer and Verbinski made it into a joke.

[JoeinAR 1,949]

Pirates of the Caribbean was a really fine film.

[Morlock 11]

But in the version we see the script was not one of the strong elements. Supposedly Bruckheimer and Verbinski made a lot of stupid adjustments.

[Rogue_Leader 2]

PoTC was overrated. Not terrible but nothing that good either.

Overall this is NOT good news.

If they make a 4th one they may need to bring in a new Indy.

I dont think Ford is up to the challenge anymore.

YES, I actually said that.

[Lurker 5]

Pirates of the Caribbean was a really fine film.

For me to poop on.

Neil

[Steven Awalt 0]

PoTC was overrated. Not terrible but nothing that good either.  

Overall this is NOT good news.

It's not good or bad news, but a rumor that POTC writer Stuart Beatty shot down at TheRaider.net. As far as Beatty tells it, he's not on the project and the rumor was nothing more than a journalist's error in an article about the screenwriter. So fear not. The script not in the hands of that "Pirates" guy, rather its safe under the guidance of master scenarist George Lucas. LOL

Speaking of Harrison Ford, the old boy turned 62 today. That puts him at a full decade more than the age Connery was at when he came back to play Bond (sadly) in "Never Say Never Again."

[MSM 126]

PoTC was overrated. Not terrible but nothing that good either.  

Overall this is NOT good news.

It's not good or bad news, but a rumor that POTC writer Stuart Beatty shot down at TheRaider.net. As far as Beatty tells it, he's not on the project and the rumor was nothing more than a journalist's error in an article about the screenwriter. So fear not. The script not in the hands of that "Pirates" guy, rather its safe under the guidance of master scenarist George Lucas. LOL

Speaking of Harrison Ford, the old boy turned 62 today. That puts him at a full decade more than the age Connery was at when he came back to play Bond (sadly) in "Never Say Never Again."

What's worse is that he's now older than Connery was when he played Indy's father in TLC.

[A24 4,354]

And Connery is looking younger each day, while Ford ... never mind.

----------------

Alex Cremers

[Henry B 50]

In addition, LucasArts are also planning a new Indiana Jones game based on the fourth movie in the series, although this isn't likely to be released until 2006.

Huh, if the trend with Episode I (and to a lesser extent, Episode II) continues, we may be able to extract some unreleased music out of this game!

Perhaps I am getting way ahead of myself.

[John Crichton 4]

Perhaps I am getting way ahead of myself.

I think LucasArts are getting way ahead of themselves.

[Henry B 50]

That too.

Hey, maybe we can extract some unreleased music from the Episode VIII game in 2017!

[John Crichton 4]

LOL