Another thing to think about in this discussion, well three things:

(1) People lie. You probably have a bunch of people willing to claim a movie sucks because although they never saw it they heard it sucks. Rex Reed the movie reviewer famously panned the original Star Wars without seeing it and apologized later. If a critic is willing to do so imagine how many anonymous folks on the web would.

(2) Also if you loved or hated a movie you are more likely to find posts or lists about that movie and comment. Odds are the bulk of movie goers didn't have that strong a reaction and they end up being left out of those lists and posts.

(3) If those people truly saw the movie then someone paid for that copy (if you review a zombie movie based on the edited version on free television your review is worthless) so the movie is a little bit successful.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

I hate working on things i dont believe in, be it film or my day job. If im ever going to make it in film, it will have to be something im passionate about or there is no point. I couldnt agree more, if your not passionate about something it shows in the end result. Not everyone is like this however. It all depends how important money is to you.

On your second point, i do try and avoid reading to many reviews before seeing something as it definately spoils your viewing, good or bad. Having said that, i refuse to watch Gigli as it has been universally panned. Its bad i know, im just as persaudable (if thats a word) as anyone else....ha ha ha

I guess your statement that you are amazed that people are
"allowed" to make this kind of fodder confused me. People are
allowed to make what they want. I see now we both agree.

Lynch is an excellent example. I don't know if the majority is
vast, but as you point out many people think his films are utter
crap. That doesn't make his films utter crap and it doesn't
affect his ability to get another film made. I know many people
who ask the same question you ask about Lommel or Uwe Boll -
what moron greenlights Lynch's scripts?

I understand that you are surprised that movies many people give
poor reviews to on IMDb actually make money - but each of those
people saw the movie so it seems reasonable that some of them
rented or purchased it. Even the vast majority who hate the movie
have spent money to see it. And then there are people who don't
visit IMDB and don't post their comments who buy or rent their
movies.

quote:

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Originally posted by moonmin troll

Again, using Ulli Lommel as an example, i find it very difficult to understand how someone who has been making films since the 70's can produce material of such poor quality in terms of script, acting, lighting, effects, make-up, editing etc, the list goes on. To then package the product (check the DVD cover for Zombie Nation) as though its a high quality film i find simply dispicable and as he has writer, producer & director to his credit on most of these films i dont see why he shoudnt take the blame.

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The way I would explain it is that films get made by
individuals and whether the director, producer or writer gets
terrible reviews on IMDb doesn't come into play when the
decisions are being made. Even if the vast majority of people
posting reviews on IMDb think a directors films are utter crap,
the development, financing, production and distribution of the
his next film isn't affected.

quote:

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Originally posted by moonmin troll

I hate working on things i dont believe in, be it film or my day job. If im ever going to make it in film, it will have to be something im passionate about or there is no point. I couldnt agree more, if your not passionate about something it shows in the end result. Not everyone is like this however. It all depends how important money is to you.

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I do it. Making a living doing what I love is important to me. I
could turn down offers to make movies I'm not passionate about
and work in another field while waiting for my passion project.

I choose to make the movie.

Excellent topic moonmin.

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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)