A lot of times as bloggers we get caught up in “extras” like appearance and we forget about the crucial core of writing. Movie makers are often guilty of the same thing. I’ve made an analogy in this post to make a point. I’ve seen several movies lately that show more concern with visual effects including CGI than with the story. Two in particular are: 2012 and Where the Wild Things Are.
2012 – In this film directed by Roland Emmerich, known for his previous work including 10,000 BC, The Day After Tomorrow, and Independence Day, it’s no surprise that visual effects take the front seat to a bland, marginal, even pathetic story. John Cusack, normally a romance/mystery lead actor, plays an unaccomplished suspense protagonist who apparently can’t raise his kids or get a book published as writer. Similarly to Tom Cruise in The War of the Worlds, he gets the chance to show his love for his kids through world destruction and chases that are far beyond tiresome.
The year is 2012 and Earth crust change is causing the Earth to be covered in water. The effects of volcanoes, meteors, streets busting apart by the force of the earth are all stunning visuals. Unfortunately, the dialogue is so poor and predictable it left me thinking about how much I could have save eating popcorn and drinking coke at home. There is no interesting slant on psychology with these people who are all apparently about to die. In 2012, it is imminently clear that visual effects cannot compensate for bad writing. In a similar way, I have stopped to read great looking blogs before only to find they are short snippets of “lifted” content if not just plain bad content. I don’t usually return to those blogs and I certainly don’t trust their ads enough to click on them. My blogging career consists of platform array from online diary to lesson planning ideas. I’ll try a lot of different things but lifting content will never be one of them. That turns ugly no matter how you dress up the appearance.
Where the Wild Things Are focuses on the anger of a 12 year old kid. I recently reviewed this movie in greater detail and you can find it on my BlogCritics page. If you’ve read the childrens book, forget any impressions you had from that wonderful work of art. This movie takes liberty after liberty to bend the “brand” another way. The cgi/puppet suits of the wild things are incredible. Like 2012 though, the visual effects are not enough to make the experience worthwhile. There were people by us whispering loudly “when will they get off the island?” It was the same dialog changed slightly over and over throughout the movie. The creatures were amazing to look at but how many times can an audience withstand the point of “be thankful for your crappy life at home because monsters might eat you?” As great as the cgi monsters are in the film, the story lags and drags on and on until Max finally returns home and you can’t wait to get home as well.
The best movies are ones that don’t rely on visual effect. My son liked, for example, Transformers 2 and I agreed the story and writing were pretty good. The CGI didn’t “make” the movie but rather it built upon the story and people took care and talent to write. The old expression: “Don’t put the cart before the horse” is one that 2012 and Where the Wild Things Are could benefit by. The cart is the CGI visuals and the horse is the story. I see parallels to blogging here. It’s important to customize a blog and get the links up as well as ads you think are profitable. But ultimately, without good, engaging writing, you’re dead in the water. Think about this before you spend an afternoon working on blog appearance.
The other day I saw a blog that was visually stunning. I realized after clicking around a bit that almost every link was back to the front page. I was actually disappointed to see this blog was a splog. I really wanted to read something there. This was the same let down I felt with 2012 and Where the Wild Things Are. In conclusion, I’d say that powerful writing is the best way to spend your blogging time. Furthermore, it pays much better than appearance both at the box office and “blog office.”
Well said young Damien. Bells and whistles are all very fine but they can’t disguise poor content. There are a lot of films that fall into this trap and countless blogs …… mind you, I fall into the category of rubbish appearance coupled with dreadful content …… if only I had a plan …… tee hee
@DP: Poor content is a matter of perspective. Throughout history change has occurred due to such perspectives.
@Damien: Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
Thanks you guys. I have the recurring dream of a blog with millions of readers that is pure text and maybe just a line somewhere
JohnC: I checked out Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang in IMDB. I’m gonna go rent it. Waiting for the “connection” but I am sure it’s a good one.
Honestly didn’t know that. :nods:
@Damien Riley – Oh gee… you just *had* to post something like this, didn’t you? Now everyone will be expecting good content instead of being happy with my naughty jokes and boob pictures.
I may as well go stick my head in the toilet now.
Fracas you crack me up!
Fracarse tends to drive everyone to breakdown status …….. just sayin’
@ Damien Riley – Actually, I think I might video that ’sticking my head in the toilet’ thing, so I should thank you for inspiring me to good content. I know that would qualify because just the other day, at the blog of a very distinguished fellow from across the pond, there was a highly instructional video posted.
Good thing I just cut mah hair short… less chance of it getting tangled and caught when I flush.
@DaddyP – I consider it a public service. (It has to be since no one is willing to pay me for it yet…)
@Fracas – public service should be rewarded with honours – you should be Damed – the Right Honourable Damed Fracas – and I should be Beknighted ……… all we need to do is find a queen for the ceremony ……
I’ll do it.
First order will be ‘off with their heads’ with a carrot guillotine.
…gotta make it worth puttin’ on the dress.