----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Ok, so the string continues between the "artist" and the analysist..... The biggest problem I have with analysis of another person's artistic work is that very often others read meanings into a projest that simply aren't there. I'm not saying that the reverse is also true, for there are times when discussion of a director's use of a metaphor is called for and diserved. My big problem is that after I shoot/edit/light something, there seems to be someone else around who is telling ME what I meant by using a certain technique. Film analysis is usually only effective when it is done regarding the CONTENT of a film, ie: acting, story, direction, etc. Coming from a technicial background, I rarely consern myself with these elements except inasmuch as they require me to help bring about the director's vision. He want's moody, I make moody, he wants evil, I make evil, etc, ad nauseum. There are unlimited ways to shoot/light/edit a particular sequence of shots that make up a film, but I think I can safely say that a particular scene was shot & lit a certain way because it LOOKED GOOD THAT WAY. Personally, I feel that once the DP & Director have decided on how the film should look in order to tell the story, many decisions are made out of necisity or convience. You want evil, light from the ground with lotsa shadows and shoot creepy close-ups, you want frantic? shoot hand-held.... I know I'm kinda making your point for you here, yes there is a reason for everything that is done, and it usually falls back on being the best way to tell the story in a visually pleasing way. Again tho, my beef is that OVER analysis is counter productive and does litte more than get Technogeeks like me pissed at acedemics like you :)...makes one wonder about that old saying about those that can do, and those that can't ...teach ;) (snicker, snicker) Too much of a good thing can be bad sometimes, and too much of a bad thing always sucks. Sometimes with art, you gotta just stand back and say "hey, that's really cool" you don't HAVE to know why....can't it just be good? Remember, one man's art...... Now tell me again what Picasso couldn't paint a face that even closely resembled one that existed in reality?....