TGDT - Round 2 - Christopher Nolan vs George Lucas

[fernandito]

Christopher Nolan's IMDB Page (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0634240/)

Notable films : Memento,Inception, The Dark Knight, Batman Begins, The Prestige
http://images.contactmusic.com/images/reviews/cnolan.jpg

George Lucas IMDB page (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000184/)

Notable films: Star Wars Episode I/II/III/IV, American Graffiti
http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv360/heather1019/board%20pics/BDOAT/george-lucas-1.jpg

[fernandito]

Guess :)

[DoctorDodge]

Hmmm...the guy who not only made Batman cool again, but made one of the best films based on a comic book ever, as well as Inception ('nuff said), or...the guy who thought that Jar Jar Binks was a good idea?

Bloody hell, I'm having a really tough time with these two directors!

[Heather19]

Nolan!

[turtlex]

Guess :)

No.
Wait.
Don't tell me.... :huglove:

[CyberGhostface]

To be fair, I think Lucas ultimately had a much bigger impact on cinema and popular culture as we know it with the original Star Wars trilogy, but...yeah, still voting for Nolan. :dance:

[Walkingman79]

Had to go with Nolan.

[Seymour_Glass]

Yeah, so this Chris Nolan guy......:cool:

[alkanto]

Have to go with Lucas. The impact his movies have had on me...I think the only director that could beat him out is Jackson...I have a thing for SciFi epics, it would seem :)

On that note, however, I do love Nolan films. They are more mind-thriller type movies, which are good but don't hold me as much as Star Wars and such tend to. (But if it wasn't Lucas as the contender, I would vote for him solely on the fact he had to do with The Prestige!)

[Sam]

Lucas himself is a horrible director. He has made some films that have vastly changed the movie world, especially in the world of special effects. But this is about directors, not influential films, and Lucas really can't direct as well as Nolan. As much as it truly, truly pains me to vote against Star Wars, I'm casting my vote for Nolan.

[IWasSentWest]

nolan

i agree with same, lucas' movies have greatly influenced cinema. but as a director, he is average

[Mattrick]

Lucas is fucking awful. There is a reason Empire Strikes Back was as good as it was.

[Sam]

Lucas isn't fucking awful, American Graffiti and Revenge of the Sith were pretty good films. I've always felt that The Phantom Menace was actually a better film than many give credit. Sure there were elements that I didn't like (Jar Jar Binks, the midichlorians plotline, and Jake Lloyd's horrible acting skills) but it was still a good film.

[turtlex]

Um, George Lucas didn't direct the first three Star Wars movies, only New Hope.

[mae]

Talk about a no-brainer.

[Brice]

Can I vote twice...once FOR Nolan, and once AGAINST Lucas, please?

[Jean]

Can I vote twice...once FOR Nolan, and once AGAINST Lucas, please?
I have already voted against Lucas, Brice. Couldn't vote for Nolan because haven't seen anything by him yet; but you can count my vote as your second one.

[Brice]

:thumbsup: :dance:

[Ricky]

Nolan x7

[fernandito]

I have already voted against Lucas, Brice. Couldn't vote for Nolan because haven't seen anything by him yet;

You should remedy this soon, Jean. If the Batman movies aren't your cup of tea, start off with Memento and The Prestige. If you like those two films, try tackling Inception - should be out on DVD before the end of the year ...

[Jean]

I know that! I know that! I'll [censored: piracy alert] me some Nolan first thing tomorrow!

[fernandito]

Good bear :)

I have a strong feeling you'll like them both. Nolan's specialties are character study and psychological complexes , woven into the fabric of visually compelling films. I'm sure bears will come away impressed.

I could be wrong though ! :P

[alkanto]

Um, George Lucas didn't direct the first three Star Wars movies, only New Hope.

Which is one for the best ones, IMO.

[Mattrick]

Um, George Lucas didn't direct the first three Star Wars movies, only New Hope.

Which is one for the best ones, IMO.

For it's campiness, yes a New Hope is good. It's only riffled with some of the worst acting any big movie has ever seen. Empire Strikes Back (and I don't think I'm alone here) is the greatest of the Star Wars movies. Not only was it not directed by Lucas but it wasn't even written by Lucas.

[fernandito]

Empire Strikes Back (and I don't think I'm alone here) is the greatest of the Star Wars movies.

Agreed.

[Odetta]

Empire Strikes Back (and I don't think I'm alone here) is the greatest of the Star Wars movies.

Agreed.

seconded

[DoctorDodge]

Yeah, Lucas made a huge impact on cinema, and Star Wars was something that caught people's imaginations like no other movie had done, but his biggest problem - and this is why he fails as a director - is that while he can come up with a great story idea, he can't tell that story well in the slightest! The best reason why Empire's so good, as pointed out by Mattrick, was that Lucas was smart enough to let other people handle the two most important parts of the storytelling process in film. Even Harrison Ford said to him, "George, you can type this shit, but you sure as hell can't say it." Listen to half the dialogue in Ep IV and you'll see what I mean, there's some really terrible lines in that movie, it's just that the story moves at such a nice pace that you don't really notice it, something that can't be said of the bore that is Attack of the Clones. Too many terrible "romantic" scenes in that film! "I wish that I could just...wish away my feelings." Urgh! Any good director would've just cut that trash out, or better yet, give the story idea to a good scriptwriter! I'm sorry, but Lucas is just not that good. As a guy coming up with cool ideas and who changed how science fiction film should look forever, yes, he was great at that, but at directing? No. Not in the slightest.

[fernandito]

It still annoys me to see Lucas in that picture with Scorsese, Spielberg, and Coppola when Scorsese won his award. :arg:

[Seymour_Glass]

Me too, feev, me too.

[Brice]

Jean, I'll second Feev's recommendation of Memento.

[Seymour_Glass]

Jean, I'll second Feev's recommendation of Memento.

I third that. It's top-notch and interestingly constructed.

[turtlex]

Empire is my favorite as well.

[Heather19]

Jean, I'll second Feev's recommendation of Memento.

I third that. It's top-notch and interestingly constructed.

And I'll fourth it. I'm pretty sure it's one that you'd enjoy Jean. :)
I think you would also really like Following by him as well.

[Seymour_Glass]

I still need to see Following. it's on my list. And my Netflix queue.

[fernandito]

I still need to see Following. it's on my list. And my Netflix queue.

Move it to the top. The very top. NAO !

Is that the only Nolan film you have yet to see ?

[Seymour_Glass]

Yeah, that's it. I checked and it's on instant. Guess what I'm doing tonight?

[fernandito]

Going to ... the ... gym ?

[DoctorDodge]

Watching Doctor Who? (Oh wait, that's what I'm doing!)

[Seymour_Glass]

No. I'm going to save the Pope from aliens, then maybe watch Following.

[DoctorDodge]

No. I'm going to save the Pope from aliens, then maybe watch Following.

Ok, so less watching the plot of a dr who episode, and more living it. Awesome.

[Heather19]

No. I'm going to save the Pope from aliens, then maybe watch Following.

:thumbsup: Enjoy!

Oh and I love your new theme by the way.

[Seymour_Glass]

Thanks, heather. And I thought you guys might like that.

[Jean]

Jean, I'll second Feev's recommendation of Memento.

I third that. It's top-notch and interestingly constructed.

And I'll fourth it. I'm pretty sure it's one that you'd enjoy Jean. :)
I think you would also really like Following by him as well.

will have Memento tonight, tomorrow at the latest

[Mattrick]

Jean, Memento is just absolutely brilliant. I never get tired of watching that incredible piece of cinema. I was lucky enough to have seen that movie when it first released on DVD, it's become more of a cult hit since then.

[Brice]

I didn't even realize Memento was

a) by Nolan

or

b) so poppular.

I've probably watched it a hundred times by now.

[fernandito]

Yup, Memento is what put Nolan on the map.

[Jean]

once again, Lucas voters prefer to stay anonymous... except for one brave alkanto

[turtlex]

once again, Lucas voters prefer to stay anonymous... except for one brave alkanto

I'll go there, my bear. :couple:

Yup. I voted for Lucas. I'll step up.

Here's the reason why... American Graffiti. I don't think Nolan could have done American Graffiti.

[fernandito]

And I don't think Lucas could have done anything Nolan did :P

[turtlex]

Hmmmm.... Not so sure about that.

Also, I admit to a great deal of sentimentality about my choice - George Lucas/Star Wars changed the way I view movies and the possibilities they present. I remember the day I saw it, and always will. I can't say that about any Nolan film I've ever seen.

Oh, and of course, I don't think I will ever forgive Nolan for allowing CB to whisper his way through TDK. How can a director who brought The Joker out of Heath Ledger, allow such a thing?

[DoctorDodge]

Well, I've yet to see American Graffiti, or THX 1138, for that matter, but still, Lucas gets marked several points down for the bad storytelling in episodes I and II. III wasn't quite so bad, I will admit I enjoyed that, but even that seemed rather rushed in telling its story, which considering how much padding there was in the other two prequels is rather shocking!

However, I will need to see American Graffiti now if you're choosing Lucas over Nolan for it, Pam! That must be a really good film!

[Jean]

Yes.

Now that I am halfway through The Prestige, I have to suppose American Graffity has to be really fucking good to compete.

[turtlex]

I absolutely loved American Graffiti. I think it's a classic. That being said - again, I'm sure that sentimentality played into my choice.

The director's cut of THX 1138 is to be released on Blu-Ray soon. I look forward to that.

ETA : Jean, I thought The Prestige was mediocre at best.

I know I'm definitely in the minority here, but to me, Nolan is no Great Director. He's good. He has amazing moments. But I have so many on my list of favorites ahead of him, he's not even on my radar. Sorry. ( and flame away, my friends! )

[DoctorDodge]

FLAME ON! :onfire:

Wait, I'm not a Nolan fanatic! I've enjoyed his work so far, but I'm sure you're gonna get a lot of flack from just feev alone on this one, pam! Besides, I'm still too pissed off at my favourite director getting kicked out so early in this tournament to give an opinion on any others. (Although I do hope you won't be too pissed off at me for making a Marvel reference to Fantastic 4, and not X-Men! :lol:)

[turtlex]

:lol:

DD - I'm not saying your a Nolan Fanatic, just that I know a lot of folks here think he's just fantastic.

Feev and I have discussed my issues with TDK and continue to be friends, so I'm not too worried. :couple:

Hey, this is all about personal opinion, right? Think of all the directors in this tourney! Think of those who aren't here ( how did we miss John Sayles? ) ... To me, Nolan isn't as impressive as half of them.

I don't get pissed at too many people - and any Marvel reference is okay with me!! :D

[Jean]

I know I'm definitely in the minority here, but to me, Nolan is no Great Director. He's good. He has amazing moments. But I have so many on my list of favorites ahead of him, he's not even on my radar. Sorry. ( and flame away, my friends! )
For the time being, I have about 50 directors, from various places and times, ahead of Nolan.
Another thing is that I've never considered Lucas among directors, in my understanding of this word, at all.

[DoctorDodge]

DD - I'm not saying your a Nolan Fanatic, just that I know a lot of folks here think he's just fantastic.

I know, I was just making the point that whilst I've liked his films, like you he's not currently one of my favourite directors just yet, and there's been quite a few that have impressed me a lot more. No, I'm an Edgar Wright fanatic all the way - any director who can make Michael Cera look badarse is a really fucking good director in my book! :lol:

[turtlex]

Jean, I certainly can see why you would have that opinion. And I respect that more than I can express here.

Could it be a one-shot wonder deal? Or even a two-shot wonder, or whatever? You know - probably. I can own that. Sentiment. I'm there. Star Wars being so cool and being such a part of my life. Yup.

So, okay - ownage, I voted with my heart. And like I said - I'll never forget Star Wars, ever. I can't say that about any of Nolan's pictures yet. Could he, one day, do something so amazing that it hits me and changes my perceptions - you never know. I hope he does. That's part of what I love above movies.

DD - What say we settle this little poll by seeing who can throw shoes over the pub?!?

[DoctorDodge]

:bows in complete awe of using Finchy reference:

You don't have a smilie for that? Huh, well that should be corrected! :lol:

[pathoftheturtle]

Lucas: A good producer.

American Graffiti: A Three-Star Film.

The Prestige: Pretty damn good when you're halfway through.

[turtlex]

:bows in complete awe of using Finchy reference:

You don't have a smilie for that? Huh, well that should be corrected! :lol:

:couple: I knew you would get that !!!!

[Jean]

oh fuck... does it mean it will get worse from now on?... I've loved it so far, I even had to make a short break to have a clearer head for the rest of it.

[turtlex]

oh fuck... does it mean it will get worse from now on?... I've loved it so far, I even had to make a short break to have a clearer head for the rest of it.

Nope. It just means that I didn't like it much. If you like it this far, you'll enjoy it completely. :D

[Jean]

::suspicious::

what did Mike mean, then?...

[turtlex]

Hmm... not sure... It's an interesting ending, but to me, in total, an utterly forgettable film.

Path?

[fernandito]

Pay these heathens no mind jean, and continue to enjoy the masterpiece that is The Prestige. :)

[Jean]

that's what I am fully intending to do

[pathoftheturtle]

...to me, in total, an utterly forgettable film. Pretty much. Me too. Still...

Pay these heathens no mind jean, and continue to enjoy the masterpiece that is The Prestige. :)

that's what I am fully intending to doSounds like a plan. Certainly didn't mean to mess you up.

oh fuck... does it mean it will get worse from now on?... I've loved it so far, I even had to make a short break to have a clearer head for the rest of it.

Nope. It just means that I didn't like it much. If you like it this far, you'll enjoy it completely. :DCould be. After all, no one's just like me.

Oh, BTW, I totally voted for Nolan here.

[DoctorDodge]

:bows in complete awe of using Finchy reference:

You don't have a smilie for that? Huh, well that should be corrected! :lol:

:couple: I knew you would get that !!!!

Of course! One advantage to the series being so short: every single moment is instantly memorable! I think Tim stopping his radio hat from also being thrown over despite complaining about it before is another classic moment of subtlety that says everything about the character!

Regarding you choosing Lucas over Nolan out of sentimentality, I can definitely relate to ya on that: my love of Blade Runner was what made me choose Scott over Cronenberg, after all, and if we had a contest over best tv show, despite having seen great shows like Deadwood, Lost, and Rome, I will always vote for Doctor Who, mostly because it had a such a huge impact on my childhood, which was even more considerably bigger than the impact of both Star Wars and Harry Potter put together!

And I suppose I can't find too much fault with Lucas over Phantom Menace, at least. It did lead to one of my favourite quotes in a tv show ever:


Bilbo: What about the ewoks? They were rubbish, you never complain about them!
Tim: That's because Jar Jar Binks makes the ewoks look like fucking Shaft!

:rofl: Never a truer word spoken!

[Woofer]

The Prestige is actually my least favorite so far. I've not seen all his films.

[Seymour_Glass]

My least favorite is Insomnia. You can tell he didn't have a hand in writing it, and I'm not a big fan of remakes anyway. It just seems to me to be a well-made Hollywood thriller.

[fernandito]

Yeah, Insomnia is my least favorite of his too. In all fairness though, it was only his second feature film and it's decent for what it is, he's come a long way since then.

And besides , Nolan's worst is still better than a lot of directors best :)

[Woofer]

Hrm. I haven't seen Insomnia because it wasn't Insomnia, so I was too pissed to watch the movie that it was. You all know what I mean by that. Hehe.

American Graffiti is Lucas at his top. Love love love the movie.

[pathoftheturtle]

At his top as a director, yes... but I still can't give it 3 whole loves, lol.

[Ricky]

I thought The Prestige was mediocre at best.

:o

That's okay...I've never seen Star Wars. :lol:

[Woofer]

At his top as a director, yes... but I still can't give it 3 whole loves, lol.

I'm a nostalgia nut, though, so that movie is packed with awesome for me. :)

[Sam]

Yes.

Now that I am halfway through The Prestige, I have to suppose American Graffity has to be really fucking good to compete.

I'm not really sure what you'll think of it Jean. It is a very... American film. What I mean is that I think it plays really well to a generation and even to the generation after that (people in their 30's and 40's now) but I think it is also a cultural film as well that may not translate over very well into other cultural areas of the world.

Either way, American Graffiti is certainly a better film and better story than The Prestige. As a magician, I found The Prestige interesting, unrealistic, and disappointing all at the same time. As a film watcher, I found it decent the first time around, but boring on the second watching.

[Still Servant]

I haven’t seen Following yet either.

I voted for Nolan. Then again, in order to stay friends with Feev, I’m contractually obligated to vote for Nolan every round.

I enjoyed The Prestige. I’ve noticed that there are two kinds of people. Those that prefer The Prestige and those that prefer The Illusionist.

[Sam]

I prefer The Illusionist.

[Woofer]

I've not seen The Illusionist yet.

[fernandito]

I voted for Nolan. Then again, in order to stay friends with Feev, I’m contractually obligated to vote for Nolan every round.


You bet your ass you are !



I enjoyed The Prestige. I’ve noticed that there are two kinds of people. Those that prefer The Prestige and those that prefer The Illusionist.

The Prestige is light years ahead of The Illusionist.

[Mattrick]

Illusionist sucked. If it wasn't for Paul Giamatti and his awesomeness, the movie would have been a total write off.

[Jean]

I'm not really sure what you'll think of it Jean. It is a very... American film. What I mean is that I think it plays really well to a generation and even to the generation after that (people in their 30's and 40's now) but I think it is also a cultural film as well that may not translate over very well into other cultural areas of the world.

Either way, American Graffiti is certainly a better film and better story than The Prestige. As a magician, I found The Prestige interesting, unrealistic, and disappointing all at the same time. As a film watcher, I found it decent the first time around, but boring on the second watching.
I am going to see American Graffiti, then, as soon as I can. Something went wrong with my source today.




I voted for Nolan. Then again, in order to stay friends with Feev, I’m contractually obligated to vote for Nolan every round.

You bet your ass you are !
I am going to vote for Nolan every round in which he faces Spielberg or Tarantino.

[fernandito]

Christopher Nolan advances !

:dance:

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

I also preferred The Illusionist.

[Jean]

Christopher Nolan advances !

:dance:
good

[Jean]

I'm not really sure what you'll think of it Jean. It is a very... American film. What I mean is that I think it plays really well to a generation and even to the generation after that (people in their 30's and 40's now) but I think it is also a cultural film as well that may not translate over very well into other cultural areas of the world.
Well, I regret to say, it didn't. I mean, I watched about one third and realized I just couldn't go on.


Either way, American Graffiti is certainly a better film and better story than The Prestige. Well, no.

[Sam]

I thought virtually everything about American Graffiti was better than The Prestige. The acting is the only thing that was rougher, and that's because quite a few of the actors were in the beginning of their careers. Everything else was better, IMO. It doesn't matter though since this poll is over and Nolan advances. He deserves it because he really is the better director of the two.

[Woofer]

I'm not really sure what you'll think of it Jean. It is a very... American film. What I mean is that I think it plays really well to a generation and even to the generation after that (people in their 30's and 40's now) but I think it is also a cultural film as well that may not translate over very well into other cultural areas of the world.
Well, I regret to say, it didn't. I mean, I watched about one third and realized I just couldn't go on.

Aww. I guess I will survive, though. Big Dog doesn't like Grease.