#11 - Global Reference, Must Be True, Author's Perspective

[Dancingbambarina]

Why exactly is the author responding at the end of the passage - to Bordwell saying conventions lead to realism - that he should study conventions instead? Is there a link here, or is just a spiteful suggestion ending a rather aggressive passage?

Thank you

[Dancingbambarina]

Is the Author just saying basically that Bordwell has limited knowledge of the genre of musicals so he should not immediately jump to conclusions about others? Thanks

[Dana D]

Hey Dancing,

The author here is pointing out that Bordwell is trying to pigeonhole the musical films of the 1930s in order for them to fit within his view that 1917-1960s was the 'classical' era of filmmaking. He tries to do this by saying the musical films are akin to musical theater, in that they follow a predictable structure for a viewer, but the author disagrees with that and thinks the musical films of the 30s are actually an outlier from the rest of the classical era.

hope that helps!
Dana