The Prequels: Better as a work of Art than a Movie?

I havent made a thread for a long time, so i hope this works. I had a long discussion with my Art Tutor who specialises in Animation and Graphics. He prefers The Prequels to the Originals in the sense that it was visually a work of art, and visually more stunning than the Originals - True, but my other tutor who is more oldstyle is also a Graphic Designer, and said that the Prequels were just plain rubbish, and as a art form the Orginals were supreme. I think it's interesting that two guys who practice the same form of art would have such conflicting views. My first tutor doesnt see the Originals as a landmark film in movie history - which i disagree with, but maybe the Prequels were meant to be viewed as 'a work of art' - infact, if you watch the entire PT as artwork, you seem to enoy it even more imho.

so the question is - Do you think the Prequels work more as a visual 'work of art' than a typical movie

Naw I just seem em as a movie myself.

I've met quite a few people who prefered the model special effects over the CGI actually. It's also odd how much the CGI additions stand out in the renewed OT movies.

So I can see why one tutor would consider the OT as a better 'piece of art.'

yeh, both tutors are a couple of generations apart, and i guess if your more into animation you'd prefer the modern approach - but i like both lol😎

so far as art, I prefer the original trilogy because of the storytelling and the characters. The prequels have that as well, but sometimes I get the feeling that lucas was relying to heavily on his special digital wizardry... "hmmm, I cant think of anything to do here, so lets CGI some muppets and make them dance and stuff" I dunno, I like the prequels, but the computer animations are distracting. Word.

DDD

In my opinion there is very little that is very artistic about the prequels... sure they're visualy stunning, but that doesn't make them 'works of art'.

Originally posted by DDanDevious
so far as art, I prefer the original trilogy because of the storytelling and the characters. The prequels have that as well, but sometimes I get the feeling that lucas was relying to heavily on his special digital wizardry... "hmmm, I cant think of anything to do here, so lets CGI some muppets and make them dance and stuff" I dunno, I like the prequels, but the computer animations are distracting. Word.

DDD

This is exactly what I think, yes despite common opinion, including my own I do like some ideas in the PT. It's like Lucas ran out of BIC pens so decided to play around on a computer for the afternoon. So there was an absence of characterisation and emotion but twice as much action (fake action of course).

Of course one has to wonder what Lucas' real motives were for the PT, everyone knows who dies, who lives, there's not a lot one can do in that situation to make anything half as interesting as it should be.

And the PT could be described as works of art, lets not undermine the artists, both digital and real, but it really depends on your view of art.

good post Stun, I commend you.

thx kane, never thought i'd even bother making another thread again, but hey

You knew basically what would happen in the PT. So people would consider the OT better because they didn't know what was about to happen. But I like the effects of the PT. The monsters were cool and pretty good looking like the Reek.

from my first post - that's not to say that i also love the characters and storyline😛 but i just generally think the Prequels are cool - and for those who say they are the 'worst' movies ever simply need they're heads examined.

I love the prequels because they took us somewhere new and different - yet at the backdrop of the entire trilogy it still felt like star wars to me.

Frankly I feel what's already been said;

The PT was much more visually stunning...............'kay that's about it for the PT.

The OT had a better storyline, more surprises, more emotion, and overall were just better movies than the PT.

and that's my point 'visually stunning' - it does inspire many of us Art Students who are doing Animation - even though i still believe the PT is more than just a fancy looking movie

I don't actually.

It is visually stunning yes, but there are much better examples of visually stunning out there.

I think it's interesting that two guys who practice the same form of art would have such conflicting views.

Pretty easy to believe -- everyone has their own opinions as to what they like and think looks good, even if two people practice the same form of art.

Myself, I think the PT is 'prettier' looking, and I adore the art and especially the costume designs from it, but as a whole I like the OT better.

prequels were boring. that is why lucas decide to wait for visual effects to improve before continuing the star wars saga. episode I II III will always be better visualy. the prequels are just not that good. they are ususful but not very good
the lightsaber fights are slow and lame in a new hope.

But you have to understanding with that; it took Lucas a while to flesh out the whole Jedi thing...

If only AOTC and ROTS had a documentary on the DVD that charted every part of the production process, from early drafts to casting like TPM had - now thats why i still repect that movie, because the documentary gave you more understanding of the entire movie - and also the struggles that they overcame

Yes, eye candy.

No, they were good movies, not a work of art.

This all my own opinion, but there were some good acting moments.

TPM:

The relationship of Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon was well done, especially the scenes where Obi-Wan apologized for his behaviour, and Qui-gon when he died.

Palpatine playing friendly, helpful senator who had his own goals.

AOTC:

I enjoyed Christopher Lee as Count Dooku, and ....
I guess the only other part was when Anakin cofessed to Padme that he had killed the Tuskens... that had good music behind it and was well acted.

ROTS:
This movie had alot of good acting moments. Anything involving Ian before he became emporer is full of subtle bits that have to be payed attention to. Obi wan talking to yoda about not wanting to kill Anakin, Obi-wan talking to Padme, and his little speech on the hill at the end.

Not to mention the birth of the twins and padme's death/funeral.

I felt those scenes, seriously now, in an emotional way.

If you want eye candy... go watch Johnny Depp channel Michael Jackson, and romp around the chocolate factory.

😄

I've had a nice little discussion with you on another thread so I'll spare you the trouble of regretting saying them, but others might not be so sympathetic 😄