The point is, to me, it's not just one single thing that makes a good movie. While yes, it's possible for someone to write a script that rivals even the best tales ever told, if the rest of the movie isn't up to par, well, then the whole thing just becomes subpar. Simply put, every movie is a product of pure teamwork. A common misconception, is that the director does everything. Hardly the case in any movie, as the director is there to primarily coordinate the actions of the crew around them; and although the director is usually the one with the most creative control, (provided, he stay within budget, and on the good side of his/her producers) he/she is almost completely debilitated without a team to help bring forth his ideas and overall vision.
Now with that in mind, let's name just a few key ingredients of that team.
- Writing: The most obvious; a good script is the necessary backbone in making a good movie. (story, dialogue, proper arc)
- Directing: Arguably, the second most obvious necessity in making a good movie. I wouldn't say just the director belongs in this role either, as he is always backed by a cinematographer and director of photography, who as a trio, work to make a scene not just work, but come to life. (provided, they are all good at what they do of course)
- Sound: Bad sound can completely ruin a movie. Whether it's a bad score/soundtrack, sound effects that just don't match, or something as simple (sounding) as the live sound levels themselves. A good score, worthy sound effects, and proper sound levels will only serve to enhance the experience, and pull you deeper into the film.
- Art: whether it's wardrobe, set design, make-up, or props; great art designs are crucial to making a world within a movie seem all the more believable.
- Lighting: Proper lighting can add so much to a movie, as it sets the mood to every scene and can even be used to both hide visuals, make key elements stand out or as a crucial aspect of the story.
- Acting: Bad actors can ruin even the best story...simply put. (and vice versa, course)
- Editing: To me, the editor is the one person with the most control over a movie. He/she decides what works and what doesn't, arranges the entire movie, and most of all, makes sure a movie works. A good editor can even take a so-so film, and turn it into something much more...but none the less, he/she still needs the rest of the team to properly work.
Well, you get you get the point. What do I think makes a good movie? Everything; and I stand by that. I know, in the past, I've seen movies before where in I have found myself thinking "wow, if only they had used a better music here, this scene might have been good" (Chase scenes accompanied by rock music...ugh) or "Um, I can't even hear what they're saying" (I'm looking at you, Rescue Dawn) to "wait, what just happened?" (Dreadful fight scenes where in the camera is just way too close and the viewer is treated to the sound of punches been thrown and what seems to be a bad case of vertigo)
It all has to come together, to make something enjoyable.
As for my favorite aspect of a movie? Tracking shots. Without a doubt, there has always been something about a long take that moves around, follows the action, and never cuts away, that I absolutely love. My first introduction to the style of film making came in the form of Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. In the scene, the camera follows a boy on his tricycle as he rides throughout the house, never cutting away, always following closely behind the child. Watching the scene, I could only imagine how gratifying it must be for a director to be able to shoot long takes without ever cutting away and strictly focusing on the action at hand.
As for my favorite tracking shot of all time:
As for my favorite aspect of a movie? Tracking shots. Without a doubt, there has always been something about a long take that moves around, follows the action, and never cuts away, that I absolutely love. My first introduction to the style of film making came in the form of Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. In the scene, the camera follows a boy on his tricycle as he rides throughout the house, never cutting away, always following closely behind the child. Watching the scene, I could only imagine how gratifying it must be for a director to be able to shoot long takes without ever cutting away and strictly focusing on the action at hand.
Yet another key example of the perfect tracking shot, and everything coming together to make an excellent movie. Absolutely brilliant cinematography, spot-on acting, excellent design and attention to detail (notice the car's windshield) and digital editing that would make even the best editor envious.
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