When it comes to the divide between mainstream blockbusters
and arthouse features, the key difference I’ve found between them is how the
audience... digests them, as it were. With mainstream films, they are designed to
be enjoyed in the moment in a rather visceral fashion; this would explain why
smaller release action films aren’t referred to as “arthouse” and instead as
“straight-to-DVD”. Art films, like most other instances of Art with a capital
A, largely exist for the sake of contemplation after the fact. The usually
deeper subtexts and more intricate cinematic techniques stimulate further
discussion after the fact, looking into the greater context of the work rather
than instant gratification. Now, there is no singular ‘right’ way to make films and,
when done right, both of these styles can lead to great works of cinema.
However, of the two examples, I find myself being more hesitant when it comes
to art films. After getting through today’s film, hopefully I’ll be able to
explain why that is.
