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About this quote

What does it mean?
Ebert calls the film a waste of money where special effects overpower the story.
In plain terms
The movie has cool effects but no real story.
What can you take from it?
Spectacle cannot replace substance in storytelling.

Where it applies

  • blockbuster films
  • film production
  • storytelling

Putting it to work

  • analyzing effect-heavy films
  • discussing story vs. spectacle

Questions to consider

  • Does technology ever hurt storytelling?
  • Can style exist without substance?

Another view

Some audiences prefer spectacle over deep narrative.

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