Learning the difference between good movies and skillful ones is an early step in becoming a moviegoer. Certain films demonstrate that a skillful movie need not be a good one. It is also true that a good movie need not be skillful, but it takes a heap of movie-going to figure that one out.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Distinguishing between a film's quality and its technical skill is a first step in becoming a discerning viewer; a good film need not be skillful and vice versa.
- In plain terms
- Learning to tell good movies from skillful ones helps you become a better moviegoer.
- What can you take from it?
- Develop critical eye for both story and craftsmanship.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you define a good movie?
- Can technical skill compensate for a weak story?
Another view
The line between 'good' and 'skillful' can be subjective.
More from Roger Ebert
I would personally endure a good deal of pain just to live long enough to read tomorrow's newspaper.
Permalink to quote #96 Most of us do not consciously look at movies.
Permalink to quote #98 I prefer to evaluate a film on the basis of what it intends to do, not on what I think it should have done.
Permalink to quote #95
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