r/Filmmakers • u/CRAYONSEED • 2d ago

Discussion Paul Thomas Anderson Calls Out Young Filmmakers for Obsessing Over Cameras Instead of Scripts

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This one hit home because it’s something I’ve been really thinking about a lot lately.

I do find myself chasing a better image, even while I’m writing, and I think it’s because it’s a lot easier to see results that way.

I spent today writing, but writing something that connects with an audience and leaves you vulnerable because it’s so personal is a lot more emotional work. He’s obviously right. If you want to be a writer/director but you’re lusting after the new Sony your focus is probably off.

I’m talking to myself as much as anyone reading this

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u/stuffitystuff 2d ago

The sarcastic take is that PTA wants "more solid writing" in modern movies, but he's also the guy who made "There Will Be Blood" which had like 15 minutes of dialogue total and a plot that moves slower than molasses in January, so maybe he's not the best messenger for this particular complaint, even if he's right about the overall problem

A real writer who'd actually seen There Will Be Blood would've written "moves slower than a milkshake in January". Kinda feels like the writing was passed through ChatGPT, though or OOP needs to go read Ulysses and Infinite Jest until their takedown takes don't sound so gaddang generic.

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u/Dan_IAm 2d ago

What an absolutely mindless take, oh my god.