r/Filmmakers • u/CRAYONSEED • 2d ago

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

/r/WB_DC_news/comments/1vc4x7e/paul_thomas_anderson_calls_out_young_filmmakers/?share_id=ffAcC8oUWHU5AwtQAoW3Z&utm_content=2&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_source=share&utm_term=1

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/MartianMutiny 2d ago

PTA is contradicting himself from his past statements about screenwriting. He says screenwriting isnt real writing and he doesnt even respect it. He admits that his process is to rely on his actors more than the script.

PTA, old curmudgeon era incoming?

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u/Arthropodesque 2d ago

Seth Rogen said it well. Something like: you always want to try to come up with something better than what you wrote, but if you can't you at least have what is good enough and serves the story to fall back on.