Independent Films, You Say?

So, how come films by Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and the Coen Brothers grace The Movie Maven List? And, why are stars like Tom Cruise, Mathew McConaughey, Leonardo DeCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson, and Jennifer Aniston also on the list? I thought the Movie Maven dissed on all things Hollywood and isn’t independent supposed to be really independent?

Well, I cannot tell a lie. Some of these great directors are in bed with Hollywood. Nevertheless, the one thing that they all have in common is a single-minded vision about what their films should look like, and the power and clout to get them made their way. Thus, they enjoy an independence most other “Hollywood” directors could only dream about.

Woody Allen isn’t really Hollywood but rather New York City. His films never vary much from the Woody formula of witty, dark humor, characters filled with angst, and the city providing a backdrop for all of the carrying on. Crimes and Misdemeanors and Husbands and Wives are prime examples of Woody at the top of his game. The passion, commitment and creativity of independent films are at the heart of every Martin Scorsese film. Mean Streets, Kundun, and Goodfellas, need I say more. Originality and attention to detail in all aspects of production are noticeable in every Coen Brothers film. The Man Who Wasn’t There and Blood Simple are worthy examples on The Movie Maven List. Before he made mega-films like The Godfather Trilogy and Apocalypse Now, Francis Ford Coppola made a classic independent film, The Conversation.

Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to mention a director whose films personify the individualistic spirit of the independents but look like big Hollywood films. Director/Screenwriter/Producer John Sayles turns out films that look like something from tinsel town with plenty of stars on a grand scale characteristic of the summer blockbusters. But, Sayles’ City of Hope, Matewan, and Silver City are reminiscent of independent films with complicated stories, sharp dialogue and tour de force acting. And, Sayles controls their production from beginning to end.

As far as the Hollywood stars who appear in films on The Movie Maven List, well, sometimes they are willing to sacrifice a big payday for art. McConaughey appears in 13 Conversations About One Thing, Cruise in Magnolia, DiCaprio in The Basketball Diaries, and Aniston in The Good Girl. See, you thought the Movie Maven was prejudiced against all things Hollywood, but, in reality, I only discriminate against shallow, meaningless, inconsequential movies.

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