Camera Operations and People Watching 101

After a whole 30 or so years of taking in films, I've only just come to realize that I really don't care much about plot. I don't value wardrobe designers much. Music directors are acquaintances, yet not good friends. Editors come and go without notice. What impresses me most, driving a desire to watch a film more than once, are two artistic components to film creation:

Cinematography and casting. These choices, when well done by their individual experts and approved by good directors lead to a movie that I'm likely to give time. Immersion in a scene...truly making the escapism of a film feel real - what an incredible feat, especially today when it's easy to question authenticity (CGI, and its evil buddies). I also relish those moments when the hackneyed phrase becomes legit- actor becomes the role. When even the thinking viewer seriously considers that actors personality to be whats on display...and this goes beyond the speech, mannerisms, etc. Even the physical appearance of the actor aligns with people that you've actually met that have the same characteristics (mannerisms matched to physical appearance) That's a whole different point...the whole "what you look like determines partially your personality and lifestyle", that I'll leave alone, but the point is made.

Ok, so some examples:
Billy Elliot
Cast and Cinematography - only noticed cinematography after 3 viewings! This movie makes me feel England in a way that 100% matches my experiences living there. Music Director gets a thumbs up as an aside.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Liz, Paul, Burl Ives...even Gooper. Absolutely crushes any modern acting by current starlets

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Again, Liz and hubby at time Burton, even Segal and his little woman. An absolutely coup de casting

The Thin Red Line
Cinematography at it's best - Nature sets the scene, but taking it in adequately and creating a pensive quality is genius. Video Excerpt

Just a few that came to mind within 26 seconds...I could go all day. Films and music...two of the fundamental keys to happiness in life.

Sure, I'm a big fan of many films that are especially well plotted, and some of the above are also great plots (Billy Elliot springs). However, whenever I'm feeling a little Howard Hughes-ish, I'll pay the cinematographer and the casting director first. Make it beautiful to watch and let the best believable acting talent make the film. All else is a backdrop. No props to props from me. (yes-I like a little dry wit mixed into movies too) :)