--- In a_film_by@yahoogroups.com, David Ehrenstein <cellar47@y...> wrote:
>
> --- "Jaime N. Christley" <j_christley@y...>
> wrote:
>
> >
> > How can I get used to something that registers as
> > just plain
> > incorrect, and barely makes sense?
> >
> What's incorrext or nonsensical about it? Chayevsky
> didn't just write "Network" -- he produced it. He
> HIRED Sidney Lumet to direct his script and had
> ccomplete control over all other aspects of the
> production. You're free to approve or disapprove of
> the result as you choose but the fact that it's Paddy
> Cheyevsky's film is incontrovertible.

I mean, could you support your argument with another film? I mean,
the circumstances you describe would seem to support auteurism because
the strong and powerful writer overpowers a fairly bland director.

But then, consider Schulberg or Ray's relationship with WIND ACROSS
THE EVERGLADES.

> You seem to think that anyone who directs a film has
> magical powers capable of absorbing script, actors,
> sets, costumes and every other aspect of filmmaking
> into himselef -- like The Blob!

No, not just any director, only the great ones. But the writer
doesn't do it at all.

-Jaime