So, I changed my mind. Big deal. Or, is it, really?
I’m referring to a recent reassessment of two films that I wasn’t too crazy about upon first viewing. To wit: Burn After Reading (2008; Ethan Coen & Joel Coen; Emmanuel Lubezki, ASC, AMC) and The Bikeriders (2023; Jeff Nichols\Adam Stone). I saw both in their initial release and never had a problem with their cinematography; both are exquisitely shot. But at that time, nothing else clicked; they left me cold as a stone. Who knows? Maybe I just caught them on a bad night or my mind was adrift for reasons I don’t recall. Which makes it all the more interesting that whatever elements rubbed me wrong were nowhere to be found when I streamed them for a second time a few nights ago. I don’t know what motivated the reprise – you usually get only one shot with me – but I’m glad for it. It was a double-revelation. I saw both films in an entirely new way on every level and picked up many clever nuances that blew by me during the original go-rounds. As much as I liked them now, they made me realize that it wasn’t the movies that had changed, it was me.
This begs the question: How many times do we make the wrong judgement about something or someone at first blush? It happens to me occasionally on set, when I’m so sure about the way I’m shooting something, then a week later find I can barely stand to look at it. I hear the same from many colleagues, so I suppose that’s the nature of a creative pursuit. It can make you uncomfortable, but it’s nothing to be wary of or feel bad about. No less an authority than three-time Oscar winner Conrad Hall, ASC once confided to me: “There’s not a single frame I’ve ever shot that I wouldn’t go back and do differently if I could.”
Hall’s revelation underscores a valuable truth about art and creativity: our perceptions evolve just as we do. Regardless of our present taste, we grow to see things with new eyes. Initial impressions are often incomplete or not fully informed. Embracing the discomfort of reevaluation not only fosters humility but also fuels growth and a deeper understanding of ourselves. After all, as Hall implied, perfection is elusive – and it’s what drives us forward.
Hey Richard…
This was a very smart read… insightful, truthful, relatable, intriguing, thought provoking… It is that space in that quantum physics of ‘time’ that challenges that blur between initial creative spontaneity or viewing, with a second take… That word judgement always fascinates me because on how it can significantly change with second thought or time – a line between success or failure – all based on one’s current frame of mind that is perpetually shifting… So, when you’re aware of this entering that creative state of mind, you must know yourself well enough to feel these shifts all keeping your chi – your zen centered and aligned truthfully… This article of yours is one of my favorites you have written because it is a enigmatic subject that we all are never aware of – the true underlying power of this ‘state of mind’ – from one ‘moment’, to the very next split second ‘moment’ – that can make all the difference in the world – from executing something creatively to viewing a film and making a judgement… Love you Richard…
Thank you, Crescenzo! You are indeed very insightful yourself!
When I think of Conrad and his work I often think of a struggle with the idea of perfection. Then I end up remembering that even he seemed to be about a type of discovery which I chase as well.