Perfection in art is subjective and can be achieved even with flaws.
Understanding the artist's intention and the intended audience is crucial when evaluating a piece of art.
Deep dives
Perfect Podcasts: Exploring the Concept of Perfection in Art
In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the concept of perfection in art, specifically in movies. They discuss the idea of what makes a movie perfect and debate whether perfection in art is even attainable. They use examples like "Mary Poppins" and "Jaws" to highlight how flaws in a film can actually enhance its charm and impact. The hosts also touch on the importance of understanding the artist's intention and the intended audience when evaluating a piece of art. In the end, they share their personal choices for movies they consider to be perfect, including "Lord of the Rings" and "Princess Mononoke."
The Power of Imperfection: Analyzing "Mary Poppins"
The hosts discuss "Mary Poppins" as an example of a movie that, despite its flaws such as Dick Van Dyke's infamous accent, is still considered a perfect film. They highlight the chemistry between the characters, the captivating musical numbers, and the way the film effectively balances the real world with animated sequences. The hosts argue that the flaws in the film, including the accent, actually contribute to its charm and make it a beloved classic.
Flaws and Brilliance: The Impact of "Jaws"
The hosts explore the brilliance of "Jaws" as a perfect film, despite its minor flaws like dialogue and some unrealistic scenes. They delve into the iconic characters, thrilling narrative, and expert use of suspense and cinematography throughout the film. They also discuss how the movie's production challenges, such as difficulties with the mechanical shark, actually elevated the final product. Ultimately, they suggest that "Jaws" is flawlessly constructed and remains a masterpiece of cinematic storytelling.
Sense of Wonder: Analyzing "Princess Mononoke"
The hosts dive into the perfection of "Princess Mononoke" by discussing its unique narrative and cultural storytelling. They emphasize how the film captures a sense of wonder through its stunning animation, evocative visuals, and immersive world-building. They also highlight the film's ability to break away from traditional Western story beats and effectively convey its message and themes. Despite some perceived slowness in certain parts, the hosts argue that "Princess Mononoke" is a perfect film due to its exploration of wonder and captivating storytelling.
In this week's episode of Intentionally Blank, Brandon and Dan talk about perfection in the arts and if what that means. They also talk about a few films they consider “perfect.”