Film Qua Film

Have you ever asked yourself  “Why do some films that I liked in the theater stink on video? And vice versa? Why can't filmgoers enjoy comedy for comedy's sake or action for actions sake? For goodness sake! Watch this space in future issues of Modern Mirth for an ongoing exploration of film as an art form based on the theories first exposited by Slavko Vorkapich. Writer/Director Jeff Mandel, who assures us he has “written and directed for both film and video and spent time in Hong Kong working and studying alongside some of their finest action directors" will provide just the enlightenment you seek as he combines film theory with the latest scientific findings in the psychology of perception, tying it all together with insightful analyses of current cinematic offerings. Mr. Mandel is busy attending previews of all the films the studios are planning for Summer release, but has authorized Modern Mirth to present a sampling of his past columns, (complete and unedited) originally published in other media: The Chronicles of Riddick Riddickulous. Van Helsing Van Smell Stink. The Stepford Wives The Stepass Wipes.

An open letter from Mr. Mandel to Joe Morgenstern, film "critic" of the Wall Street Journal:

Dear Mr. Morgenstern, I am an avid reader of the Wall Street Journal.  I don't read it for the news or the seemingly contradictory editorial section.  I read it to look at the etchings you use instead of photographs.  I knew it would soon be over at my favorite journal the instant your entertainment coverage switched to using color photographs. In your review last week of the Kevin Kline vehicle based on the life of Cole Porter, De-Lovely, you gave it a review that seemed to be based on my trademarked "Insta-Impression" style.  You said, "De-Lovely -- De-Dreary."  What does that mean?  What essential element of the film have you caused us to understand that would lead us to a clear impression of the film's worth, or could be a determining factor in deciding whether to see the film or not? You tried to be funny.  Film Qua Film's audience needs more than clever paronomasia.  My Insta-Impression reviews are not designed to be funny, but — in this "thousand channel," "dozened mall multiplex" environment that we have inherited from our parents — they are designed to give the interested filmgoer the most useful information possible in the shortest and easiest to remember fashion. So that when, for example, you find yourself in the Mall and facing the Edwards 57 marquee, a quick scan will remind you of everything I have said about each film and help you make an informed decision. Film Qua Film is all about personal responsibility! I guess emulation bordering on plagiarism should be considered flattery.  It is inevitable that all film reviewers will eventually come over to Film Qua Film's Insta-Impression-style of review.  I welcome that day.  For that will be the day that the reviewer's perceptions and his ability to convey his perceptions concisely and brilliantly will be the determining factor in who is read and who is dead.  I welcome the competition.  Bring it on. Herein, then, is Film Qua Film's Insta-Impression of both the film, the subject, and the actor portraying the subject: De-Lovely Gay. Yours sincerely, Jeff Mandel