Story and intellectual snobbery

Last night we tried to watch “Clouds of Sils Maria”, a 2014 drama film written and directed by Olivier Assayas, starring Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart, and Chloë Grace Moretz.

In spite of the movie’s impressive reviews, nominations and rewards received, it was just a waste of our time.

The story was wishy-washy, the acting unconvincing and the whole was like putting lipstick on a pig. Which brings me – once more – to the classic assertion that a good story is key to a good movie or a good book, no matter how exceptional the acting and the directions could be.

So it’s often better to have a great story poorly acted and directed, than a weak one, even if it’s enhanced by the best stars, creative direction and stunning cinematography.

Look at the story as the ingredients needed for cooking. The best chef in the world, the best sauces, best recipe and presentation, won’t be able to make up for a less than acceptable quality of ingredients.

The same goes for any story, written or put up on screen.