Two Views On Art Form

It appears that I haven't blogged in quite a bit of time now. So - here goes - my first blog in some time.

Funny how when you see two things in the same day, the mind sometimes tends to draw similarities and comparisons between them. That is what happened to me on Sunday. I saw the movie "Sleuth" which is a remake of a 1972 movie with the same name. And I also went to see the Dallas Symphony's performance of Stravinsky's Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments (sandwiched between two Beethoven terrific symphonies).

"Sleuth" was part of the Talk Cinema series that I have blogged about in the past. The movie is a very compelling look at the interplay between two people (played by Michael Caine and Jude Law) as they play verbal and not-so-verbal games with each other as the younger Law is in love with the older Caine's wife. The action all takes place in a house that is so rich in a modernesque type of design that these surroundings are definitely a fitting supporting cast member. The audience and the reviewer present (Robert Wilonsky) didn't really think too much of the movie - especially noting the overacting of Jude Law. I can see their perspective - the movie itself doesn't have the right pacing and some things happen towards the end that seemed a bit superfluous to me. But I found myself smiling throughout. Smiling at the clever writing by Harold Pinter. Smiling at the interplay of the house and the two leads. Smiling at the "overacting" of Jude Law - I thought it was played brilliantly. So as a movie, perhaps it deserves some criticism but as an enjoyable experience in the movie theater I applaud it and had a great time and found the process the making of the movie vs. the movie itself very rewarding.

The Stravinsky was remarkable. There is nothing hummable about it. This is clearly 20th century classical music with rhythms and harmonies borrowed from Satie and Gershwin combined with influences from Baroque! I can't say that the concerto worked for me as a piece that I could love as I do, say Beethoven's Pathetique. But, then again, I found myself smiling throughout. I loved the interplay between the huge discordant harmonies from the horns combined with jazz-like flourishes on the piano. And the softer impressionistic movements were beautiful in a way that would still be too abrupt for a Ravel.

What do these experiences have in common? Well - I'm not sure - but I felt like I was captivated by the workings of the creators of these pieces while, perhaps acknowledging that the complete work doesn't quite stand up. However - the important part is that both are pieces of art and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. So what's more important - the finished product or the process of creation? Does it matter? As long as the listener/watcher has fun?

Oh. I also watched the Cowboys game. Of course, that's ALL about the process!