Well, it would be nice if such a study existed, but I guess everyone figures “why bother to fund what we already know”. Ahem…
Classical music sales did skyrocket though when a study found it made kids smarter. The state of Georgia even passed a law providing classical music CDs for every newborn child. Imagine that, with each new spawn, parents would be given a copy of Hal Hartley’s entire catalogue. Harvey Pekar could be come a household name if the standard baby gift was American Splendor. Okay, maybe such greats as Ballast, Wendy & Lucy, Goodbye Solo and the such may not be so good for teen psyches, but hey Stranger Than Paradise is still a good primer in on studied cool and Primer will surely drive a few truly innovative business ideas (and innovative filmmaking at that).
But isn’t it time that we all came up with some good plans to encourage greater appreciation? I am all in favor helping to up the ante in terms of originality, resonance, artistry, and ambition — and I do believe that better films yields more better films along with greater attendance and all related windfalls — but I also believe that the more auteur related films someone consumes or is even exposed to, the more they want to experience more of the same. Where’s the indie film promotion corner in our public libraries? Where’s the list of recommend films for high school curriculums? Anyone care to start these projects, or is everyone to busy writing their screenplays? I can’t believe anyone is still dreaming of fame or fortune and the reality of the hardship of the life of creative individual in this country is well known — so what’s the hold up to such action? Isn’t it in our interest to encourage deeper appreciation of the art and craft we have given our lives to?
