Are screenplays "transitional art"?

[Popcorntreect]

I agree that a script is transitional art.

As I've read it before you're creating a blueprint for a movie. Nothing more, nothing less.

[The ROFLcopter]

I have to agree that a script is a transitional piece of art. Like a schematic in architecture, sure it might be fun to look at, but the building is what you really want to see.

[jonpiper]

Originally Posted by The ROFLcopter

I have to agree that a script is a transitional piece of art. Like a schematic in architecture, sure it might be fun to look at, but the building is what you really want to see.

The question is, Can a transitional piece also be a piece of art in itself? I think it can. A fine transitional piece will be appreciated by those who understand it. A fine transitional piece could be ruined if not brought to life properly. That would not make the piece any less a work of art.

I don't read music, so a symphony is meaningless to me until it is performed by an orchestra. Yet I think a great written symphony is considered a great work of art, even if performed by a second rate orchestra that screwed it up.

[The ROFLcopter]

Originally Posted by jonpiper

The question is, Can a transitional piece also be a piece of art in itself. I think it can. A fine transitional piece could be ruined if not brought to life properly. That would not make the piece any less a work of art.

I don't read music, so a symphony is meaningless to me until it is performed by an orchestra. Yet I think a great written symphony is considered a great work of art, even if performed by a second rate orchestra that screwes it up.

Good point, regarding sheet music. People still use the oldies to this day and many have their own interpretations of them...though, I'm sure Bach and Beethoven have their own intentions in their pieces we will probably never recognize. But the music is stand alone.

BUT, if it is never played, it is not being fully realized, yes? So isn't it just a medium to project it's full form, the orchestra?

[jonpiper]

Originally Posted by The ROFLcopter

BUT, if it is never played, it is not being fully realized, yes? So isn't it just a medium to project it's full form, the orchestra?

True, the symphony is not fully realized until it is played, so in that sense a written symphony, like a screenplay, is transitional art.

Throughout the ages much of Beethoven's written music is considered a masterpiece, no matter what orchestra brings the music to life. Few people can read the symphony, but those who can read music can hear the music in their head.

I think those who understand screenplays, can see in their mind the movie of a great screenplay and judge the greatness of the screenplay.

[The ROFLcopter]

Originally Posted by jonpiper

True, the symphony is not fully realized until it is played, so in that sense a written symphony, like a screenplay, is transitional art.

Throughout the ages much of Beethoven's written music is considered a masterpiece, no matter what orchestra brings the music to life. Few people can read the symphony, but those who can read music can hear the music in their head.

I think those who understand screenplays, can see in their mind the movie of a great screenplay.

True. I usually read a fantastic script and never see the movie, because I feel I simply don't have to - I've already seen it! I see where you're coming from.

BUT (it continues!) - maybe I'm going out on a limb here - let me use a collage as an example: A collage made from, say magazine clippings, is considered a piece of art. Now, are those magazines stand alone considered works of art?

[jonpiper]

Originally Posted by The ROFLcopter

let me use a collage as an example: A collage made from, say magazine clippings, is considered a piece of art. Now, are those magazines stand alone considered works of art?

Those magazines alone are not considered works of art any more than the canvases Van Gogh used.

Also, the collage is art not trasitional art!

[The ROFLcopter]

Originally Posted by jonpiper

Those magazines alone are not considered works of art any more than the canvases Van Gogh used.

Doh! I should of considered that. I think I'm going to go buy a piece of canvas and claim Van Gogh intended to paint on it - and see how much money I make!

[jonpiper]

Originally Posted by The ROFLcopter

Doh! I should of considered that. I think I'm going to go buy a piece of canvas and claim Van Gogh intended to paint on it - and see how much money I make!

Great idea. That could be the premise of a screenplay.

What happens when an artist obtains an unused canvas once owned by Van Gogh and gains the talent to paint a masterpiece?

[The ROFLcopter]

Originally Posted by jonpiper

Great idea. That could be the premise of a screenplay.

What happens when an artist obtains an unused canvas once owned by Van Gogh and gains the talent to paint a masterpiece?

I think I'm going to write that! Wait, do you want it?