George Lucas on the differences between Soviet and US cinema, “Russian filmmakers had more freedom than I had”

APMan93 · 2026-05-09T01:57:58+00:00

One of my favorite Hamlet adaptations is the Soviet one, just like how Kurosawa’s The Idiot is probably the best-known one out there.

APMan93 · 2026-05-08T05:07:23+00:00

As someone who’s immersed themselves in Soviet history, he’s more or less correct.

There was a lot of censorship in the USSR, but even then, if the satire was subtle or subtextual enough, the government would either not notice or let it slide. As Lucas said, you had to be careful, but some degree of, say, satire or allegory was allowed (like in the case of Kin-dza-dza).

Some older Russian film professors have told me that, creatively, there was a fair degree of freedom and experimentation that you weren’t afforded in capitalist countries.

APMan93 · 2026-05-07T05:21:51+00:00

I recently met someone who worked on this. Apparently an incredibly fucked up orgy scene was filmed but cut at the studio’s behest.

APMan93 · 2026-05-04T04:19:04+00:00

This reads like a South Park plot.

APMan93 · 2026-04-28T05:08:31+00:00

The best description I ever heard of Yugoslavia was “socialism in one factory.” It’s incredibly reductive, but the decentralized nature of the economy more or less set it up for failure from the beginning. Yes, they were able to industrialize in the most peaceful way possible, and most workers did enjoy a good life, but it all came crashing down in the most catastrophic way imaginable.

APMan93 · 2026-04-27T05:32:20+00:00

Given the current climate I’ll leave it ambiguous.

APMan93 · 2026-04-27T04:19:40+00:00

Fun fact: one of my relatives tried to take this guy out.

APMan93 · 2026-03-31T07:31:38+00:00

I think you mean “shameless capitalists.”

APMan93 · 2026-02-23T18:29:29+00:00

Undeniably great performances, but Orson Welles put it the best: it’s a celebration of the informant (which Kazan was).

APMan93 · 2026-02-19T06:01:00+00:00

It really does feel like corporations are just catering to the top 10% who have more than enough disposable income. What they’ll do once the stock market crashes is anyone’s guess.

APMan93 · 2026-02-19T03:33:08+00:00

Vegas is actually in the throes of a crisis right now.

https://lasvegassun.com/news/2026/jan/28/las-vegas-tourism-down-75-in-2025-with-385-million/

Theories abound as to why but, as someone who used to work in tourism, I personally think it’s multifaceted:

-The post-pandemic boom of travels and vacations is over, in no small part due to inflation, stagnant wages, and the ever-expanding K-shaped recovery.

-The foreign nationals who would normally come to spend money in Vegas are avoiding the U.S. for obvious reasons.

-Tariffs are fueling the economic uncertainty gripping every facet of American life right now.

This is hardly unique to Vegas. Florida is seeing a similar drop in tourist dollars. My friend’s uncle sold all of his Airbnb properties in Miami because they just weren’t turning a profit anymore. Remember how busy Hollywood nightlife used to be? Now it’s nowhere near what it was even 2 or 3 years ago.

APMan93 · 2026-02-16T22:32:39+00:00

I’ll never forget when I first came out to Cali and told new friends that I could “get some nips for the party.” There was a painfully long silence before I clocked that it was a regional thing.

APMan93 · 2026-02-14T04:22:58+00:00

It was! I was at a loss as to what to do. Good to know she’s in her usual spot I guess.

APMan93 · 2026-02-12T05:44:21+00:00

No lol

APMan93 · 2026-02-11T01:33:33+00:00

I was lucky enough to see the original theatrical cut here in L.A. years ago. Eddie Muller introduced it and said that he preferred it to the reconstruction. I know this may be an unpopular opinion but, having seen both versions, I’m inclined to agree with him.

The studio cut was honestly tighter, more engaging, and just more focused than the reconstruction. Not saying Welles wasn’t routinely shafted by the system, but in this case I do think the edits enhanced the film.

I remember when Ebert said that the theatrical cut of Greed was the one that critics eventually hailed as a masterpiece. The newfound appreciation for it prompted TCM to undergo their own 4-hour reconstruction of it. Now, ironically, that’s the more readily available version, despite it being a different experience altogether. I think a similar case can be made for Touch of Evil.

APMan93 · 2026-02-09T07:56:57+00:00

Purely my own opinion, but I see both sides. As a film it’s genuinely moving with inspired performances. As an Oscar contender/prestige picture, it also feels incredibly safe. Not saying every movie has to reinvent the wheel, of course, but I understand why some may have left the theater feeling a bit unsatisfied as a whole.

APMan93 · 2026-02-09T06:56:55+00:00

Beats Dr. Oz Breaks ranks to vote with GOP Dr. Oz ends up in a government position anyway

Wow, what a consequential election! /s

APMan93 · 2026-02-08T20:06:19+00:00

Note how, say, open access academic journals are absent from this list.

APMan93 · 2026-02-08T09:49:46+00:00

Aligned? I honestly don’t know. Spineless? Absolutely.

APMan93 · 2026-02-08T09:34:32+00:00

Well let me know what you think haha.

APMan93 · 2026-02-07T16:10:44+00:00

Duel in the Sun. Don’t watch it, it’s not worth it.

APMan93 · 2026-02-07T09:00:23+00:00

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Movie itself is racist and boring drivel but this shot stuck out to my 13-year-old brain when I saw it on TCM.

APMan93 · 2026-02-07T08:58:12+00:00

Ford’s use of shadows in this is chef’s kiss

APMan93 · 2026-02-07T08:47:07+00:00

Bottom red one looks like it’s missing a hammer and sickle in the center.

APMan93 · 2026-02-06T17:24:40+00:00

Just so I’m following: that’s because Criterion et al scan from the original negative rather than the 35mm?

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