skyjedi2005 said:
Peter Biskind in Easy Riders, Raging bulls accuses Lucas and Spielberg of just that destroying the future of cinema by making it about the blockbuster and special effects and not cinema but really just crap kiddie fare.
In 1975, 1977, and 1981 Lucas & Spielberg - separately as well as together - changed pop culture and the summer theater-going experience with four blockbusters. All four films placed substance over effects and all four excelled. They've also stood the test of time because of it.
No matter what Lucas & Spielberg have done since (some I like, some I've never bothered with), neither can be credited with destroying the future of cinema. That's where you and I see things very differently. I choose to own & watch the films of theirs which I like, and I ignore the ones I do not. You just seem to want to condemn all things Lucas because of the prequels. At least that's how it often comes across.
And he got Marcia Lucas to agree with him.
Got her to? She either did or she didn't. Judging by her integrity, body of work in the 70s, as well as her role in stepping in and saving two of Lucas' films, I'd say she might very well agree. That said, I'm forever indebted to her for helping shape two of my favorite films of all time.
Along with Kurtz recent comments of Lucas becoming a toys salesmen, i would say that unless taken with a grain of salt those are pretty damning.
Most everyone noticed & agreed that Lucas put profit over substance a very long time ago. Kurtz is right on the money. No salt needed.