What does everyone think of Mr. Avildsen's directorial skills?
Posted by morag8 (Member # 975) on :
I have a deep love of this film. The beauty of "The Karate KId" is that the writer and director give us 'clues' to the lives of the characters which I find so much more interesting than having everything explained to me. For example, the relationship between Ali and Johnny has undertones of physical abuse by how physical they both become in conflict, Johnny breaking her radio, Johnny forcing himself on her in the country club. This is so much more interesting than having the character detail abusive incidents in her life. There is a subtlty in this film that is so spare and beautiful. So much is said by silence in the Karate Kid. It reminds me of the old proverb do as I say, not as I do. These characters do things. Mr. Myaigi builds his haven in the middle of a junk yard, Ali sees the stregnth and character in a poor boy, and Danial has the guts to rise above his circumstances. This is a very deep film.
bye, Morag
Posted by Jared (Member # 253) on :
I think he's a bit underrated, especially given the depth of character development shown in both the original "Rocky," and "The Karate Kid." I do, however, think that he tends to be a bit limited in his choice of films. The site's getting better and better, BTW, Nick. Sorry I haven't been around in a bit. I've switched jobs...indeed, I've switched careers.
Posted by Nick (Member # 404) on :
Hi folks,
Sorry to morag8 about the small problem with the board that prevented your reply from being seen. Hopefully it is fixed now. Nice to see you Jared :-)) hope everything is going well for you...
Best wishes, Nick (Webmaster)
Posted by Nick (Member # 404) on :
I think that John Avildsen has a very workman-like style, probably born out of his days where he directed short, factual scientific films. His style relies on the skill and chimistry of the actors, while he provides just a window to the piece. This means that if the movie or actor performance isn't that great, then nothing is disguised as opposed to ther directors who can make a bad film much better with interesting visual style of direction. Anybody agree?
Posted by Karate Kiddy (Member # 293) on :
Ilove this movie because I think that Danial is the sexist boy in the world. Many late nights I kiss my wife goodnight and watch the beautiful body of that young man. He makes me want to scream for mercy! Love, Inter-Gay
