The annual Oscar melee always reminds us of this mandate: Never believe the buzz.
Every important movie arrives with an aura and its usually wrong or misleading.
The advance buzz onThe Godfatherwas so disastrous even Francis Coppola sensed it was doomed.
(L-R) ‘Footloose’, ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Flashdance’Everett Collection
Throughout the 80s every popular movie seemed carry a buzz curse.
Yet directors of that moment seemed more interested in making war than making movies.
In response, studio executives became as helpful as chatbots.
Or evenShakespeare in Lovein 1999.
Many of us were caught off guard a year ago by what seemed like the sudden affection towardCODA.
Or years earlier whenParasitesuddenly became a must see (and must vote).
The media hinted that the movie may be unreleaseable.
Flashdancewas about a welder in Pittsburgh (Jennifer Beals) who dreamed of becoming a dancer.
He not only danced nimbly but also had a mastery of Biblical quotes to counter the preacher.
The rather patrician director, Herb Ross, seemed mystified by provincial America in the 80s.
Both films were breakout hits.
The critics were baffled; The audiences loved the music and the dancing.
Giorgio Moroder (Flashdance) and Kenny Loggins (Footloose) became folk heroes.
Theres nothing like a photogenic prime minister to improve buzz.
