- This is how the Broad Spectrum of Crow Consciousness works: LLcruize and tWISTEd sPINe brainstorm ideas until one jumps out at us.  Then we write.  Separately.  We DO NOT read each other's articles. We DO NOT discuss what the other has written.  We simply take the same theme and let our minds loose… the end result will be as much a surprise to us as it is to you. Will we agree? Disagree? End up in totally different zones making different points? You'll have to read and find out…just like us.

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Should The Crow Become A More “Action” Oriented Genre?

Defining any movie as a particular genre of filmmaking, one tip toes on the ever-volatile nature of those who say labeling can do nothing but bring down a film. However, I think we all can admit, the action genre is one that is easily distinguishable. Loud explosions, a wrong being righted, bad guys, good guys, one liners, etc. For the most part, THE CROW genre has steered clear of this testosteronized entertainment and tried to be something more than explosions and muscle flexing. With SALVATION, the genre took a rest from the overly serious cloud that hung over the first two films and came close to being one of those “action” movies. For me, it was a welcomed change.

With that said, I say another change is in order. As welcomed as the elements of SALVATION were, I do not think it is the road that THE CROW should take in future endeavors.  The time has come to move away from explosions and concentrate on exposition. Though the torment of Eric Draven was given voice in the first film, none of the films have amply explored the tortured state one would be in having come back from the dead that the comic so eloquently did. What was started with SALVATION'S toning down of the themes, replaced with a more introverted story and style, so too should the whole concept be brought into a smaller, sharper focus. Will this equal big bucks at the box office? Probably not. But at this point, a Crow movie making 60 or 70 million would be a blessing. We need to start simple again, go back to what first made THE CROW what it is to many today: a living, breathing testimonial of love, death & revenge.   

It would be a natural progression for the movies to continue down the action side street, but wouldn't it be a welcomed breath of fresh air if we were able to get inside the mind, the madness, of the returned avenger? Of course, you cannot totally eliminate the fights, the hunt, and the music. Those are elements that will always be a part of these films. But instead of those elements taking the place of complex characters, they should help to emphasize, not to be a substitute. Think of special effects, music and action, as a frame. In that vein, imagine the story and characters are images on a canvas. For this to be a completed work of art, a painting ready for hanging, you must have the frame and canvas. You must have one if you have the other. But do not allow the frame (action) to overwhelm the painting (story/characters). A balance has to be met, otherwise the art is lost and the style takes over.

Story and character, not action, will keep THE CROW thriving. Otherwise, the struggle to make THE CROW more than an action genre piece will be lost. I don't know about you, but I think there has been enough real life tragedy associated with THE CROW without adding another chapter to that sad book.

Take care…..come what may

LLcruize