Big films on small budgets
There’s something about seeing a quarter-million dollar Lamborghini speed through traffic only to crash and burn in a fiery explosion that really gets your heart going. Or a huge animatronic T. rex. Or a pair of giant robots leveling a city as they battle in stunning computer-generated glory. These awe-inspiring events are great, don’t get me wrong, but they’re a bit…easy.
What I really respect are those filmmakers who can create an engaging experience on a budget, either through great story and dialogue or creative use of their resources.
Here are a few of my favorite films done on the cheap:
"Primer"
Made on a budget of $7,000, "Primer" eschews flashiness in favor of fascinating ethical dilemmas. A time travel movie at heart, "Primer" uses a plain box instead of a plutonium-fueled sports car for its temporal leaps, allowing its writing and themes to be the real stars.
"Rocky"
Although not immediately thought of as a cheaply made movie, "Rocky" was made for just about a million dollars. The movie focuses on Rocky Balboa’s passion and determination to succeed in the sport he loves, which he does, despite losing to Apollo Creed. The original has remained my favorite of the franchise. Its more expensive sequels, while good in their own, campy ways, have always paled in comparison.
"Clerks"
When people discuss low-budget movies, "Clerks" always ends up appearing in the conversation. While definitely not the best-acted or best-directed movie of all time, "Clerks" stands out with its stellar dialogue. Talk may be cheap, but it can also pay huge dividends.
"Brick"
I love films that do interesting things, and setting a noir film in modern times absolutely counts as interesting. Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, "Brick" utilizes high school clichés to provide a fascinating framework and environment for its murder mystery. While not the easiest film to grasp, it’s extremely satisfying when you are able to put all the pieces together.
"The Big Lebowski"
OK, so maybe $15 million isn’t really the first number you think of when I say small budget, but as far as movies go, it’s relatively low. And of course, since it's a movie with Jeff Bridges (my favorite movie with Jeff Bridges to be precise), I had to find a way to sneak it in. I’m willing to bet the most expensive scene came from John Goodman wailing on that Corvette.
Pomp and circumstance is great and all. It can provide a great punch. But in my mind, substance always trumps style.
