Subject: Re: nite time soaps
From: bcp1@gargoyle.uchicago.edu (Bruce Christian Paul)
Date: 1990-09-05, 07:44
Newsgroups: alt.tv.twin-peaks

In article <109138@tiger.oxy.edu> eclipse@oxy.edu (Lynn Alyn Tanner) writes:
> >I think even in parody of evening soaps, TP stands out as a true piece of
> >cinematic (sp?) art.  It is hilarious in its satire, (The very
> >dramatic hooting of the owl, that finished last weeks episode [where
> >was the stoplight?!?]) but I can see no comparison to the previously
> >mentioned Dallas, Falcon Crest, et al.  What similarity do you see
> >between the action in TP and IL? 

The similarities between IL an TP are obvious: Jade and Emerald and
the attempted suicide (Nadine seems to be an avid fan of IL).  I am
not saying, there is any show which has the depth and/or vision of TP;
but it cannot be denied, there are some definate similatities in the
structue of TP and soaps. It is a sad fact, the pinhead network execs
use the same structures over and over again in trying to make hit
shows.  I think, Lynch/Frost are trying to point this out by making
something which can't really be categorized in any existing structure.
No, it is not a soap opera, though it kinda looks like one.  No, it is
not a made for TV movie or mini-series, though it kinda looks like
one.  No, it is not a sit-com, though it is pretty funny.  What is it?
It doesn't really matter; like Lynch himself, it is unique and should
be treasured just because it is good(great).

I also wanted to point out, TP is not a cinematic masterpiece.  TP is
a television masterpiece.  It has been pointed out to me, much of the
neatest parts of TP can only be done on television.  The set-ups for
many of the scenes rewuire many takes and camera shots that could only
be done on television.  Some specific examples: the scene in the
forest where Cooper, Truman, Hawk, and Dr. Hayward, come into frame
like Mt. Rushmore and the scene in the cabin where the chip comes out
of the kookoo clock ( I understand it took 25 takes to get the chip to
roll the right way).

bcp

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bruce Christian Paul                   "Just drive, she said."
bcp1@gargoyle.uchicago.edu                     
                                             -Stan Ridgeway