Now is the time our heroes die.

Just recently two modern filmmakers, Ingmar Bergman and Michaelangelo Antonioni, died. Last year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Robert Altman died. These are three filmmakers that had a staggering output of films, I don't know the actual numbers of their films but put together it would be close to a hundred. Altman has had the most influence on me as a writer/filmmaker/film lover. His films always do the right thing for me. I know plenty of people who hate his movies. They say that they are to muddled or busy or that the camera work is too messy. I don't believe them. I can't believe that they are bad movies because his characters are so well made and real. It is not a coincidence that he made "Short Cuts" from Raymond Carver's stories, they are both interested in the "in between" moments, the words that are said, the actions done, that ruin lives or make lives. Altman is an original, no one makes movies like him, no one has made the kind of ensemble films that he has and then make "Secret Honor" or "3 Women". He is one of my favorites.
Bergman is a filmmaker that I can only take in doses, unless that dose is "Fanny & Alexander" which is perfect. I haven't seen enough of his films, but "Cries & Whispers" is perfect also. It is one of the most painful films I've ever seen. the choice of shots is perfect and the acting is so real it's unbelievable. I guess I've seen around six of his films (a three pack which caused an anxiety attack), and that is not enough. My friends are always bragging about what Bergman they've seen, and I need to catch up.
Antonioni is amazing. He let's his films breathe, which is long for "they're slow". He let's takes go on forever, or a person to actually respond without hard cuts. Once again I haven't seen enough of his films, but "L'Avventura" is one of my favorites. "Blow Up", if only for the concert scene with the Byrds, is as cool as it gets.
Here's a list of heroes who aren't dead yet, but could be very close:
1. Jack Nicholson
2. Jean-Luc Godard
3. Albert Maysles

These are three guys that I love. Three people that are a huge influence on me. Altman, Antonioni, and Bergman made me sad when they passed, I've had my time with each, but with all of these people they are leaving behind their work. That's what everyone wants, whether you love or hate what these guys do, it will always be around to confront you or comfort you. And I will always be sad about Chris Farley, who might have influenced me more than anyone, no joke, I love that guy.