But we do need to examine that report carefully and also
make an holistic appraisal of the situation on ground before jumping to
conclusions.
Firstly, the keyword here is ‘largest.’ It doesn’t take into
consideration vital aspects like quality, camera, cast, storyline, and
audio-visual output……rather, it only recognizes the volume of movies produced.
Bottom line is that we might be producing a lot of films on
a yearly basis, but the important question to ask is: Are the films of standard
quality? Can they compete at international film festivals and stand a chance of
winning awards? Can they be compared to their counterparts in Hollywood and
Bollywood?
Truly, the funds, infrastructure, technical know-how and
government support is more in those countries, but we also need to take a
critical look at the things that we have being able to achieve with the little
that we have here.
One major problem I have with Nigerian movies is their story-line. They are usually weak, unintelligent and often times not creative enough.
One major problem I have with Nigerian movies is their story-line. They are usually weak, unintelligent and often times not creative enough.
As a matter of fact, the writer in me cringes when I watch
some films. I feel insulted and embarrassed because a lot of these scripts are
obviously poorly researched.
Films are a major form of entertainment, but they are also
meant to educate and inform, and sadly a lot of our films are not doing that.
If you watch the average Hollywood movie in which the lead character is a
doctor, there is a very high probability that you’ll learn two or more things
about the practice of doctors in reality.
A lot of work goes into their scripts and they do not
hesitate to get professional advice when necessary.
The Nigerian police, as an example, has being very
bastardized by a lot of Nigerian films. We all know that the Nigerian police in
reality have their shortcomings but their portrayal in home videos leave a lot
to be desired.
Even the courtroom and lawyers have suffered the same
battery. There seems to be no order and procedure in the way ‘ Nollywood’
courts are run. The dressing and appearance of the lawyers are often not good
enough.
The same thing goes with doctors and hospitals. The average
‘nurse’ in a Nollywood movie is usually
timid and does nothing other than smile and run in a dull choreographed
fashion. The Nollywood doctors are also usually unsympathetic and tactless in
delivering bad news to the relatives of their patients. This sends a wrong
signal to the outside community whose only insight into Nigeria and the way of
life of its citizens is through our films.
I am not postulating that Nigerian movies should represent a
skewed reality but my point is that more work and care can go into our films to
make sure that our messages are largely factual and positive.
Script writers should also endeavor to be consistent with
their characterization and the story thread. It is only in a Nollywood film
that a character will bear “Tunde” at the beginning and then midway into the
film, the name changes to “Bode.”
Also the choice of location is usually flawed. Instances
abound where living rooms have being converted to police stations. That in
itself is not bad, provided that the right props are used.
I once watched a film where almost all the scenes were shot
in the same house, and yet the director wanted us, the viewers, to believe that
different locations were used. As I said before, even that in itself is not bad
provided we see different parts of the house, but no, it was obvious even to
the blind that the same house was used because the painting was of same colour,
the wood paneling was of the same texture, the curtains were the same, the gate
was the same…….need I say more?
Another aspect where I have problems with some Nollywood
films is in the use of cameras and lightening. Some of the pictures of our
films are dull and not clear enough. Also there are lots of background noises,
most common of which is the sound of generators and running children. I believe
that this can be taken care of my proper editing.
However, I will be most unfair if I do not acknowledge the
fact that there are indeed some Nollywood productions to be proud of. Some of
our actors, actresses, producers and directors actually put in a great deal of
effort into their work, and by so doing, they have been able to break some
barriers internationally.
We need a clean break from watery scripts and shoddy movies.
It is not about the number of movies we are able to churn out in a year.
Rather, we need films that are beautifully done and movies that meet
international standards. Then, and only then, should we thump our chest in
satisfaction. But for now, a lot of work still needs to be done!
ORIGINALLY WRITTEN FOR FILM AFRIQUE BY TOFARATI IGE
