How to Tell an Independent Film From a Studio Blockbuster
From your World Film Guide

With some indie films being distributed by the studios, and studio films that have an independent feel, it's hard to tell which is independent and which is Hollywood. Follow these steps, and you'll know for sure.

Difficulty Level: AverageDifficult    Time Required: 10 minutes

1. Read the label. If it says Paramount, United Artists, Twentieth Century Fox, Dreamworks, Disney, or any of the other major players, it's Hollywood. Many films can be tricky: [i]Election [/i] is an indie film eventually released by Paramount.
2. If the movie features Gary Oldman, Tim Roth, John Lurie, Sarah Polley, Liev Schreiber, Harvey Keitel, or Chloe Sevigny, it's usually indie.
3. Don't solely rely on Step #2. Some of the most famous indie actors and actresses have cashed a Hollywood paycheck on more than one occasion, for example Lilli Taylor, Parker Posey, Toni Collette, and Kate Winslet.
4. You can't tell by the acting. Some of the finest performances have been in small films, while studio films have propelled the likes of Julia Roberts and Kevin Bacon to superstardom.
5. Where is the film showing? If the film is in art houses and universities, chances are it's indie. However, once an indie film garners a nomination, all bets are off. [i]Boys Don't Cry [/i] was more widely distributed after the announcements.
6. If there are limited special effects, no swelling soundtrack, and the actors look like they're wearing their own clothes: independent. (Dreamwork's Oscar winner [i]American Beauty[/i]  is an exception).
7. If the story is based on plot and character: independent.
8. If there is equal male and female nudity: independent.
9. Finally, if it looks and feels independent, it usually is.
   

Tips:

1. Don't worry. With the slippery line between indie and studio, the most important factor is: Was the movie good? Did you enjoy it?
2. Do not feel guilty if you enjoy studio produced films
3. Forgive your favorite indie stars like Parker Posey when she makes [i]Scream 3[/i].. You don't always have to suffer for art.

Related Information:

• Lines Between Indie and Studio Blur
• The Independent Rebellion
  

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