Can visual style save a film?

[choicebro2001]

I know that there has been talk upon talk about CGI and how it helps films out but what about the photography of a film. Imagine what THE INSIDER would be without that intense style it produced. Look at WHAT DREAMS MAY COME however, this would have been shit either way. It's an intersting thought. Would have that plastic bag in AMERICAN BEAUTY have the same impact if there had have been another cinematographer?

[BuddhaMonk]

Visual style can be important, but it's usually not. Personally I don't want to be aware of the style until the movie is done. I think the visual style of a director (or their d.p.) can add greatly to a film. But they have to be awfully bad to ruin a great one.

[neo]

yeah, i think it can be very important.What would movies like the shining be without the great visual style?

[Raena]

Have you ever seen HAMLET (2000) or GOSSIP? Both movies are eye candy. The style of both movies made me enjoy the flicks even more.

[ak]

I think it is unfair to look at any film and question good visual style..even though incredibly easy to add dark tints and ochres which David fincher uses, it is his trademark, and is all part of the art of film making.

[Tuukka]

Can it SAVE a film? Not entirely. If the script and acting suck, there is no way to save it. But visuals have an enourmous impact to the experience of watching a film. Camerawork, editing, angles, compositions, lights, colours, filters, setdesign, etc... All that affects the EMOTIONAL impact of the film.

[Cyclonus]

Tukka's right. Film is a visual medium, so if the cinematography is bad, that will hurt the movie, even if the script is first-rate.