Did Transformers kill the art of cinema?

No, and those who suggest that art and entertainment are mutually exclusive damage their credibility with me.

This blog is for you, Mr. Cynicism is Cool.

Look, people liked Transformers because it made people feel something. Awe, I'm guessing.

If you can give people that feeling of awe, and offer it in a more sophisticated way - a way with even more value - you will be even more successful. Was that extra value necessary for Transformers in terms of it's immediate success? Clearly not. What about the long-term success? Time will tell.

Those films that are the most successful are those that connect with the most people.

Those films that connect with the most people right now will not necessarily be the same films that connect with the most folks in the long run - although they may well be. If you look at art through the ages, you'll see. Shakespeare was popular in his day, and Van Gogh was not. Both are considered influential artists today.

Insisting that film is not art because it involves commerce is ridiculous! All art involves commerce. Today, corporations are financing some of our art. In Shakespeare's age, it was the Crown doing the financing. Big difference? Not fundamentally, no.

Frankly, insisting that film is less of an art form smells of cowardice. Herald the death of art in film, and I'm thinking you don't have the craft to bring layers and depth to a story with vast emotional appeal. At least, that's what you're afraid of. What better place to hide than in the success of others?

If you really believe that, tell it to the Nolan Brothers. Tell it to David Fincher. Tell it to guys like Alexander Payne and Danny Boyle. Tell it to Joel and Ethan Coen. Better yet, tell it to Chaplin. Tell it to Kubrick. Tell it to Steven Spielberg.

If you want a sympathetic ear, I guess you could tell it to Michael Bay. At the same time, I'm not sure he cares where his movies will be doing in a hundred years. Still, making so many people feel so much awe is an accomplishment worthy of note. Let's not overlook that.

What do you call it when an inanimate object inspires feelings in people? Strong feelings, even?

You call it art.

Don't worry about whether the art of film is drowning in the engine of whatever evils the world is offering up this week. Worry about how you're going to reach people emotionally, in a way that measures up to the best this community has to offer.

Don't hide the flaws in your own art behind the excuse of commerce. Man up, own your mistakes, and improve your craft. And for the love of God, quit blaming your insecurities on Michael Bay.