The Director

The Director(Joseph Logsdon) The Director
By Joseph Logsdon

Daniel Griffith was once a powerful and famous filmmaker. However, he eventually turned to alcohol to solve his personal and professional problems. In the end, he became a worthless and penniless loser. Daniel Griffith had a happy childhood, a childhood that nourished him and his dream to become a filmmaker. As a boy, Daniel would go to his local movie theater and watch the greatest films that had ever been made. Daniel saw James Stewart, Clark Cable, and Joan Crawford grace the silver screen. Young Daniel made the decision then to become a filmmaker. However, movies changed and Daniel’s love for movies changed. By 1970, the Golden Age of Hollywood had come to an end. Daniel was forced to work in a system that was very different from the one he had grown up in.

Daniel got his start making costly studio films, but he soon turned to independent filmmaking. As the years went by, Daniel Griffith’s films received critical acclaim. Unfortunately, he soon lost all of his money and his time in the sun came to a swift end. Drugs and alcohol became his only salvation. Eventually, Griffith was forced to leave his home. He ultimately found refuge in a small and dirty hotel room. Daniel had no family and he only had himself for company. He was drunk and nothing seemed to matter. To Daniel’s surprise, a knock was suddenly heard at the door.

Griffith didn’t particularly like people and he tried his best to stay away from them. At first, he attempted to ignore the knocking. However, the knocking grew louder and Daniel was forced to open the door. Light suddenly came into the room as the door opened and darkness was chased out of the room. Griffith saw a young man standing before him. At first, Griffith refused to address his visitor. Daniel’s antisocial behavior did not stop the young man from suddenly walking into the room without asking.
“It’s an honor to finally meet you, Mr. Griffith.”
“Did I give you permission to barge into my room?” Daniel asked in an angry voice.
“I didn’t mean to offend you, Mr. Griffith. My name is James Tyler and I’ve been your biggest fan for years. When are you going to make your next movie?” James asked.
Daniel did not answer. He shut the door and slowly walked towards the window. Tears poured down his face and all color left his eyes.
“Did I say something wrong?” James asked.
“I don’t make movies anymore.”
“Why?”
“Because there are no movies left to make. When I was a boy, I loved to go to my local movie theater and watch Bing Crosby dance. In 1940, there were actors and directors with real skills and talent. There was no computer-generated imagery and there was no sex, violence, or cursing on screen. Directors and writers had to be creative to get around the censors. Son, society has gone to hell because of mainstream filmmaking and media. What is a dedicated director to do? I can’t get a film financed to save my life!”
“Are things really that bad?”
“Son, you have no idea. I once had a dream, a dream that will never come to life. I dreamed of people enjoying good movies again. I wish people could see the heartlessness of modern cinema. Hollywood no longer cares about making good films. To be perfectly honest, there isn’t a producer left in Hollywood that would take a risk on a character-driven script.”
Daniel Griffith slowly looked the young man straight in the eye. Suddenly, his heart weakened and all color left his face.
“Is everything all right, Mr. Griffith?”
“I think you should go.”
Daniel felt a warm and blistering sensation as his heart began to beat faster and faster.
“I agree with you about the current state of filmmaking today. Mr. Griffith, you have inspired me and millions of other kids to pursue our dreams. I know you’re angry, but don’t give up hope. In my opinion, this current age of cinema will eventually come to an end and a new generation will rise up, a better generation. I wanted to tell you that, Mr. Griffith. There’s always hope as long as the good films of the past are preserved.”
Griffith suddenly smiled at the young man and placed his hand on his shoulder.
“Son, I’m glad you said that. Can I buy you lunch before you go?”
“I don’t want to be any trouble.”
“Son, everyone else is causing me trouble, but not you.”
The two men slowly walked to the hotel lobby. Once there, Griffith proceeded to get out his wallet. However, his heart would not allow him to leave the hotel. Daniel was in pain and nothing could be done about it. He struggled to breathe and all light seemed to leave his eyes.
“Mr. Griffith, are you all right?”
“Son, don’t worry about me.”
Daniel Griffith collapsed and his heart stopped. He was dead and nothing could be done for him. Like so many other filmmakers, Daniel Griffith wanted to change the world, but the world wouldn’t let him change it.