Commentary tracks- love them or hate them?

[donutsweeper]

So in my goal to use my LJ for more than just ficcage postings here is a rambling thinky thought post on commentary tracks on movies and tv shows, due mostly to the fact the Merlin one (which I haven't listened to, but is flooding my tumblr) has just been released.

There's a number of things about the commentary that can really add to my enjoyment of the show/movie (of the 'oh wow, I never thought about it that way' manner), but I've also had times when it's made me question things and even outright hate people.  There's also the issue that once actors/directors/writers say that 'this scene is supposed to show X' it's hard to then later not see X when watching it.

I've listened to some GREAT commentary- Fight Club and Daredevil both come to mind movie-wise and for TV John Barrowman on Doctor Who's 'Empty Child' and Joe Flannigan on SGA's 'Rising' are both wonderful.  But then there's some that just come off as boring or as if you're missing a joke (like SGA's "38 Minutes") and then there's the OH NO WHY DID I WATCH THIS (seriously, never watch the commentary and BTS stuff for Highlander Raven, you will never see Elizabeth Gracen in the same light again).

Thoughts, anyone?

And, btw, a hearty welcome to anyone stopping by my journal for the first time, have a donut and enjoy your stay!

Comments

[donutsweeper.livejournal.com]

The directors/producers work best if they are with there with actors too, I think and kept from just blah-blah-blahing about their vision of the show. Moffatt, when a writer, did commentary with John Barrowman on "Empty Child" and was fascinating, but I think that was because John kept him talking about what the feel of this scene was and how that one got a laugh from the crew and whatnot. (And John is always funny, which always helps)