Cinema may not be dead as an art form as Greenaway says, but it seems to be falling into a deep coma. Imagine being around in France or Italy in the late 50's, early 60's; what an exciting time that must have been in comparison. We now settle for such pale derivative work, mistake special effects advancements, bigger explosions, more lurid violence and ever-faster funfair rides as if that's progress, when it's all part of a teeming unwholesome mass in the slough of despond, for me. Follow my "20 greatest" thread for the contemporary films that really fit the bill.