Chris Hicks: Modern movies sorely lacking in quiet, pensive moments

This was driven home all the more by the auditoriums on either side of the one showing “Butch & Sundance,” which sent the thundering soundtracks from whatever films were playing through the walls, so that we heard a distant pounding, rousing music, screaming, yelling, automatic weapons firing, whatever. Especially when our film was silent.

Despite that minor distraction, however, Butch, Sundance and their gang did just fine as they robbed trains and banks, jabbed each other with comic digs and asked that inevitable question about the posse that just wouldn’t give up on them: “Who are those guys?”

There was gunfire, a train car was blown up, orchestral background music came and went, and B.J. Thomas sang “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head.” But when it fell into moments that were quiet, with just the sound of horses' hoofs or rustling leaves or general body movement, it was actually quite an effective technique.

It’s a lesson that should not be so lost on 21st century filmmakers. Just because it’s old school doesn’t mean it’s not a better choice.

E-MAIL: hicks@desnews.com