"STATE OF THE UNION AND THE OSCARS: BEST TV PRODUCTIONS OF THE YEAR"

     Each year there are lots of traditional TV programs that give credence to American culture. Some are entertaining and exciting, remaining in our memory. But there are some which are pretty boring. 

Last week, however, President's Biden's "State of the Union" and the "96th Academy Awards" did not put the average viewer asleep like examples from the past.

     There were many reasons why, such explanations being somewhat similar. Because TV is a visual medium, the images we saw in the two productions were unusually arresting this year. This is not  suggesting that President Biden's speech resembled a Broadway play, for instance, even though the female Congressional members wearing white clothing did garner attention and convey a theme like a Broadway show. 
     Simply stated, the images at the Oscars were the best in years. The reason was rather obvious, communicating the adage, "Less is more."  The set was uncomplicated and did not attempt to take up a huge space; its design was beautiful but again, simple. The award presenters' outfits were not particularly gaudy and overwhelming either. Basic imagery also existed with the "Best Song" presentations: production values were at a minimum, with only a few performers for each nominated song. Very few crowds of singers and dancers flooded the stage. 
      While there were other shots that could not be described as "simple," the imagery was also outstanding and memorable: the frequent long shots showing the entire audience standing to honor an award; the close-ups of winners crying. True, the close-ups /long shots at the Oscars and the State of the Union have become normal,  yet this year's were exceptional.
     There was another aspect at work which tied both productions together besides visual imagery: interactivity. For example, the Oscar audience reacted especially passionately to the winners as a group endeavor. The viewers were also as emotional when the Democrats replied to Biden: a communal call /response method ( particularly the answer "NO" several times ). 
     If Biden's "performance" was exceptionally energetic during his speech, so was the energetic response that the Democrats evoked.  
     In this critic's mind, that's the main takeaway from two recent and important TV productions.

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