Meaning of high concept | Babel Free

Definitions

1. An appealing and easily communicable idea for a work (such as a book, film, or television programme).
2. A style of work (such as a book, film, or television programme) characterized by appealing and easily communicable ideas.
3. The overarching idea or theme of a work, particularly one perceived as highly artistic or intellectual.
   broadly, proscribed, sometimes

Examples

“Tim Burton's influence [in Batman Returns] loomed large, as half-finished high concepts, consistent only in avoiding the constraints of plot, motive, and logic, abounded.”

“[Steven] Spielberg's opinion relates well to the vision of high concept expressed by other Hollywood representatives: a striking, easily reducible narrative which also offers a high degree of marketability.”

“High concept, to the degree that it describes an actual phenomenon, seems to me to have little to do with the decline of the auteurists. Rather, it is an intensification of certain elements of the old system resulting from the exponentially rising production costs of films and the unpredictability of the exhibition market.”

“It is important to note that the 'high-tech' visual style typical for high concept changes over time, just as technology advances and popular culture undergoes transitions. […] Another aspect of high concept in television news is the simplification of the story into a marketable concept as already discussed in relation to Hollywood movies.”

“Von Trier [Lars von Trier]'s high concept is too sloppily executed to suggest he really cares that much. Most of Dancer in the Dark ranges from mediocre (music and choreography) to laughably bad. The needlessly queasy camera movement and smeary visuals, acting that often feels like a read-through, and a script neither based on research (check out the American courtroom protocol) or any real logic. Its compensation is this: At least Dancer in the Dark is bad in a complicated way.”

“This is a novel of ideas—brimming with high concepts and complicated philosophical questions. At the same time, it is a novel full of heart.”

“In fact, [Christopher] Nolan admits that it's a lot easier to simply watch the movie and grasp it from there. "That's the fun thing about Tenet for me, is that it's harder to talk about than just watch it and understand it," he said. Nonetheless, he gave additional insight into the machinations behind the highest of high concepts.”

CEFR level