In a message dated 00-04-21 16:24:09 EDT, I read (sorry, I can't see the
author's name as I respond):

<< In my opinion, however, the "blockbuster" label, I think, really derives
 from the material itself-the fame & quality/merit of the subject (Vermeer),
 its notoriety (King Tut) or relative popularity (Monet and more Monet) or
 provenance (Treasures from the Hermitage) or extravegance (Fabrege), or the
 magnitude of the undertaking combined with grand results (Treasures from
 Dresden; Rome in the 18th Century).  On the other hand and as with movie
 hype, the label may simply reflect the hopes/expectations of the organizers
 &/or the aspirations their pr firm & the ticketing agency! >>

In my cynical old age, I've just about concluded that the only essential
quality of a blockbuster is precisely the hype.  Naturally, you need
high-quality, significant objects and enough evidence of effort to ensure
that some critic won't come along and pronounce it a fraud, but beyond that,
the marketing and advertising and advance indications that it's going to be a
blockbuster (tickets required, suggesting that you're going to have to stand
in line, so you'd better get there ASAP) seem to be the keys.  I've seen lots
of fine museum exhibitions which probably could have been blockbusters if
they had been advertised as such.  Conversely, I've seen blockbusters which I
enjoyed--but couldn't quite figure out why there were so many other people in
line with me!  For example, it was great to see the Victoria & Albert exhibit
at the Baltimore Museum of Art a few years ago, but I really couldn't see any
special reason that it was a blockbuster--other than the way it was
advertised and the special ticket requirement.  Don't get me wrong--I love
the V & A, it's a wonderful museum, and I've been there several times and
will return every time I can--but it was obvious to me, listening to the
conversations of other viewers, that many had never heard of the V & A
previously and came only because of the advertising.  Obviously, this is
merely my personal observation with no substantiating figures, but there's no
question in my mind that it's at least partially true.

I suppose there is also the possibility that many people go to blockbuster
exhibits because they really like standing in long lines!  It would be
interesting to poll such people and see how many also file their income taxes
at the last minute.  Humans have a need for a sense of community, don'tcha
know.

David Haberstich

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