And yes, we do this not by picking on straw men in ivory towers and gilded cages, but by making films. I think I hear the roar of the crowd already. I do not necessarily mean to imply somebody who identifies with the history of what has been done before him in his chosen medium, although it might include that as well. It is important to stress that an artist does not make art. He makes objects and things that radiate mystery and then might eventually become art if enough people agree that this is so.
Nobody can make art in a vacuum.
I say no.