An artform is simply that which expresses an idea and/or emotion through specific attributes. There are certain unique attributes which legitimize separate mediums but there are also attributes which are shared amongst multiple mediums. And the legitimizing power of those elements are usually reduced given the loss of their exclusive relationship with a single medium. Exposition is an evil to just about anyone that could properly define the word for you. Provided of course that the definer was speaking of cinema. If you spoke to one whose interest lie in literature, the word would be relatively mute. As literature, to one degree or another is a medium comprised of various forms and degrees of exposition. So while exposition is not uniquely cinematic, there is still an art to how one uses it (whether in literature or cinema) and there is no right or wrong in the making of art, there is however, a question, of motivation and execution.
As to possible necessity in regards to the use of exposition, those issues are rendered void to me by the question of effect and effectiveness of those attributes which the director chooses to express (or at least a portion of) the intended idea or emotion.
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
Adapted and Directed By John Huston
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