As Inception slowly approaches, the buzz has become slightly more patronizing than exciting: fans across the world are being told that they might not understand the film. But this really is an absurd sentiment, and is one that I feel has caused big-budget films to – in general – get dumber and shallower.
But it’s not your fault – and don’t let Hollywood tell you otherwise. It’s not your fault that Transformers 2 made $836 million worldwide, while Blade Runner only made $33 million domestically when it was released. It’s just the nature of the Hollywood business.
There are 52 weekends in a year. Across the world, millions seek entertainment for escape and the intrigue of visual stimulation. But when a malnourished public craves something a little more meaty, Hollywood continues to throw bread crumbs. And people eat it up, because often it’s all they have to choose from.
However, the most discerning moviegoers dig for those gems that sit buried beneath the piles of Hollywood coal – those films that stretch the mind and cure the soul, rather than milk the cow. But it shouldn’t be such an arduous effort; is it really too much to ask Hollywood for $100+ million movies that are not digestible in a single two-hour sitting?
Audiences are a hungry breed. They want to have something to eat every single weekend and studios spend months preparing those meals. Yet, often there is nothing to “digest” at all – there is no substance to the meal, i.e. nothing for an audience member to contemplate later. It simply is what it is: filler, a snack, empty calories. Yet, as much as we complain about fluff films – as most summer blockbusters are – we all flock to the next big blockbuster. Maybe we just don’t know any better?
Personally I don’t believe the fault lies with people who go to see every big action blockbuster. Those films are churned out of filmmaking machines that have little train of thought, yet, our eyes are not bigger than our stomachs. Once we leave the theater, there is an emptiness, we all feel it, even if there is a lingering “wow” factor.
So, when a film like Inception comes around and combines brain with brawn, many viewers are not sure what to do. We are being presented with a film that is not only visually appealing, but might actually cause the brain to do some work. People often say they want these films, but Hollywood just doesn’t quite understand that – Hollywood forgets about films that have become staples of the industry – masterpieces like Blade Runner or Shawkshank Redemption. None of those films turned heads at the box office – but maybe they could have, with the right marketing scheme and intentions behind them. Maybe the would have, if Hollywood valued the “smart blockbuster” as a legitimate blockbuster – the very strategy Warner Bros. seems to have for Inception.
We live in an age where many executives know only how to fumble around your pocket, with no interest in anything else besides the bottom line. Hollywood has brainwashed the public into thinking they can’t comprehend anything beyond a MacGuffin device that will end the world (see: Knight and Day). That formula has worked for decades (thanks in large part to Alfred Hitchcock, the master of brainy spectacle), but the industry has fallen in love with the formula, while taking audiences for granted.
Hitchcock made big movies with brains
By offering the same tired formulas, Hollywood has helped create the faux perception that people don’t like anything they don’t understand upon first viewing – that is to say if it doesn’t fit the formula, it simply doesn’t fit. Yet, look at forums on Websites just like ours: the films people talk about the most are ones that sprouted new ideas in their minds upon repeat viewings, continued analysis and extensive discussions – exactly what smart films do.
It is a valid argument to say that Hollywood simply adjusted to the trends of audiences. If more people went to see a small indie film over a big-budget action romp, then maybe the entertainment world would be following another path. But audiences don’t generally have that option – there are only a fraction of arthouse offerings that get wide exposure, as opposed to the crowd of popcorn blockbusters that fill every theater at your local multiplex. And because of that disparity, choices are limited (hopefully the increased interest in first-run movies offered on demand will reverse this trend).
Despite what some people think, I don’t necessarily believe the industry would be a better place if the tables were simply turned. I still love the big action epics that utilize CGI and strange humor. But just like everybody else, a huge part of me craves the intellectual possibilities of film. I want to have my knowledge tested – I want to leave a theater with the idea that I might be wrong. Instead, I am hypnotized by bright lights, big explosions and beautiful people who act in a world that doesn’t require me to think for two hours – and, ironically enough, in large part those are the same films which will be forgotten (or rebooted) in a decade or less.
I should point out that Leonardo DiCaprio has mentioned that Inception shouldn’t be that difficult to comprehend as they talk about the concepts and the actions at length within the film. The characters are experiencing this newfound journey with the audience in real-time.
My bottom line is: we are smarter than Hollywood often wants treat us. Bring on Inception and give my brain the same workout my eyes and ears will get; I’ll be showing my support with my wallet, and if you too would like your big movies to be more meat than fluff going forward, perhaps you should too.
What do you think about the industry’s focus these days? Do you want more movies that make you think? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
Inception hits theaters on July 16th.
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The “buzz” is based on a comment by Rolling Stones Peter Travers: “Of course, trusting the intelligence of an audience can cost Nolan at the box office. We’re so used to being treated like idiots.”
Maybe Peter feels that way but Im hopeful that most adults do not. Also, I think The Matrix’s success invalidates that notion.
I came back to visit for the lol’s
@790 is making it lively here!
Vic they were elderly folk,,, but yeah its true.
James L Cotton I can not possibly disagree more. There are plenty of films that engage your mind and make you think.
If you think so lowly of film why bother coming to a film site.
@James L. Colton, the tv shows Twilight Zone and Star Trek created a huge influence on our generation.
One could argue that those 2 shows led to the great films, “2001 A Space Odyssey” as well as “Star Wars.”
^
Both films/franchises have had a huge impact on societies technological drive.
More so then any books in the last 40 years.
I’m not saying your point is mute, but you can’t pretend cinema hasn’t effected our culture more then literature in the last few decades…
“why bother coming to a film site.”
Or thinking up something original…
I absolutely agree with this article. I’ve largely given up hope that more than two or three movies that fit the bill in terms of being both intellectually challenging and aesthetically pleasing will be released in a given year. I tend to frequent the Netflix catalog to get my fix.
Damn 790 I thought we were going to avoid each other. Out of respect for Vic I’ve avoided you only to have you reply and quote me. Can’t just leave it alone ?
If it’s not to much work for you in the future could you just leave me alone I’m tired of Vic needing to step in every time.
Hey Daniel I’m not sure what your talking about my man???
That last comment wasn’t directed at you…
Hollywho?
A few clever movies that come to mind are Memento, Primer, and Donnie Darko. These were novelties and while interesting didnt hold a rewatchability factor for me.
I was really excited to see Moon only to be completely dissapointed because of glaring basic plot holes (for example, the idea that a mutlitrillion dollar conglomerate would allow it’s entire system to be compromised by simply asking the computer a question). Sometimes the writers focus so much on creating a twist they leave much to be desired on the founding premise of the story. Hopefully Inception doesnt make that mistake.
Kofi makes a good point about movies that are multi-layered.
Are there any decent stories that have been overwhelmed by CGI? I cant think of any off the top of my head……..CGI seems to be a crutch most of the time, The Matrix being an exception.
Some people, like myself, may not see the movie cause we don’t particulary care for Dicaprio’s acting skills.
I know that this is totally subjective, but that guy annoys me.
Well, for years we have been drinking the proverbial Hollywood Kool Aide when it comes to sci-fi and action. They dumb everything down, throw in some splashy effects, a lot of bullets and ram it down our throats with a viral marketing campaign. Films like District 9, Inception, Blade Runner, The Dark Knight and 2001, to name a few, are films that require you to think a little outside of the box. As a movie-going audience, we don’t mind it unless you confuse the hell out of us with films like The Fountain or The Box(OYYYY). Hollywood wants the public to think that we aren’t up for mental gymnastics, when they couldnt be more WRONG. Bring on a brain-teasing, deeply cerebral film, but TELL ME A HALFWAY COHERENT STORY!! Donnie Darko, was a film about a family with a lot of personal issues and Donnies inability to cope with life in suburbia. I appreciated what he was doing the film and I got it. However Southland Tales and The Box were hot, steamy piles of pseudo sci-fi doo doo and I simply couldn’t mass-produce enough brain cells to understand, let alone tolerate either film. But that’s just me…..
Aknot no one has mentioned That film because it’s not 2007 and out fickle public has decided they hate Bale this year. I feel bad for the guy he was praised for his acting no one would dare say a negative thing about him he yells at a guy and suddenly he’s a bad actor go figure. I enjoyed that movie as well as equalibrium that was a movie with a message that was still fun. I wish they had a slightly larger budget it had good acting and story but poor production.
Also i’ve stated before liking a film or not liking it is pure opinion but what makes a film bad is fact. Everybody likes bad films. There are people out there that love Steel but it’s still a terrible movie.
Oh dont get me wrong broham…I’m no film snob. Hell, I like to see somebody get beat up with some well-choreographed Kung Fu. I enjoy a film that doesnt take itself that serious such as Black Dynamite and Kung Fu Hustle. But films like Transformers 2 are an abomination. Big, dumb action films are one thing…that was a movie they need to play on the short bus in subtitles….so the loud noises dont scare the helmet head kid.
JW I understandwhere your coming from for multiple reasons. For instance I won’t watch movies with Keanu or Tim Burtons but buddy Depp. Keanu is a horrible actor and Depp only knows how to over act and be cooky.
I also use to dislike Leo I thought he was overrated and annoying until I saw Departed. I loved that movie so much I started to give Leo a chance and he’s grown on me. Certainly not my fave or amazingly talented but he’s still good and in the right film he’s great. I think if you give him a chance he might impress you enough that you can stand him.
I couldnt stand Leo until The Aviator and The Departed. When he started working with Scorsese, he went up a notch in my book. I wasnt a Depp fan AT ALL until BLOW. I just saw him as the dude from 21 Jump Street and I didnt take him seriously. As far as Bale, I always thought he’s been a great actor. Sure, he went on a crazyman rant on the set, but that has nothing to do with his skills as an actor. The Terminator movie was a little too blah for me, but Bale was good in it.
hank1914,
I think a lot of people still think “Titanic” when they think of DiCaprio.
He’s proven himself many times since then.
Vic
Dang, Vic..you know i almost forgot about Titanic….I LOATHED that movie by the way. Sacrifice myself in freezing cold water for some week-old poontang? NO WAY! I kiiiiid, I kiiiiiid.
I agree 100% with the sentiments of this article. That’s one of the reasons I felt LOST was such a fantastic show, because it didn’t cater to the lowest common denominator and appease the idiots. (Most of the time)
Did that show (at the end) actually appease anyone?
We’re really talking about art for the sake of art. Art is rarely a consideration when it comes to mass production. Film is art, or rather, since its early days in Europe and America, film can be as much about art as the technology itself. But since the machine needs money to run chasing the bottom dollar quickly and stubbornly becomes priority.
I have no love for the Hollywood machine though better craftsmen have used the same machine to make remarkable films. Nolan and filmmakers like him, in the US and abroad, are a rare breed. It is they that I appreciate, not the average movie offerring. I see a film to escape from the ignoramuses I deal with everyday. I agree completely with this posting. There is an ocean of intellectually bankrupt b******* making money out there and yet we eat it up.
It is criminally insane. This is part of a larger deficit in my America. A deficit of alert minds of critical and inventive thinking is a scary thing.
@DoOrDie
Fantastic post, and brilliant reality check!
woah!
DoOrDie- don’t get me started bro! I see films getting greenlit that I’m sure the producers KNOW going into it that it will be a turd, but they do it anyway. And let’s not get on kids movies. I have 4 kids and TRUST ME, they are a little more intellectual than the people who make talking animal movies and the upcoming SMURFS movie(really?…wow). The kids, and their parents are a little more savvy than Hollywood gives them credit. Brad Byrd proved that with The Incredibles. No wonder so many great screenwriters are migrating to HBO, Showtime and other cable networks where they appreciate a good story and character development over flashy eye candy.
Hank I agree with you about Bale he’s a great actor and deserves more credit for it it’s to bad the public just turned against him.
As far as Depp I can’t really stand anything he’s done and as far as his acting I’ve never seen anything from him remotely impressive.
When Depp is not playing weird, manic characters, the dude can actually act. Public Enemy and Blow are great examples of that. You can even go back to the 90′s and watch a little movie he did called NICK OF TIME..Great film! If you guys havent seen that one, it’s actually pretty damn good.
I agree Hank….I tried to avoid him like the plague ( Mr. Depp), but I saw a few films, “Nick of Time” like you mentioned and now see his range and appreciate it. But the weird and manic is part of his genius to the craft. I know most “movie snobs” can say something to impress themselves despite of the crowd surrounding them, but in the same breath can actually call Nick Cage on of the greatest of all time, that is where I throw up. Also your HBO, Showtime comment is spot on…..still an incredible value for entertainment despite the rising costs of production and promotion. Good work Hank1914!
Ugh Blow and Public Enemies are not films I could enjoy. I’m a big Bale fan and wanted to like that movie so bad but it was just so bland and uninteresting. Bale was the only decent part. Depp wasn’t his usual over the top but he still over acted his part and produced that cooky vibe. Blow was just ugh I couldn’t believe I paid for that.
Daniel f<—-Not only a member of the Johnny Depp haters club…he's the PRESIDENT! LOL!
Aknot—no..not really. Hell, most of America knew they were all dead as a doornail halfway through the show. I still loved the show and I dont think we will have another like it in a while. Not the way network TV is going these days.
Me thinks he doth protest to much. I swear how many times are you gonna tell us you work in show buisness ? Either way the fact still stands box office tota has nothing to do with the quality of the film this article alone points that out. I’m not the biggest fan of Blade runner bit it was a million times better than transformers yet box office disagrees. If you care so much about the BO your fave films must be Avatar and Titanic I guess you love transformers alot as well. Does a film need to make at least 100 mil for you to like it?
Observe and report was not a great film however the only thing it has in common with Green Hirrnet is Seth. There is nothing else that makes it O&R 2 by your logic call it Knocked up 2 or Pinapple Express 2.
Wait I forget you work in show buisness… Of the guy who shovels elephant poo does as well so does the janitor at my near by theater.
Kid I am done with you……again you miss the point, and are to ignorant to understand it. Excuse me everyone else that has something positive to say here. You personally have ruined this site that I enjoy so very much. Save your crap and dribble for First Showing.
If you want to see my f****g resume kid, I will gladly show you.
To everyone else, I apologize for having a voice for an art form that means so much to myself and my family…..whether it’s bad acting, brilliant acting, bad editing, the screenplay or how great the catering was. I am very sorry to Vic as well, I just cannot handle little “toughs” hiding behind a keyboard that cannot fathom simple true
statements………
Thank you Vic for this outlet and information. I have enjoyed it and have made choices to see certain films by your respected knowledge.
Daniel f,
I’ve really just about had it with your abrasive and combative tone on this site.
Vic
I love how people justify bad actors. Over acting is genious not being able to portray a character beliably is some how genious and talented.
Wel we are off on a whole new subject if we are going to talk about QUALITY versus BOX OFFICE. Transformers 2 was a huge financial success, but crucified by fans and the critics. Will it go down on any AFI lists of great films, hell no. Bladerunner all but tanked at the box office, but it’s on several lists as one of the best science fiction films. I could give a fat baby booty about box office when it come to the films I truly love. People felt that Avatar was robbed at the oscars beacuse it made a million, gazillion, fofillion dollars, but c’mon, did he really break any new ground with the story? Let’s be honest and call Avatar what it really was: A big budget version of Ferngully. Technically it was the best thing since sliced bread, but I wasnt blown away by the story and neither were the Oscar voters, who I dont give a lot of credit to either. I have this argument all the time and I laugh when people justify a bad movie by saying “well it made a lot of money”…..give me a break!
Hank let’s call Avatar what it really is pochahontas in space.