A conversation I was having with a buddy of mine got me thinking on something. (I'm sure you've noticed that most of my columns are ignited this way.) We were chatting about films, obviously, and I corrected him about an actress in the movie of topic. And, I explained to him that the actress he thought it was, but wasn't, used to be the queen of 'arthouse' movies before, yet another actress, was the queen of 'indie' movies. His next question had a couple of things happen to my twisted brain, ''Arthouse?''
Remember when small, low-budget, films used to only play in a handful of theaters in select cities? They used to be by writer/directors you'd never heard of, with stars who, quite frankly, were just afew of their buddies from around the block. It's how we got to know names like Quentin Tarantino, Kevin Smith, Ben Affleck, Gary Oldman, HELL, even Harvey Weinstein! It was these films that built studios like Miramax and Lionsgate. And, film festivals like Sundance, Tribeca, and Cannes. Long before they were classified as 'Indie', they brought the industry that added spice it had been lacking. Because, in every breakout 'Arthouse' film there was an unbelievably original, story, set-up, or theme that was too unconventional for mainstream. The key word being 'original.' Not a reboot, remake, sequel, prequel or otherwise regurgitated.
So, has Hollywood run dry? It seems the term 'going back to the well' has taken on a whole new meaning. HELL, a whole new life of its own! I get that there's a fine line to the human psyche that studios have to tread lightly upon to find a success. But, seriously, a JUDGE DREDD remake?! Every third movie, it seems, is a 'next' of something I've seen before. The market is swimming in it. Now, I'll grant you DARK KNIGHT RISES? Gotta see it! AMAZING SPIDERMAN? There! BOURNE LEGACY and TOTAL RECALL? Check! And, check! But, let's face it; I think they should draw the line at RESIDENT EVIL 17! (There are no more zombies, humans, buildings, weapons, or water left on Earth. So, let's just make a movie of Alice eating a sandwich in the nude.) Now, I know I've answered the question as to why they keep'em coming. That didn't elude me. But, there are some you really can pull the plug on. (I think if I see another PUNISHER get released, I'll have to REALLY punish someone!)
I see the powers that be have abandoned putting money into new material because it seems to be too risky. But, if the billion dollar industry that creates dreams on the regular can't be risky, then what hope is there for the common man? We look to films to help up cope with the daily grind we endure every day. To guide us through our imagination and make us dream of the possibilities that await us. What a letdown it would be to find out in 20 years that our life then is merely a retelling of what our lives are like now. Slight modifications, a few tweaks, but, ultimately, the same basic plot. REBOOT THAT!
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 | Tim
Jun 30, 2012 2:38 PM
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| And how long do you think until there's a NEW new Batman series? My guess is within 5 years. |
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 | Mike Thomas
Jun 30, 2012 4:11 PM
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Hollywood Okd School is alive and well in the hundreds of independent filmmakers, scrounging for every penny they can find to create their vision.
While Big Box Productions is cranking out the umteenth sequel/remake/reboot of the same manure they've been feeding us, I'll be reviewing an Australian psychological thriller that Hollywood no longer has the balls to do.
You make good points, but there is an answer. You want real movies? Check out the gems posted in the Monday and Tuesday news feed here. |
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| I.M.A.O. |
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This is a look at films of all genres from the opinion of one.
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| Don Raper |
I have been watching movies since I was tall enough to reach the lollipop jar. I love the feeling that a good movie can give you. I have been telling people about that feeling for years. And, what better way to spread the joy than writing about it for the masses.
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