It used to be that if a celebrated movie star was associated with a certain vehicle, then there was at least an assurance of some story and quality ("Ben-Hur," "Vertigo," "The Godfather," "Charade," etc.). That isn't a guarantee anymore, seeing how many turkeys got released with star power but no story, and the ticket buyers stayed away in flocks. But it's worse than that: in the last 10 years, ticket-buyers flock to screens more for the experience, like an E-ticket ride, rather than for good storytelling. The success of "Avatar" speaks tomes to me of how bad it really is out there. Here's a film with almost no original material, poor dialog and B-list acting (even from Sigourney Weaver, by God!), yet moviegoers saw fit to send it to nearly $3 billion in box-office, almost entirely because of the producers' use of cutting-edge filmmaking techniques, rather than relying on the power of storytelling, supported by powerful imagery and competent acting. "Star Trek Into Darkness" continues the pathology. It was perhaps the least original, most ham-handedly directed Star Trek film, containing the most overwrought acting, yet it was Star Trek's highest grossing movie. And don't get me started on "The Desolation of Smaug". (There have been some rare and lucky blockbusters—"The Avengers" was surprisingly rich on story and competent acting.) I am prepared to say that, except for the rise of the independent film (thanks to lowering equipment, software and production costs), the era of classic, studio-driven cinema is effectively dead. All that remains is the thrill of the ride, and that's not enough to keep the enterprise going.
I agree Troy, I was not born in that ever but I admire that era with, "The Godfather" and others. I wish that quality could be brought back. Maybe it will one day. I think there are glimpses of it in...
Expand commentI agree Troy, I was not born in that ever but I admire that era with, "The Godfather" and others. I wish that quality could be brought back. Maybe it will one day. I think there are glimpses of it in some of these Independent films. I have to take my hat of to my favorite actor, Leonardo Dicaprio. He is like one of the last of a dying breed.