A film musing

Hollywood sells us movies it thinks we will buy, each ruled by the almighty dollar. We are stuck spending $8 hoping that the fourth version of Saw or the next overly hyped comedy is not as horribly overdone as the last one; that we might actually get something out of spending two or more hours at the movie theater. In fact this year was full of movies that were the third addition to a series; Rush Hour 3, Ocean’s 13, Bourne Ultimatum… etc. of which, I only felt Bourne was decent enough to say it was worth those 8 bucks. This reoccurring pattern in today’s cinema has consumers trying to avoid the noise of contrived Hollywood dins, in search of the few gems making a theatrical release. As box office sales trickle down this year, what if the Hollywood idea of what will rake in the cash is really not what their audience wants?
Of the several films I went to the theater to see this year, only a few stood out from the noise to gain my admiration. Most recently, Bella and Juno have found a place on my favorites list. With great storylines and important pressing issues found in everyday life, both movies made me think about the complex choices we constantly are faced with. Juno, in particular showing the decisions made surrounding a teenage pregnancy (including abortion), gives viewers a new window to the world of a teenager learning about herself through unplanned circumstances, which we all can relate to in some way. It entertains with its sarcastic humor and holds you in the drama of the story of Juno. Bella, while dealing with abortion and another instance of an unplanned pregnancy, gives insight into the deep longing humans have for redemption and forgiveness. Both deal with one of the most hotly debated subjects in society today and yet give a somewhat neutral, but positive view on having the baby rather than terminating it. This what I look for in a film; a truth about average life it is looking to share with its audience. Why then do we still get films that have a plot centered on farfetched ideas, or unoriginal remakes, or pointless sequels, or crude, unnecessary humor? Does this noise really sell, or is just because that’s all they have to offer?
Will it change? I hope so. I believe that future filmmakers should find it necessary to leave their mark on cinema that changes the noise into a decipherable message. Instead of adding another unwanted sound of the stereotypical pile of Hollywood films, producers and directors should want to bring something unique to the screen, something we can leave the theater questioning or pondering, and knowing our 8 dollars was spent supporting cinema that sings with purpose.