The prompt is to write a research essay about any topic I choose. I chose to explore the independently produced side of film, and how I believe that audiences are begining to make a switch from commercially produced films, specifically the "summer blockbuster" in search of a more meaningful movie experience that can be found easily in the independent circuit.
I would really like some help flushing out my sentences and thoughts. Organization isn't flawless either. Any thoughts on transitioning or flushing out my ideas would be GREATLY appreciated as well as any other tips or thoughts. Thank you! :)
From Superman to Slumdog - Cait McLeod
With the heat of summer comes long afternoons, swimming pools and the eagerly awaited summer blockbuster. From giant sharks to pirate movies to enormous fighting robots, the movies created for summertime entertainment are a breed of their own. Somehow different from the movies released during the rest of the year, these flicks are made with the soul purpose of an afternoon of entertainment. Although this is what we've always expected from them, is it possible that we our tastes are beginning to change? Statistically, these films are still making the most money and why not; these films offer us an array of visuals that we could never hope to see anywhere besides the silver screen. But are the standards for these films slipping?
Alongside the blockbuster (and well hidden) are the independently produced and directed movies. And although these have been few and far between, they are fast becoming more accessible and because of that, audiences as well as actors and producers are being quickly drawn to the independent mode of film making. (Marnik, p. 2) The "values" of the mainstream movie are slipping, and as summer blockbusters are filled with a generic plot line that results in poor ratings, audiences are seeking out a new and richer kind of film experience and are being rewarded with the independent film.
The switch audiences are beginning to make has a great deal to do with the fact that the movies being produced just aren't as good anymore. "The stories became too dulled down to appeal to wider audiences, the characters lacked depth and left actors with a numb feeling." (Marnik,p.1). The movies that are supposed to be the great blockbuster hits are receiving terrible reactions. For example, one of the biggest hits this summer was supposed to be "After Earth", a sci-fi flick starring Will and Jaden Smith. Keeping the notororiously disappointing director M. Night Shyamalan a huge secret from most of the movie's campaigning was a smart marketing decision. The Sony film did end up earning approximately $27 million it's opening weekend (boxofficemojo). However, the reviewers chewed it up and spit it out calling it "disappointingly generic." (DeFore, p. 2) This film is a prime example of the "summer blockbuster" that we, as an audience, have come to expect and dread. After Earth, which is eerily similar to another science fiction movie where Earth has now become the uninhabited enemy planet, Oblivion, is one of many that leave the audience suffering from sequel-itus. This summer, Fast and Furious 6 was released, along with Iron Man 3, the second Star Trek, the Monsters Inc. pre-quel, Monsters University, a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, and a sequel to the very poorly reviewed G.I. Joe. There were also several re-makes including that of the cult-classic The Evil Dead, and the new Superman movie, Man of Steel (boxofficemojo). Is there any new material in theaters? This extreme lack energy and creativity would leave any audience member reeling and yearning for a new kind of entertainment. This has left a perfect opportunity for the rise of the independently produced film. These films are offering audience members a release from the ordinary since "indie" films have a lot more to fight for. "A lot of good things come out of [making Indie movies], but the biggest is that then your words have weight. Whoever is funding this movie knows they're not going to get compensated unless what you're making is good...It's a great way to make movies." (Jason Blum). And audiences respond to it.
In fact, people have worshiped the "indie" flick even if they weren't aware of it. Many, if not most, of the most revered "cult classic" movies are independently written and produced. Movies that have gained an enormous cult following, such as Clerks, the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Evil Dead, and even movies such as Tarantino's wildly popular Reservoir Dogs, which has been called "the greatest independent movie ever made" by Empire Magazine. But all of these pale next to the giant Tarantino indie film, Pulp Fiction, which was nominated for 7 Acadamy Awards and won Best Original Screenplay (for Tarantino). (Boxofficemojo). When a film is independently produced, the people involved get much more creative control that in a studio picture, and that proves to be what audiences flock to most. Yes, Transformers was big fun in the theater, but when the audience left the movies, they left the Transformers with them. However, Vincent Vega and his trials with Marcellus Wallace not only went home with audiences after the movie, but now live with them in their homes and on their TV screens. Viewing parties for cult classics such as Pulp Fiction happen regularly in various independent movie theaters. This love for a character driven story with a non-conventional plot is what is driving audiences away from Oblivion and back into the arms of Clerks.
There has always been a certain kind of availability for audiences to see these cult classics, and there are also several ways that an audience can see these independently produced films. There are "art" movie theaters all over the country that show exclusively independently produced films as well as the more avant garde films that grace the silver screen. For example, in Tucson, Arizona there is a movie theater called The Loft cinema. It only has three screens and it exclusively shows independently made movies and cult classics. And, needless to say, it is received with enormous success. In addition, several independently produced films are now making their way to the commercially driven movie theaters, such as Harkins or AMC. When a movie is viewed at film festivals such as Cannes or Sundance, movie producers can bid on a film if they feel it has a good commercial value. Although very few of these films have been bid on in the past, more and more producers are buying Sundance films now and releasing them to AMC and Harkins and are making a profit off of them. (sundance.). Although ten years ago the independently produced films we saw were few and far between, movies like The Blair Witch Project and the like were well received. This summer, four independently produced films have made their way into commercially driven movie theaters (boxofficemojo) The creativity that comes with independent producing has a large appeal not only for writers but for producers. Movies such as The Blair Witch Project were made for next to no money and that has recently become a fad in the horror movie industry. Films such as The Purge and Sinister, both of which opened this spring, were independently written and produced, but were marketed and released for blockbuster audiences (insideindie). Audiences are beginning to crave not only the feeling of the independent movie, but of the festival environment in which these movies are released. Across the country, several movie theaters host their own movie festivals now; encouraging young and aspiring film makers to submit projects they have completed themselves. Tickets are sold to the event and an audience gathers in one of the larger theaters to view all of the films contestants have submitted. In some cases, winners are even voted upon and offered prized. (harkinstheaters)
One of the most alluring aspects of the independently produced film is it's exceptional character development. These films are often deep, character driven pieces that explore an arch of one of a couple of characters throughout their time in the movie, as opposed to the action driven films that are known as "blockbusters". Directors such as Quentin Tarentino and Steven McQueen produce a majority of their films independently. Their pieces are deep, emotional examinations of characters along a journey and the audiences respond inherently to this connection. Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs is set against the backdrop of a jewelry heist. But instead of making the robbery the vehicle for the movie, Tarantino makes the characters the centralized focus. It is about the men as they discover who their co-conspirators truly are, and they are, quite literally, trapped within a single room. The arch of each individual character is mind-blowing and the audience is trapped in the room with them, giving us no chance but to bond with them. It is impossible to leave that film at the door upon it's completion and it is due entirely to the bond we fuse with the characters. Audiences are looking for a more expressive form of cinema; a story that we might not necessarily relate to, but a character we feel serves us well and honestly. Yes, James Bond is a famous and multi faceted character that everybody can recognize and root for. However, he is a stony, well trained fighting machine, and no matter how hard they try 95% of 007's audience will be able to truly relate to that. Films like the 2010 Sundance darling Winter's Bone offers audiences a well rounded, painfully life like character in 17 year old Ri. Although audiences are not used to living in a southern mountain community that thrives off the creation of Meth, we can relate to the young girl who is fighting to save her family, and as we see her struggle to find strength and hope a part of our hearts mesh with hers because at some point, everyone in the audience has struggled to find that same motivation. Actors are equally attracted to these fleshed out characters and their raw stories." [These stories attract] mainstream actors to tasty, well-developed roles they can sink their teeth into." (Marnik, p.2). In fact, films like Little Miss Sunshine are presented to an almost exclusively mainstream cast and they are more than eager to jump on board. When Oscar winner Octavia Spencer, who is now a part of the newest Sundance hit Fruitvale Station was interviewed about whether she preferred to act in commercial or independently produced movies she said simply "It is about being spiritually fed." (insideindie). Because of this spiritual buffet that is now offered to us, audiences are more eager than ever to see these films and several of them are being recognized at the Academy Awards.
"The thing about doing smaller budget movies is that there is just no net beneath you." - Ethan Hawke (insideindie). Because of the lack of assistance that independently produced films receive, there is an unmistakable bond between the film and it's creators. There is a kind of tenderness and caring that goes into the production of these films and it is impossible not to notice. Richard Linklater wrote, directed and produced a film based on the life of himself and his wife in 1995 called Before Sunrise. It did it all independently and had a little help from the films star, Ethan Hawke. It was the first installment in a trilogy that was only just completed this year, the final installment was entitled Before Midnight. Linklater's dedication to his story and his work made the original film a huge success, and although it took him around a decade to complete the entire trilogy, it was his obvious love and caring for the story that earned the final piece of this independent film $10 million worldwide.(boxofficemojo). The film offers a lighthearted but incredibly realistic view at a couple as they age through marriage. No, it isn't all a fairy tale but it does show that their love is so strong that they can withstand trials and remain together, looking back on what made them love each other in the beginning. It rings very truthful and although sometimes that truth hurts it is a truth that the audience can relate to and grab on to, nodding their heads in agreement when that familiar feeling touches them.
Despite the deep-seeded metaphors that are dripping off of summer blockbusters such as World War Z that suggest that humanity as a whole has become mindless and unfeeling drones, peoples love and longing for independent films proves just the opposite. People are seeking a connection to one another that has become harder to come by with the incredible increase in technological advancements. Somehow, along with the rapid expansion of ways to keep in touch, it has become more and more difficult to truly connect with one another. Independent films are offering people a chance to look in on someone else's life and feel comraderie and companionship with someone who's actions might parallel their own. Movies were originally meant to give us an escape from life, but perhaps now they are offering such a drastic escape that is has ceased to become pleasurable. With the increase of financial struggle, there is a sense of hopelessness that awaits on the edges of humanity, trying to creep in. Making a connection with someone, even if it is a fictional character in a film, helps us to realize that people can overcome almost anything, and it is that bond that is driving people to seek independent films. Besides, independent films quite literally give more bang for their buck. Along with the decline of video rental stores like Blockbuster, Netflix has come to own it's own kingdom of movie and television viewing. At home, people can watch Transformers with the click of a button and it is immediately transformer to their screen, no fees required. Why then, would that same family pay $10 a head to see a sequel of that movie, with essentially the same plot? An independently produced film won't offer that kind of monotony, nor can it afford to. It has thrived on being different, and in a world of sameness, that is the kind of entertainment that people will want to spend their money on. Emotionally and intellectually stimulating, the independent film is definitely on the rise. The audience numbers are rising and although they still don't make as much money as 007 might, they are being heard and they are here to stay.
I would really like some help flushing out my sentences and thoughts. Organization isn't flawless either. Any thoughts on transitioning or flushing out my ideas would be GREATLY appreciated as well as any other tips or thoughts. Thank you! :)
From Superman to Slumdog - Cait McLeod
With the heat of summer comes long afternoons, swimming pools and the eagerly awaited summer blockbuster. From giant sharks to pirate movies to enormous fighting robots, the movies created for summertime entertainment are a breed of their own. Somehow different from the movies released during the rest of the year, these flicks are made with the soul purpose of an afternoon of entertainment. Although this is what we've always expected from them, is it possible that we our tastes are beginning to change? Statistically, these films are still making the most money and why not; these films offer us an array of visuals that we could never hope to see anywhere besides the silver screen. But are the standards for these films slipping?
Alongside the blockbuster (and well hidden) are the independently produced and directed movies. And although these have been few and far between, they are fast becoming more accessible and because of that, audiences as well as actors and producers are being quickly drawn to the independent mode of film making. (Marnik, p. 2) The "values" of the mainstream movie are slipping, and as summer blockbusters are filled with a generic plot line that results in poor ratings, audiences are seeking out a new and richer kind of film experience and are being rewarded with the independent film.
The switch audiences are beginning to make has a great deal to do with the fact that the movies being produced just aren't as good anymore. "The stories became too dulled down to appeal to wider audiences, the characters lacked depth and left actors with a numb feeling." (Marnik,p.1). The movies that are supposed to be the great blockbuster hits are receiving terrible reactions. For example, one of the biggest hits this summer was supposed to be "After Earth", a sci-fi flick starring Will and Jaden Smith. Keeping the notororiously disappointing director M. Night Shyamalan a huge secret from most of the movie's campaigning was a smart marketing decision. The Sony film did end up earning approximately $27 million it's opening weekend (boxofficemojo). However, the reviewers chewed it up and spit it out calling it "disappointingly generic." (DeFore, p. 2) This film is a prime example of the "summer blockbuster" that we, as an audience, have come to expect and dread. After Earth, which is eerily similar to another science fiction movie where Earth has now become the uninhabited enemy planet, Oblivion, is one of many that leave the audience suffering from sequel-itus. This summer, Fast and Furious 6 was released, along with Iron Man 3, the second Star Trek, the Monsters Inc. pre-quel, Monsters University, a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, and a sequel to the very poorly reviewed G.I. Joe. There were also several re-makes including that of the cult-classic The Evil Dead, and the new Superman movie, Man of Steel (boxofficemojo). Is there any new material in theaters? This extreme lack energy and creativity would leave any audience member reeling and yearning for a new kind of entertainment. This has left a perfect opportunity for the rise of the independently produced film. These films are offering audience members a release from the ordinary since "indie" films have a lot more to fight for. "A lot of good things come out of [making Indie movies], but the biggest is that then your words have weight. Whoever is funding this movie knows they're not going to get compensated unless what you're making is good...It's a great way to make movies." (Jason Blum). And audiences respond to it.
In fact, people have worshiped the "indie" flick even if they weren't aware of it. Many, if not most, of the most revered "cult classic" movies are independently written and produced. Movies that have gained an enormous cult following, such as Clerks, the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Evil Dead, and even movies such as Tarantino's wildly popular Reservoir Dogs, which has been called "the greatest independent movie ever made" by Empire Magazine. But all of these pale next to the giant Tarantino indie film, Pulp Fiction, which was nominated for 7 Acadamy Awards and won Best Original Screenplay (for Tarantino). (Boxofficemojo). When a film is independently produced, the people involved get much more creative control that in a studio picture, and that proves to be what audiences flock to most. Yes, Transformers was big fun in the theater, but when the audience left the movies, they left the Transformers with them. However, Vincent Vega and his trials with Marcellus Wallace not only went home with audiences after the movie, but now live with them in their homes and on their TV screens. Viewing parties for cult classics such as Pulp Fiction happen regularly in various independent movie theaters. This love for a character driven story with a non-conventional plot is what is driving audiences away from Oblivion and back into the arms of Clerks.
There has always been a certain kind of availability for audiences to see these cult classics, and there are also several ways that an audience can see these independently produced films. There are "art" movie theaters all over the country that show exclusively independently produced films as well as the more avant garde films that grace the silver screen. For example, in Tucson, Arizona there is a movie theater called The Loft cinema. It only has three screens and it exclusively shows independently made movies and cult classics. And, needless to say, it is received with enormous success. In addition, several independently produced films are now making their way to the commercially driven movie theaters, such as Harkins or AMC. When a movie is viewed at film festivals such as Cannes or Sundance, movie producers can bid on a film if they feel it has a good commercial value. Although very few of these films have been bid on in the past, more and more producers are buying Sundance films now and releasing them to AMC and Harkins and are making a profit off of them. (sundance.). Although ten years ago the independently produced films we saw were few and far between, movies like The Blair Witch Project and the like were well received. This summer, four independently produced films have made their way into commercially driven movie theaters (boxofficemojo) The creativity that comes with independent producing has a large appeal not only for writers but for producers. Movies such as The Blair Witch Project were made for next to no money and that has recently become a fad in the horror movie industry. Films such as The Purge and Sinister, both of which opened this spring, were independently written and produced, but were marketed and released for blockbuster audiences (insideindie). Audiences are beginning to crave not only the feeling of the independent movie, but of the festival environment in which these movies are released. Across the country, several movie theaters host their own movie festivals now; encouraging young and aspiring film makers to submit projects they have completed themselves. Tickets are sold to the event and an audience gathers in one of the larger theaters to view all of the films contestants have submitted. In some cases, winners are even voted upon and offered prized. (harkinstheaters)
One of the most alluring aspects of the independently produced film is it's exceptional character development. These films are often deep, character driven pieces that explore an arch of one of a couple of characters throughout their time in the movie, as opposed to the action driven films that are known as "blockbusters". Directors such as Quentin Tarentino and Steven McQueen produce a majority of their films independently. Their pieces are deep, emotional examinations of characters along a journey and the audiences respond inherently to this connection. Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs is set against the backdrop of a jewelry heist. But instead of making the robbery the vehicle for the movie, Tarantino makes the characters the centralized focus. It is about the men as they discover who their co-conspirators truly are, and they are, quite literally, trapped within a single room. The arch of each individual character is mind-blowing and the audience is trapped in the room with them, giving us no chance but to bond with them. It is impossible to leave that film at the door upon it's completion and it is due entirely to the bond we fuse with the characters. Audiences are looking for a more expressive form of cinema; a story that we might not necessarily relate to, but a character we feel serves us well and honestly. Yes, James Bond is a famous and multi faceted character that everybody can recognize and root for. However, he is a stony, well trained fighting machine, and no matter how hard they try 95% of 007's audience will be able to truly relate to that. Films like the 2010 Sundance darling Winter's Bone offers audiences a well rounded, painfully life like character in 17 year old Ri. Although audiences are not used to living in a southern mountain community that thrives off the creation of Meth, we can relate to the young girl who is fighting to save her family, and as we see her struggle to find strength and hope a part of our hearts mesh with hers because at some point, everyone in the audience has struggled to find that same motivation. Actors are equally attracted to these fleshed out characters and their raw stories." [These stories attract] mainstream actors to tasty, well-developed roles they can sink their teeth into." (Marnik, p.2). In fact, films like Little Miss Sunshine are presented to an almost exclusively mainstream cast and they are more than eager to jump on board. When Oscar winner Octavia Spencer, who is now a part of the newest Sundance hit Fruitvale Station was interviewed about whether she preferred to act in commercial or independently produced movies she said simply "It is about being spiritually fed." (insideindie). Because of this spiritual buffet that is now offered to us, audiences are more eager than ever to see these films and several of them are being recognized at the Academy Awards.
"The thing about doing smaller budget movies is that there is just no net beneath you." - Ethan Hawke (insideindie). Because of the lack of assistance that independently produced films receive, there is an unmistakable bond between the film and it's creators. There is a kind of tenderness and caring that goes into the production of these films and it is impossible not to notice. Richard Linklater wrote, directed and produced a film based on the life of himself and his wife in 1995 called Before Sunrise. It did it all independently and had a little help from the films star, Ethan Hawke. It was the first installment in a trilogy that was only just completed this year, the final installment was entitled Before Midnight. Linklater's dedication to his story and his work made the original film a huge success, and although it took him around a decade to complete the entire trilogy, it was his obvious love and caring for the story that earned the final piece of this independent film $10 million worldwide.(boxofficemojo). The film offers a lighthearted but incredibly realistic view at a couple as they age through marriage. No, it isn't all a fairy tale but it does show that their love is so strong that they can withstand trials and remain together, looking back on what made them love each other in the beginning. It rings very truthful and although sometimes that truth hurts it is a truth that the audience can relate to and grab on to, nodding their heads in agreement when that familiar feeling touches them.
Despite the deep-seeded metaphors that are dripping off of summer blockbusters such as World War Z that suggest that humanity as a whole has become mindless and unfeeling drones, peoples love and longing for independent films proves just the opposite. People are seeking a connection to one another that has become harder to come by with the incredible increase in technological advancements. Somehow, along with the rapid expansion of ways to keep in touch, it has become more and more difficult to truly connect with one another. Independent films are offering people a chance to look in on someone else's life and feel comraderie and companionship with someone who's actions might parallel their own. Movies were originally meant to give us an escape from life, but perhaps now they are offering such a drastic escape that is has ceased to become pleasurable. With the increase of financial struggle, there is a sense of hopelessness that awaits on the edges of humanity, trying to creep in. Making a connection with someone, even if it is a fictional character in a film, helps us to realize that people can overcome almost anything, and it is that bond that is driving people to seek independent films. Besides, independent films quite literally give more bang for their buck. Along with the decline of video rental stores like Blockbuster, Netflix has come to own it's own kingdom of movie and television viewing. At home, people can watch Transformers with the click of a button and it is immediately transformer to their screen, no fees required. Why then, would that same family pay $10 a head to see a sequel of that movie, with essentially the same plot? An independently produced film won't offer that kind of monotony, nor can it afford to. It has thrived on being different, and in a world of sameness, that is the kind of entertainment that people will want to spend their money on. Emotionally and intellectually stimulating, the independent film is definitely on the rise. The audience numbers are rising and although they still don't make as much money as 007 might, they are being heard and they are here to stay.
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