I was thinking about this the other day after driving by a movie theater I've been to a bunch of times over the years, but I'm curious on the forum's thoughts.
Over the years, I've understood more and more that Hollywood is horrifically untalented. So many good shows and movies go to to crap as the studios either take control of the writing at some point from the original writers and creators ("The Walking Dead" as a great example), or the creators are confined by the stupidest rules you've ever heard. One such rule was something like at some point in the movie you have to have two females talking, but they can't be talking about a male, or something along those lines. Just complete stupidity that could only be made by the least talented and creative people who, unfortunately, are executives or control decisions at the studios.
I find myself now watching only movies before, at the latest, 2014. Something seems to have happened around that time that just killed the quality of movies instantly, although it was something already happening at a slow pace. Most of the movies I watch now are early 2000s, 1990s, and 1980s. Movies I watch in the 1970s and 1980s are those I was either too young to watch, or I watched when I was younger but didn't get or appreciate the nuances, humor, writing, etc. Even movies with a simple plot I'm finding are catching me on the edge of my seat, like this one I watched called "Unstoppable" about a runaway train.
Now the video and production tech is available to everyone instead of just the studios, and independent creators are putting out content. For example, I love horror movies, and I watch a channel called "Screamfest", where indies put up their horror shorts. Some are 5 minutes, some 10 minutes, and longer. Some are better than others, some are stupid, some are odd, and some are just good with some nice twists. Here's an example of an ~11 minute short:
See? You thought you knew who the bad guy was. Point being, this was well done, shot well, great plot and twist, and I was entertained. Hell, it was probably shot on some guy's iPhone. It was by some indie we've never heard of (at least I haven't), and if this went through some Hollywood studio, it would have been a total piece of crap.
What I'm wondering is if there's an opportunity for "dying" movie theaters to start switching to indie movies instead of the Hollywood crap that nobody is watching. Could a movie chain start showing indie movies? Could there be a business model for theaters and theater chains to scour for content with indie production companies? If I were the owner of a movie theater trying to throw ideas against the wall to see what sticks, is this a possibility?
People still want to go out and watch a movie. I know I do. Sure, the popcorn and goodies are overpriced, but we all grew up in a time where it's fun to go out to the movies with family, friends, or a date. That demand is still there.
To my way of thinking, the movie theaters could become the new studios, where it's direct from the production to the screen. The consumers better dictate what they want (see Rotten Tomatoes critics vs audience) and the free market would drive great content instead of taking whatever satanic crap Hollywood shoves up our asses.
What do you think?
Current movies is like current TV is like current music: it all sucks. Hollywood blows.
Quote from: Sick Of Silence on September 07, 2021, 01:57:05 PMCurrent movies is like current TV is like current music: it all sucks. Hollywood blows.
Incredible insight.
But, that is true. Technology is better nowadays. It's easy to physically put out content on a budget. I remember when VCRs, camcorders, and the actual movie tapes themselves cost crazy money. Now, any one of our phones can record clearly. It doesn't cost much to have an audio or video podcast with cameras, microphones, headphones, and interfaces. The most difficult part is coming up with content.
I have seen online content that was better that prime-time content. It was simple, but effective. It kept my interest. I have watched several comedic spoofs that could be made into an actual TV series if it were to be written smartly.
I haven't been to a theater in over two decades and I've no reason to sit with a bunch of strangers talking.
But the real reason is, I can sit home and watch thousands of movies I've never seen before, hours of series as well, all on a big screen alone with the wife.
And I saved $50.0 in the process. I might do a drive in just for nostalgias sake.
I can honestly say, I've been to the theater less than 5 times in 50 years, but before that, it was a weekly thing.
I often think I would love to buy some old movie theater(s) in a good area and just show classics and Public Domain and things from the Hollywood before creativity, intelligence and good entertainment was lost.
Hollywood commit suicide some time ago. Maybe there is one good, inventive and creative movie a year as it is.
I have a thing about 70mm and Cinerama-FILM. I just don't like digital filmmaking. Those were the days when everything was shot on real film. Now you can literally OWN the Cinerama Company if you want to buy it. Unless it can be rescued, the Cinerama Dome on Sunset is going to be torn down.
The petition to "Save the Cinerama Dome"
https://www.change.org/p/arclight-save-the-dome?signed=true
Quote from: rp5x5 on September 16, 2021, 12:20:24 AMThe petition to "Save the Cinerama Dome"
https://www.change.org/p/arclight-save-the-dome?signed=true
I doubt anyone really cares any longer. It's now akin to preserving the site of a mass murder.
The Leftists killed off their own legacy in hopes of killing off American culture.
It's like how they want statues removed reflecting their own history of slavery, so maybe we should accommodate them by letting them tear it down.
It won't be missed...
For me it was LOST and the new Battlestar Galactica. Both had great starts but were so bad by the end I cannot watch them at all anymore.
I love watching all the movies from before my time when society was still normal. And I love showing old movies to the young kids and explaining how everything has changed for the worse.
Quote from: Solar on September 16, 2021, 03:05:32 AMI doubt anyone really cares any longer. It's now akin to preserving the site of a mass murder.
The Leftists killed off their own legacy in hopes of killing off American culture.
It's like how they want statues removed reflecting their own history of slavery, so maybe we should accommodate them by letting them tear it down.
It won't be missed...
Lots of people DO care. They care about the art of film and the great memories. Most of those kind of people hate Hollywood today.
Quote from: rp5x5 on September 16, 2021, 03:05:55 PMLots of people DO care. They care about the art of film and the great memories. Most of those kind of people hate Hollywood today.
True, but technology makes it safer and cheaper to view them in the comfort of their own homes, where food is readily available as well as a clean restroom.
Some theaters will survive by finding other ways to attract an audience, including live theater, but there really isn't the big block busters of decades past, now it's all CG shit.
"but there really isn't the big block busters of decades past, now it's all CG shit."
This is true. I have a huge 4K screen and Surround sound and it's nice, but it still can't compare with seeing a movie on a giant curved screen, shot in real 65, 70 mm film.
Quote from: rp5x5 on September 16, 2021, 05:50:59 PM"but there really isn't the big block busters of decades past, now it's all CG shit."
This is true. I have a huge 4K screen and Surround sound and it's nice, but it still can't compare with seeing a movie on a giant curved screen, shot in real 65, 70 mm film.
True, but unless they fix the low voice, loud music, I'm not going. Hearing aid issue.
Quote from: rp5x5 on September 16, 2021, 12:06:26 AMI often think I would love to buy some old movie theater(s) in a good area and just show classics and Public Domain and things from the Hollywood before creativity, intelligence and good entertainment was lost.
Hollywood commit suicide some time ago. Maybe there is one good, inventive and creative movie a year as it is.
I have a thing about 70mm and Cinerama-FILM. I just don't like digital filmmaking. Those were the days when everything was shot on real film. Now you can literally OWN the Cinerama Company if you want to buy it. Unless it can be rescued, the Cinerama Dome on Sunset is going to be torn down.
That would be really cool. I loved going to the movies and would still go if something was worth seeing. The theaters I'd go to are the ones with the nice big leather seats, decent food, drinks, and clean as a whistle. In Atlanta we have a few spots like that.
I used to go to a place called Cinema Drafthouse in Atlanta (Sandy Springs) years ago (I think "Interview With a Vampire" was the last movie I saw there) but that concept has replicated around the country somewhat.
If they can be clean and comfortable, and the shows are halfway decent, I'm in.
Quote from: Solar on September 16, 2021, 07:00:13 PMTrue, but unless they fix the low voice, loud music, I'm not going. Hearing aid issue.
Dolby is terrible.
This problem goes away in the theater, because of the larger room giving more distance to the surround sound. At home the only way to fix it is spread out the surround sound and have a really good sound system a turn it up enough to hear even whispering.
Quote from: rp5x5 on September 18, 2021, 02:19:48 AMDolby is terrible.
This problem goes away in the theater, because of the larger room giving more distance to the surround sound. At home the only way to fix it is spread out the surround sound and have a really good sound system a turn it up enough to hear even whispering.
Therein lies my issue with being in a room with others, the whispering and distractions.
If I was by myself, that would be great, I just don't find enjoyment sitting with hundreds of people.
It's not that I don't like people, it's just that half of them suck. :lol: :lol: :lol:
(https://img-9gag-fun.9cache.com/photo/aQoG0EK_460swp.webp)
Quote from: Solar on September 18, 2021, 05:26:05 AMIf I was by myself, that would be great, I just don't find enjoyment sitting with hundreds of people.
Rarely have I liked crowded theaters, although sometimes, depending on the movie, it was part of the experience.
Quote from: rp5x5 on September 18, 2021, 11:31:31 AMRarely have I liked crowded theaters, although sometimes, depending on the movie, it was part of the experience.
That's how I am... if it's clean and the clientele isn't low rent, and there's a chance for a good movie, I'm in. I think it's more of a nostalgic thing for me, with the experience.
Going to the movies is one of those things we grew up with in America, and I really don't want it to just be a victim of evolving digital content distribution.