So I thought The Creator was brilliant. I watched it in the cinema, thoroughly enjoyed it and was gobsmacked when I learned it’s budget was only $79 million. It looks better than some films I’ve seen that cost three times that.
But apparently, while it may make that back, it’s unlikely to even earn $100 million globally.
So the answer to the question of why Hollywood churns out the same shite over and over is that, currently, tragically, that is what the masses want to spend their money on.
And that makes me sad.
It’s important to note that the same is essentially true for theater goers. As a viewer, I am investing my time and money in a movie experience. With tickets being $15+, a theater date can easily cost $50. When a trip to the theater costs that much, I sure as hell don’t go every other weekend, and I definitely don’t want to see something batting 57% on Rotten Tomatoes.
So it ends up being a vicious cycle where studios only greenlight established IP or “surefire” bets and viewers only see the big hits. I don’t know anyone anymore who just casually goes to the theater because it’s so expensive, so in turn, casual movies have died. The only thing I can think of that’s weathered this are genres with dedicated fan bases, like horror.
Walking out of an unsatisfying, crap movie after dropping $50 hurts, and staying at home is the easiest way to avoid it.