Will The People Who Say They Love Cinema the Most Come Back to the Movies?

As a seasoned movie critic with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that this summer has left me feeling a bit like a seesaw – up one moment, down the next. The successes we’ve witnessed are certainly reasons to cheer, but the lingering shadow of 2023’s box-office shortfall casts a pensive mood over the industry.

As the summer film season winds down, there’s much speculation about the future of cinema. Industry insiders are busy analyzing the data to predict what lies ahead. Are we optimistic or anxious about the future of movies? Perhaps a mix of both.

As a lifelong movie enthusiast who grew up watching classics like “Star Wars” and “E.T.”, I must say that the summer blockbuster lineup of 2021 has been nothing short of thrilling! From the action-packed “Deadpool & Wolverine” to the heartwarming “A Quiet Place: Day One”, these movies have brought a sense of nostalgia and excitement that I haven’t felt in years. It’s a testament to the enduring power of cinema, and it reminds me why I fell in love with films in the first place. So, let’s keep those tickets selling and the popcorn popping!

However… despite the total box-office earnings not reaching those of 2023, it’s a cause for caution. Nonetheless, the effects of the strike were evident this summer as there was an insufficient supply to meet demand. This is actually positive news. It indicates that the desire for cinema experiences remains strong, and the situation can be improved in 2025.

Glancing from afar, it’s clear that a significant slice remains absent when considering the whole pie graph representing cinema attendance.

During the 90’s, when blockbuster films were dominating and independent cinema was also making a significant impact, I had my clear favorite groups to support each week. While I might have occasionally viewed mainstream moviegoers as ‘the villains’, those who attended adventurous indie or foreign films were ‘the heroes’. The former group fueled our desire for escape, while the latter helped maintain cinema as a form of art. This perspective may seem elitist or unjust, but it was my personal viewpoint at the time.

It’s surprising to find that roles have been reversed. To me, the movies like “Inside Out 2” and “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” which were successful this summer, appear to be the protagonists now. They‘re the ones keeping cinema, or a form of it, thriving. However, what about the heroes from the ’90s – the courageous moviegoers whose passion fueled the growth of independent films? Have they disappeared? No, they haven’t vanished, but in a twist, they’ve become the antagonists. This is because they’re the ones choosing to stay at home instead.

It’s commonly believed that factors such as streaming services, the lingering impact of the pandemic, larger home televisions, and lengthy theater previews are shaping our culture significantly. However, it’s important to remember that this perceived truth might be more flexible than we think. Contrary to popular belief, a substantial number of individuals, many with large TV sets at home, continue to visit movie theaters. The intriguing question here is: Why aren’t more cinephiles among those who frequent cinemas?

As autumn’s movie season nears (with festivals, awards, and high-quality movies on the horizon!), we’re getting ready to watch some of the year’s top films. However, these movies are increasingly struggling at the box office. Last year, for instance, “Killers of the Flower Moon” and earlier in the year “Air,” managed to draw audiences, but many anticipated blockbusters like “Poor Things,” “Priscilla,” “Anatomy of a Fall,” or even “Tár” from the previous year, have ended up as niche films with a buzz.

As a film enthusiast, I firmly believe we’re in need of a fresh perspective on what commercial filmmaking truly represents. Sure, it encompasses action, drama, horror, and comedy – think of the thrill of a Twister or the charm of a Marvel superhero. But let’s not forget about the power of drama, a genre that can make even two people in a room feel as grand as the big screen itself. Look at the success “It Ends with Us” has achieved – it’s a testament to the potential that drama holds when given the spotlight.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the shifting landscape of our beloved industry. Studios are grappling with escalating production costs and the decline of Peak TV, which once revitalized cinema. However, this summer has undeniably confirmed that films remain a sought-after treasure. The crucial question on everyone’s mind – not just for today, but for the next two decades – is: What will a movie look like in the future? It’s high time for us, the ardent movie fans, to demonstrate our affection by revisiting the big screen once more.

2024-08-18 01:16

Will The People Who Say They Love Cinema the Most Come Back to the Movies?

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