What does it say about us as a society when twice as many Americans want to spend their holiday weekend lifelessly soaking up Blades of Glory, or Are We Done Yet (Ice Cube? Family comedy?) instead of taking a chance on a creative venture like Grindhouse?
If you are one of those who bemoans the continued staleness of the television and movie industries, this past week’s box office shed a good deal of light on what captivates audiences. Unfortunately, it becomes harder to blame the suits when they’re not the ones who pay to see these movies and enable the perpetuation of the lazy, unoriginal entertainment trend.
Gone are the days when the masses craved substance. No longer are audiences or producers interested in furthering the art form. It could be a business decision, or it could be the dysgenic effect of marketing and pop culture. Whatever it is, it ensures that attempts at new and different ideas are quashed. Meanwhile, an auteur like Tarantino has to cope with disappointment, while the producers of Blades of Glory, and “American Idol” get to dive like dolphins into money bins filled with golden treasures.
Is this why the terrorists hate us?
