So, why are some filmmakers obsessed with man’s dark side anyway? More importantly, why is Hollywood rewarding them with award nominations and golden statuettes? For sure, audiences have not exactly flocked to see most of this year’s nominees for Best Picture except for one, which happens to be about teen pregnancy. Why are the choices of members of the Academy not in line with people’s tastes? Because of their depressing subject matter, most of this year’s nominees have been snubbed where it matters most, the box office.
Take a film like "Atonement", for example. In spite of the many nominations and awards it has garnered, it has done average to moderate box office business, and only because of the hype surrounding it. The reasons are simple: the film is quite honestly a pointless exercise in cinematic rambling. It’s long, emotionally cold, and the characters do not exactly inspire sympathy.
"There Will Be Blood" is a story about greed in the oil business at the turn of the 19th century and, like "Atonement," "Blood" is another pointless tale about an oil mogul with an ego the size of the Statue of Liberty who goes around throwing temper tantrums and browbeating people.
On the other hand, Iraq war movies, for example, have done very poorly at the box office, and the reasons are understandable. People have seen enough bloody news on their small screens, that paying to watch Iraq war movies on the big screen would have been simply overbearing.
So, what are the genres that seem to be jiving well with audiences? For sure, family-friendly films, anything with animation for children, comedies and, sometimes, disaster blockbusters. All these genres seem to have resonated well with filmgoers. However, one genre that seems to have been neglected completely is the faith-based genre. There seems to be a total snub of any stories that deal seriously with religion in a positive way. Although religion is a touchy subject because of the fear of offending audiences’ beliefs, making films about universal morals would certainly fall within the safety zone.
It is common knowledge that "The Passion of The Christ" broke all box office records. It was a big smash hit in every single market, including in Muslim countries. The question is, why aren’t there more movies about religion? During Hollywood’s golden age, epic religious flicks used to be a staple. "The Ten Commandments," "Ben Hur," "The Robe," "Quo Vadis" and many others were all huge hits when they were released. Why isn’t Hollywood making more of these movies instead of the current depressing and downbeat yawns that pass for art?
There is ample proof that Americans are more religious now than they have ever been. With war, natural disasters and economic uncertainty becoming more frequent, more people are seeking solace in their faith. Shouldn’t film studios make movies that reflect this reality? Shouldn’t filmmakers make films that inspire and uplift the human spirit for a change?
Much like the example of the Iraq war movies, audiences should shun depressing films that portray the worst in mankind. As long as the power of the box office remains in the hands of the audience, Hollywood should take heed and listen to what movies-goers really want to see. People want to be inspired when they go to the movies. They want to see family-friendly, uplifting stories that encourage them to become better human beings. Stories that trumpet man’s dark side and portray society as an evil lot full of greedy, murderous and conniving human beings are better left to the evening news. Nobody does the doom and gloom news better than the news business. People should not be expected to shell out $10 for a movie ticket and then watch disheartening and depressing images that will make them feel a lot worse when they walk out than when they walked in.
