Chances are that if you’re reading this website then you have at least some
level of appreciation for the Golden Era of Hollywood, a time when films and
actors stood for something important, something big, something special. Now I’m
not saying that Hollywood is totally devoid of these traits or that films aren’t
worth watching anymore. However, there is some sentiment going around that
Hollywood and films in general are no longer what they used to be, and it’s hard
to argue with that statement. Here is a small list of things that Hollywood can
do to recapture what it has lost and gain back its credibility:
1. Stop With All The Remakes:
This may sound obvious but it’s actually
troubling. Have we really run out of ideas that we’ve resorted to making and
watching the same films over and over? I have no problem with remaking bad films
and trying to make them better. The big problem is that films that are already
good are being remade into poor spin-offs and embarrassing interpretations.
What’s next, remaking Casablanca, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Gone With the Wind,
Citizen Kane, Vertigo? Seriously, it has to stop. We don’t need another version
of a perfectly good film or a colorized update of an old classic. Hollywood
instead needs to focus on new projects that take us forward instead of
constantly trying to remake the past over and over again.
2. No More Double Dipping:
Have you ever bought a DVD only to find that a few
months or years later it’s released again, this time with more features, a
clearer picture, better packaging, and more options? If so, you’re certainly not
alone. This DVD double-dipping has been going on for years and we’ve had enough.
No more Special Collector’s Editions, Unrated Director’s Cuts, Extended 4-Disc
Sets, and so on. This shameless marketing move is doing nothing but filling
shelf space at the local store with the same film. There have been some
outstanding sets in this area but they are few and far between. Here’s an
example: the film Fever Pitch was released on DVD. Not too long after that the
Red Sox won the World Series and a new package, entitled the “Curse Reversed”
Edition was released. Unimaginative and downright silly? You bet. There are many
great movies waiting to be released on DVD. Why not get those out instead of
giving us what we already have? And better yet, why not give us all of the
benefits the FIRST time around instead of trying to get us to buy it again? No
more re-releases; PLEASE.
3. Go Back To The Basics Of Filmmaking:
This may sound strange but it’s actually
quite simple. In other words: stop taking shortcuts and give us the real deal.
No more using computers or sloppy effects when real actors and props can get the
job done. I know money is always an issue but spend a little more and give us
the real thing. Special effects and technology have their time and place but
they should never be used in laziness or to cut corners that can easily be
completed.
4. No More Crappy Horror Movies:
I’m not exactly sure why the resurgence in
“horror” films is so strong lately but enough is enough. Every week another one
seems to be coming out, whether it be a remake or a new film altogether. Most of
these films are cheesy, predictable and just downright bad. All I can guess it
that teenagers must go see these films because, honestly, I can’t tell that the
majority of the public knows or cares.
5. Take More Risks:
This is the major area where independent films are currently
winning. Simply put, the major Hollywood studios just won’t take risks or listen
to new ideas anymore. I understand that Hollywood has to make films that appeal
to a wide audience; that part is clear. However, the fact is that they’re not
taking ANY risks at all, and when they do those films are often overlooked or do
poorly. Maybe audiences are more to blame for this than the studios. Perhaps
we’re the ones who demand predictable and safe films and continually put our
money down for films that have little or no substance. Whatever the case is, it
would be nice to see more diverse films. I’m not saying every film has to be
this way but at least every once in a while something different and challenging
wouldn’t hurt either.
I don’t mean to sound harsh here; after all, I love films and I do think there
are some great films coming out these days. Hollywood has given us some
fantastic and timeless movies over the years and we’ll no doubt see plenty more.
However, Hollywood is not perfect and sometimes they just need to be reminded to
aim higher.
Austin Phillips (Zoo Station)
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