More intelligent Films on the horizon?

[Beta Man]

I got this idea listening to Ron Howard on the Stern show..... he was discussing Frost-Nixon obviously.... but anyways, he had mentioned the public demanding more intelligent films, and given the recent success of Slumdog Millionaire, Frost-Nixon, Milk, The Wrestler, and Doubt..... It certainly appears to be a trend. Although not really my cup of tea, The Dark Knight (and batman begins for that matter) provided much more plot development than other "Comic Book" movies....

Ron Howard mentioned that many people took on the project with little compensation in order to get it green-lighted, because the studio didn't want to give the concept the chance, and although the movie hasn't really made it into the black yet, it's on its way.

Do you think there will be a trend to bring more "art-house" pieces to the silver screen given the success of the recent batch of oscar worthy films?


(sorry Bruce, beat you to this one )

[Sussudio]

imagine my surprise when i saw this thread's OP wasn't bruce

i definitely think there has been a rise of up and coming art house/indie movies making it to the spot light as a result of oscar noms in recent years. these types of movies prove that a big budget isn't everything; the story is what truly impacts an audience long after they're left their seats, not one whiz bang mega explosion after another. and the story is what most art house films emphasize above all else. i think the fact that the golden globes don't even choose to give best picture recognition to action movies is evidence that incredible special effects are no match for a powerful, compelling, and thought provoking plot :COUGH: Stealth :/COUGH:

[uziel5000]

I think The Dark Knight (and to a lesser extent Batman Begins) set a new standard in what people are going to expect in an action film or, at least a summer blockbuster. While not the first comic book film to develop an interesting story past the normal "blockbuster" trappings (that credit goes to X-Men IMO) TDK had the right combination of elements. Of course being the second highest grossing film of all time put it in a position where the rest of Hollywood will be almost forced to follow suit.

Where Die Hard, a great, yet less successful film than TDK established a trend of filmaking (Die Hard on a boat, in the jungle, on a stick etc...) for years, TDK, I hope could be the beggining of more intelligent action films in the future. A smart summer blockbuster?? TDK did it. It could happen again.

[mikejet]

My only problem is that these films can be made but no effort what-so-ever is made by the studios to provide wide distribution for them.

[Moefiz]

Originally Posted by mikejet

My only problem is that these films can be made but no effort what-so-ever is made by the studios to provide wide distribution for them.

Totally agree with you on this Mike..trying finding a movies like The Wrestler or Slumdog or Doubt at you local theater is next to impossible..

[Chordata]

Originally Posted by Moefiz

Totally agree with you on this Mike..trying finding a movies like The Wrestler or Slumdog or Doubt at you local theater is next to impossible..

Two of them are playing at the first local theater I looked at, and two of them were in the top 10 grossing movies last week. They're not that hard to find, it appears. Where do you live?

EDIT: I see you're in PA.

[Chordata]

I don't think there are "more intelligent" films being made, I just think the "more intelligent" films are getting better directors and better actors, and therefore greater visibility.

(The Ron Howard interview was great)

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by uziel5000

I think The Dark Knight (and to a lesser extent Batman Begins) set a new standard in what people are going to expect in an action film or, at least a summer blockbuster. While not the first comic book film to develop an interesting story past the normal "blockbuster" trappings (that credit goes to X-Men IMO) TDK had the right combination of elements. Of course being the second highest grossing film of all time put it in a position where the rest of Hollywood will be almost forced to follow suit.

Where Die Hard, a great, yet less successful film than TDK established a trend of filmaking (Die Hard on a boat, in the jungle, on a stick etc...) for years, TDK, I hope could be the beggining of more intelligent action films in the future. A smart summer blockbuster?? TDK did it. It could happen again.

Excellent observation. And I hope it does pan out in this direction.

[Pelican170]

Originally Posted by uziel5000

I think The Dark Knight (and to a lesser extent Batman Begins) set a new standard in what people are going to expect in an action film or, at least a summer blockbuster. While not the first comic book film to develop an interesting story past the normal "blockbuster" trappings (that credit goes to X-Men IMO) TDK had the right combination of elements. Of course being the second highest grossing film of all time put it in a position where the rest of Hollywood will be almost forced to follow suit.

Where Die Hard, a great, yet less successful film than TDK established a trend of filmaking (Die Hard on a boat, in the jungle, on a stick etc...) for years, TDK, I hope could be the beggining of more intelligent action films in the future. A smart summer blockbuster?? TDK did it. It could happen again.

Im sorry, but i really think that a majority for the fame of TDK came from the death of Ledger and if all that stuff didnt happen, this movie wouldnt be where people think it is today... Granted it was a pretty good movie, but the real problem is that half the movies that come out today are just garbage...

Sorry but i really dont see how or why you think TDK is sooo different from other action movies. i dont feel it gave anything "different" or "special"...

[TenEightyP]

Originally Posted by Pelican170

Im sorry, but i really think that a majority for the fame of TDK came from the death of Ledger and if all that stuff didnt happen, this movie wouldnt be where people think it is today... Granted it was a pretty good movie, but the real problem is that half the movies that come out today are just garbage...

Sorry but i really dont see how or why you think TDK is sooo different from other action movies. i dont feel it gave anything "different" or "special"...

I do tend to agree with your comments. I did enjoy the film, but did not come away thinking that this is a ground breaking film taking things in a new and different direction. It does make me wonder what would have been the reaction to the film if HL had not died.

I feel that there is a strong element of "fanboyism" on BR.com surrounding this film. You can't join a discussion without someone having to include a TDK comment.

And yes, there are a lot of rubbish films being released. I hate the way they milk to death films through numerous mindless sequels. Especially in the horror/gore genres.

[ssmith3046]

There has always been "intelligent" movies made. You just have to look hard for them. I can look back on the last four or more decades that I have been watching movies and think of quite a few.

[J_UNTITLED]

Originally Posted by TenEightyP

Especially in the horror/gore genres.

First off, horror does not equal gore (I assume you didn't mean that, but I just have to affirm that on the off-chance...) and, secondly: there is a "gore genre?"