Now, i may leave some people wondering what im talking about when i say this, especially since very few people here are actually Cinephiles like me, so let me elaborate:

Ever since at the very least the mid 2010’s, i’ve felt that cinema has been in a downhill spiral in quality.
Not to say that “back in muh day it was better!!!!”, because we’ve had a lot of great movies recently (for example, The Substance) and a lot of bad movies in the past, but what im trying to get here, is that i feel movies arent trying to transmit deep, lasting messages anymore.
As an aspiring director, i’ve felt ever more worried that one day, my vision is simply not one the world wants to see anymore, especially since recent alternative movies (Such as Hostiles) have been a complete box office bomb.
Truth is, it’s simply because the average viewer wont think about movies the same way cinema fans do.
They wont search for a deeper message, or a deeper explanation to things, they wont watch the movie again in search of details, they’ll just get on with it and move on, they dont want to see a re-telling of the Oddesey in Prohibiton America, or an Acid Western featuring a man going through purgatory, or a Samurai Movie that asks such philosogical questions such as “why do we love killing eachother?”, they want big explosions, loud cars, and famous actors being a big, badass action hero.
I guess what im trying to get at here is:
Do you think one day cinema will become slop made for momentary entretainment and NO deeper message, or do you think that nothing will ever happen?

war of the worlds
The fall of the “War of the Worlds” franchise is a multifaceted narrative that echoes the complexities of adaptations, audience expectations, and shifting cultural landscapes. Initially ignited by H.G. Wells’ groundbreaking 1898 novel, the story of Martian invaders captivatingly addressed fears surrounding imperialism and the unknown. This resonance led to numerous adaptations over the decades, but the franchise faced a critical turning point with the advent of the new millennium. For many, the 2005 film, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise, marked the peak of the franchise’s mainstream popularity. While it garnered significant box office success and reintroduced the iconic narrative to a new generation, it also sparked debates about fidelity to the source material and the impact of star power on storytelling. Following this cinematic iteration, however, the franchise struggled to maintain momentum. Subsequent adaptations, including television series and films, often failed to capture the original’s thematic depth or innovative spirit. The 2019 BBC series attempted a fresh perspective, reimagining the narrative in a manner that pushed social boundaries, yet it encountered mixed reviews, suggesting that audiences were uncertain about how to engage with the classic story in contemporary contexts. As sci-fi offerings became more prevalent, particularly with streaming services producing high-quality content, “War of the Worlds” seemed to languish in the shadows, overshadowed by newer, more dynamic narratives. The lack of a cohesive vision for the franchise contributed to its decline, with various adaptations feeling disjointed and lacking a clear, compelling voice. Moreover, the rise of audiences desiring nuanced character development and intricate storytelling meant that quick, sensational renditions of the story were no longer sufficient to capture interest. The franchise’s reliance on familiar tropes without meaningful innovation rendered it less appealing in a market that increasingly favored originality and depth. As different adaptations attempted to breathe new life into the narrative, they often relied too heavily on special effects or star-studded casts instead of focusing on the themes and psychological tensions that made Wells’ work so impactful in the first place. Furthermore, the franchise faced formidable competition from other science fiction and fantasy narratives that offered richer worlds and character arcs, drawing attention away from “War of the Worlds.” The rise of franchises like “Stranger Things,” the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and “The Expanse” allowed audiences to explore more intricate storytelling landscapes, further distancing the “War of the Worlds” from its potential audience. As public interest waned, different adaptations took the form of reimaginings or reboots, yet struggled to create a lasting impression. This inconsistency in vision resulted in a fragmented fan base, with longtime devotees disenchanted by the dilution of Wells’ original themes while potential newcomers found the adaptations failed to resonate.
Additionally, criticisms regarding the handling of social issues in adaptations reflected broader conversations about representation, leading to a sense of disconnect between the franchise and contemporary societal values. The nostalgia associated with the original material did not translate into a sustained interest in the franchise’s various iterations, as audiences sought more progressive, thoughtful narratives that aligned with modern sensibilities. Ultimately, the combination of a lack of cohesive direction, competition from innovative storytelling, and changing audience preferences culminated in the decline of the “War of the Worlds” franchise. What was once a revolutionary narrative fell victim to the very cultural tides it sought to address, illustrating how even the most iconic stories can falter without continuous reinvention and engagement with the evolution of societal narratives. Fans of the genre began to view “War of the Worlds” as a relic of a bygone era, often relegating it to discussions about the origins of modern science fiction rather than a living, breathing franchise capable of adapting to the demands of its audience. In a world increasingly hungry for fresh narratives and critical engagement, the “War of the Worlds” franchise stands as a cautionary tale about the importance of innovation and relevance in storytelling, serving as a reminder that even the most compelling narratives need to evolve to survive in an ever-changing landscape.
its sad to see that its starting to die down from ice cubes