Is Quentin Tarantino Right About Today’s Movie Industry? Too Mainstream or Adapting to Changes?

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  • The Times, They Are A-Changing, Including Theaters
  • Tarantino’s Comments From the Ivory Tower

My relationship with Quentin Tarantino and his movies has been a rollercoaster of love and dislike. As a teenager, masterpieces like Pulp Fiction left me spellbound, while the arrival of Jackie Brown coincided perfectly with my burgeoning fascination for exploitation films. However, the frenzy surrounding Kill Bill started to make me question his work. At that time, I was heavily immersed in Japanese cinema and eagerly awaited authentic homages on screen. Titles like Lady Snowblood, Zatoichi, and Goke: Body Snatcher From Hell were among my all-time favorites, which Kill Bill seemed to reference extensively. Regrettably, conversations about these films in relation to Kill Bill remained limited mostly among aficionados.

Although some remarks by Quentin Tarantino might appear unrelated, his latest statements about the movie industry seem to advocate strongly for corporate and mainstream perspectives, which contrast sharply with his background as a filmmaker and the movies he has admired.

It seems to me, what exactly constitutes a movie these days? Is it something that plays briefly in theaters for merely four weeks before it’s shown on television? Frankly, I didn’t get into all of this for such limited exposure. It was already disappointing back in ’97 and 2019, and those were the last years of real movies, in my opinion. The fact that things have deteriorated even more since then is a major concern. And to make matters worse, it’s just a showy exercise nowadays. The theatrical release, followed by streaming on multiple platforms within two weeks… That’s how it goes these days.

The Times, They Are A-Changing, Including Theaters

It’s been suggested that movie theater attendance has generally decreased after lockdowns. However, in 2023, when restrictions were lifted, only 852 million movie tickets were sold – a drop of 46% compared to the previous year. This decrease occurred even with ‘Barbenheimer’ breaking records. On the other hand, streaming platforms like Netflix and Tubi have faced challenges but have continued to thrive, experiencing consistent growth. Therefore, one could argue that we are in an era dominated by streaming, and movie theaters may be losing their importance. From a narrow perspective focusing on big-budget Hollywood productions, director Tarantino’s assessment seems accurate.

A different perspective might be that these shifts have facilitated global acclaim for films, such as the case of “Lady Snowblood,” a film that was difficult to find in 2003 due to the limited online culture and lack of streaming services. Now, this masterpiece directed by Toshiya Fujita, featuring the legendary Meiko Kaji, can be easily streamed on platforms like Max or The Criterion Channel, making it more accessible than ever before.

Furthermore, discussing the challenges faced by independent theaters and Hollywood films in redefining the concept of a ‘movie’ seems rather detached from reality. In most major urban areas, there are indie cinemas or art spaces specifically designed to screen new releases and retrospectives. The digital era has opened up opportunities for wider dissemination and promotion of these events, as opposed to blindly accepting Hollywood’s definition of a movie to celebrate. These venues often cater to enthusiasts who curate content, offering a diverse range of experiences – from a low-budget horror flick one week to a deep dive into the Japanese New Wave the next – making for an extraordinary month at the movies!

Tarantino’s Comments From the Ivory Tower

The meme depicting Tarantino leisurely surveying an extravagant setting in deep thought seems surprisingly relevant in his current remarks. His love for cinema originated from the now-defunct VHS trading market and cinemas catering to specialized content during the past days. Indeed, we’re returning to that era with the rise of streaming platforms, offering a broader spectrum of accessible content outside the mainstream limelight and fostering renewed admiration for theaters, even if they are smaller, more cozy venues devoid of children typing on their devices or chattering.

Tarinto’s perspective on money as motivation in the arts, perhaps referring to ‘diminishing returns,’ is not inherently wrong. Pioneers like Roger Corman and William Castle were more showmen than artists initially, utilizing captivating content and advertising to generate profits from films. I appreciate their work and don’t believe that cinema should strictly adhere to the principle of art over financial gain. However, Tarantino’s remarks might provoke thoughts among the young and aspiring film enthusiasts working in movie stores who are diligently searching for rare VHS tapes today.

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2025-01-29 05:02