The Electric State: A $300 Million Flop That Exposes Hollywood’s Creativity Crisis

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In the realm of blockbuster films, we’ve surpassed a significant milestone, almost like crossing an event horizon. This journey started around 40 years back with the emergence of movies such as ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Amblin’. These high-concept films combined adventure with popular genres, often following some elements of Joseph Cambell’s story structure, and created a unique pattern that resonated deeply with audiences. This new approach to storytelling revolutionized pop culture and redefined the earning potential of Hollywood in unprecedented ways.

In the time that has passed, filmmakers who followed in the footsteps of their predecessors (who themselves were building upon the work of others…) have become faint whispers of original concepts. Lucas, Spielberg, and Zemeckis played within the realm of sci-fi popular during their youth, infusing it with genuine depth. They explored themes such as faith, technology, religion, family… just a hint to provoke emotion or thought. The Russo brothers, Joss Whedons, and JJ Abrams have followed suit, but instead of delivering meaningful content, they often produce hollow productions like “The Electric State“.

‘The Electric State’ Is a Failed Adaptation

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In a fresh and unique take, “The Electric State” by Netflix, an expensive small-screen adaptation of a Simon Stålenhag graphic novel, brought to life by the Russo Brothers, offers something not seen before. Unlike Back to the Future Musical Part 4 or Star Wars Episode 12 or Jurassic World: Galaxy, it introduces new stories, new worlds, and new characters. Isn’t that correct? Isn’t that what we are experiencing here?

Wrong.

As a cinephile, I can’t help but notice that Chris Pratt’s smuggler character seems like an odd echo of Han Solo, who himself was a bit of a throwback to the weary, disillusioned men popularized by Humphrey Bogart and the daring swashbucklers like Errol Flynn. These characters originated from earlier decades of cinema, mirroring the men who returned from war, scarred by their experiences, and were forced to reevaluate their moral compasses in a changing world.

Fast forward to 2025, and the disillusioned smuggler just feels so worn out and detached. He’s like a stand-in, a facsimile of that archetype. George Lucas was innovative to introduce this ‘type’ into the high-concept sci-fi pop culture landscape back then. But with nearly 50 years having passed, it might be time for a fresh start.

As a film critic, I found myself disconnected from the original essence of the protagonist, as if I were merely observing impersonations devoid of authenticity. The script seems to force-feed us scenes of personal turmoil or character development, but these moments lack substance and are not grounded in any meaningful reality.

‘The Electric State’ Is a Copy of a Copy of a Copy

Anthony and Joe Russo achieved tremendous success in transforming the Marvel series during its initial stages. Earlier in their careers, they showcased a unique, Gen-X style of humor devoid of laughter on shows like “Community”. Notably, writer Dan Harmon’s method gained popularity for simplifying the Joseph Campbell structure to such an extent that every episode of a sitcom could adhere to it. However, formulas can become repetitive quickly.

When everyone adopts a generic structure like Save the Cat combined with Dan Harmon’s version of Joseph Campbell, we reach a monotonous phase where nothing holds significance, and no one communicates genuinely. Even humor becomes mere references to other works, franchises, shows, or movies. Multiple generations are so steeped in their pop culture fascination that we’re trapped in an unending cycle of influence. To quickly demonstrate my grasp of a fundamental plotline, I can compare it to a creative horror spectacle for a studio. Spending over $300 million just to peer further into this void is exactly what The Electric State represents.

Interestingly enough, “The Electric State” explores themes of people retreating into an unreal world filled with automatons and robots, yet it also mirrors our modern preoccupation with technology, AI, and social media. A tenuous connection could be made between the film’s questionable concepts and our present infatuation with smartphones.

Moreover, a striking allegory lies within the novel’s depiction of a desolate wasteland populated by zombie-like humans fixated on a shattered world, which mirrors the creatively barren landscape often found in mainstream cinema productions.

Instead of merely seeking elsewhere, consider transforming John Ford’s iconic Monument Valley Western landscape into a realm distorted by grotesquely malfunctioning technology. Previously, the Western genre served as a cunning Trojan horse, enticing viewers with seemingly straightforward narratives while subtly delivering complex themes that challenged perceptions and pushed boundaries. _The Searchers_, on the surface, was a Western film, but it delved into the seething racial tensions and dynamics that shaped the very essence of the American narrative. It did not offer a definitive solution to these issues; instead, it sparked generations to ponder deeper and create art with similar thought-provoking qualities. Many film school directors have followed suit, drawing inspiration from it and referencing it in their works. Martin Scorsese himself confessed to repeatedly watching it.

In Monument Valley, there was an awe-inspiring sight, yet the question lingers: What stories unfolded amidst those grand vistas? Fast forward to “The Electric State”, the scene repeats but this time it’s a post-modern wasteland of shattered debris. “The Electric State” is no ordinary production; it’s one of the costliest feature films ever made, and its quality shows even on smaller streaming platforms. The roster boasts big stars, both familiar faces and voices. Every minor role seems to be played by someone who’s widely recognized or admired in the industry. The visuals are nothing short of breathtaking, with colossal VFX to match the mind-boggling landscape. It feels almost disrespectful that such a large sum of money was invested in this movie without releasing it in cinemas.

The film The Electric State doesn’t excel, and there’s no sugarcoating that fact. However, people are likely to watch it due to its extensive marketing, star-studded cast, visually stunning effects, and the possibility of finding enjoyment. It serves as a brief escape from reality, making it typical “mindless entertainment.” Yet, this is a sign of a larger problem plaguing the industry. Although The Electric State may appear unique due to its lack of association with established franchises or characters, viewers won’t take long to recognize that it heavily relies on familiar, overused character types.

Are We to Blame for the Current State of Movies?

In essence, the public plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape of mainstream movies. We choose what we watch and attend, so our preferences significantly influence the kind of films that are made. For instance, thought-provoking movies such as “Warfare” and “The Nickel Boys,” which challenge us to view the world differently and demonstrate artistic excellence, may not be as entertaining as a big-budget spectacle with familiar themes. However, award ceremonies like the Oscars function as a means to bring attention to these lesser-known yet impactful films that might have slipped under the radar of mainstream audiences.

Can we, as viewers, be a bit more discerning when it comes to choosing our entertainment? By making more thoughtful decisions about what we watch, we can inadvertently influence filmmakers to create better movies. So, are we ready to step up and demand higher quality content if we truly want the best for ourselves and the future of the medium?

In reality, it’s not just the filmmakers who hold the power to deliver great movies; it’s us, too. Blaming them is an easy cop-out. Instead, let’s take responsibility for what gets made by supporting projects that resonate with us and sending a clear message about our preferences. If you’re interested, “The Electric State” is currently streaming on Netflix.

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2025-03-19 06:02