EAST AND WEST

Cinema, once hailed as a profound art form that transcended boundaries and connected people through storytelling, is now under scrutiny. While it has undeniably produced masterpieces that have left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape, the flaws and criticisms of cinema as an art form are becoming increasingly evident.

Today cinema is conceived to cater to commercial interests. The film industry, being primarily profit-driven, often compromises artistic choices to appeal to the widest possible audience. Studios prioritize market research and focus groups over creative vision, resulting in a homogenized approach that stifles creativity and originality. The pursuit of box office success leads to the creation of formulaic storylines, one-dimensional characters, and predictable narratives. This approach not only dilutes the artistic integrity of cinema but also inhibits its potential to provoke intellectual and emotional exploration.

Furthermore, the prevalence of big-budget blockbusters and franchises perpetuates a culture of risk aversion within the industry. Studios are more likely to invest in established brands with built-in audiences, rather than taking chances on original and daring projects. This commercialization of cinema diminishes the diversity and range of stories being told, leading to a saturation of repetitive and unremarkable content that caters to market trends rather than artistic vision.

The Superficiality of Visual Spectacle

In the pursuit of captivating audiences, contemporary cinema has increasingly relied on visual spectacle, often overshadowing the significance of meaningful storytelling. While advancements in technology have enabled breathtaking visuals and special effects, they have sometimes become an end in themselves, rather than a means to enhance the narrative. The emphasis on visual spectacle can lead to an overreliance on grandiose set pieces, explosions, and CGI wizardry, creating a disconnect between the viewer and the emotional core of the film.

This preoccupation with aesthetics often results in shallow narratives lacking depth and emotional resonance. The prioritization of dazzling visuals over nuanced storytelling undermines the power of cinema to evoke genuine emotions, explore complex human experiences, and challenge societal norms. When visual spectacle becomes the driving force behind a film, the artistry of storytelling is diminished, reducing cinema to a purely superficial experience that caters to short-lived entertainment rather than enduring impact.

The Standardization of Narrative Structures

Another criticism of cinema as an art form stems from the industry’s reliance on tried-and-tested narrative structures. Many films adhere to predictable three-act structures, following familiar plot arcs that leave little room for surprise or genuine exploration. While these structures can provide a solid foundation for storytelling, their overuse and formulaic implementation contribute to a sense of predictability and monotony.

This standardization limits the potential for experimentation and stifles the evolution of storytelling. As a consequence, cinema often falls into a cycle of repetition, with countless movies feeling like variations of the same tired themes. This lack of risk-taking and innovation hampers the growth of cinema as an art form and fails to push the boundaries of what storytelling can achieve. By adhering to rigid narrative structures, filmmakers risk sacrificing originality and depth, depriving audiences of the opportunity to engage with fresh and thought-provoking content.

The Neglect of Thought-Provoking Content

One of the fundamental roles of art, including cinema, is to challenge societal norms, provoke thought, and stimulate meaningful dialogue. However, modern cinema often shies away from tackling difficult subjects or addressing social and political issues head-on. The fear of controversy or alienating audiences leads to a watered-down approach that caters to mainstream tastes.

While there are notable exceptions, such as independent films and arthouse cinema, the mainstream industry tends to prioritize escapism and entertainment over intellectual stimulation and social critique. By avoiding challenging content, cinema fails to fulfill its potential as a catalyst for critical thinking and cultural discourse. It perpetuates the status quo, reducing the medium to a mere source of passive entertainment rather than a platform for profound exploration and reflection.