Bursting through the doors of a recognizable film franchise or navigating the tightrope of cinema, it is obvious that current movie trends are shaped by an intricate network of influences, honed by cinematic history and culture. At first glance, many blockbuster hits might not appear innately connected. Yet, a deeper dive into the narrative structure, presentation, and cultural forces behind these films uncovers unexpected connections.
Transforming the superhero genre, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has set a new standard in narrative interweaving with the ‘Infinity Saga’. However, a shared universe narrative is not exclusive to Marvel. The concept of cinematic universes takes inspiration from the 'Universal Monsters' era, with films like 'Frankenstein Meets the Wolf-Man'.
Similarly, in a separate corner of the film industry, indie cinema's appeal lies primarily in authentic storytelling that deviates from mainstream narratives. While this orientation might seem polar opposite to big-budget franchises like MCU, there is a thread connecting them. For instance, directors like Ryan Coogler and Chloe Zhao moved from lauded indie projects ('Fruitvale Station', 'Nomadland') to helming MCU films ('Black Panther', 'The Eternals').
Moreover, it's essential to consider movie trends in the context of sociopolitical environments. A film such as Bong Joon Ho’s ‘Parasite’, broke barriers with its commentary on class divide. Its success is indicative of audiences acknowledging pressing socio-political issues via movies. This is reminiscent of socially conscious cinema of the 60s-70s (e.g. films by Sidney Lumet), highlighting cyclical nature of cinema trends.
Lastly, let's turn our gaze towards streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Traditional 'cinema purists' argue about the threat these platforms pose to the traditional theatrical release format. Yet, they overlook the immense opportunity these platforms provide to independent filmmakers. Critical darlings like 'The Irishman', 'Roma', mirrored the quality of traditional big-screen releases, besides making auteur cinema more accessible.
In conclusion, while it might appear as though we are in an era of cinema that is constantly on the path of innovation, we continue to draw from the past. And as times remain uncertain for movie theaters, our next chapter in cinema history might very well be written from the comfort of our homes.
Exploring the Unseen Connection between Box Office Hits: An In-depth Analysis
