Why Do Today's Films Often Fall Short of Their Older Counterparts?

It is a common misconception that today's films are uniformly worse than their counterparts from earlier decades. However, a more nuanced understanding reveals a complex interplay between the evolution of film technology, changes in audience expectations, and the quality of screenwriting. This article aims to explore these factors and provide insights into why some modern films may seem less impressive than their older counterparts.

The Evolution of Technology and Expectations

One of the most significant factors in the perceived decline in film quality is the exponential advancement in technology over the past few decades. Modern films boast larger budgets, enhanced special effects, and state-of-the-art sound design. For instance, the Ghostbusters reboot, which first graced the theaters a few years ago, is often criticized for relying heavily on visual effects at the expense of plot and character development. In comparison, the original Ghostbusters, released in 1984, was praised for its memorable dialogues and relatable characters despite its limitations in technology.

How Our Minds and Society Conspire Against Comparisons

Another reason for the persistent comparison of contemporary films to more iconic ones from bygone eras is the way our minds and society work. Humans tend to remember and, by extension, idealize the best and most memorable films of a golden age, while more recent films are often deemed subpar in comparison. A prime example of this is the movie Best Defense, a comedy starring Bill Murray, which some might argue is comparable to modern comedies. However, Best Defense, released in 1987, is often overshadowed by more recent films like Ghostbusters, which came out in 1984, just four years earlier.

Coding Context vs. Sequel Expectations

The success of films can also be influenced by their marketing and release context. For instance, the remake of Ghostbusters was marketed as a reboot, promising a return to the glory of the original but often falling short due to modern expectations. On the other hand, movies like Best Defense have faded into obscurity, which paradoxically means they are not as readily compared to current films, thus potentially preserving their legacy.

Scriptwriting and Dialogue

A fundamental aspect of evaluating a film’s quality is the strength of its scriptwriting and dialogue. While modern films may have more advanced visual effects, it is the narrative and character development that often suffer. For example, the original Ghostbusters was celebrated for its witty dialogues and memorable one-liners, whereas the reboot, despite its impressive effects, received criticism for its reliance on clichés and repetitive jokes. Moreover, character development in modern films is sometimes seen as lacking, with characters often being one-dimensional and not as thoroughly developed as in classics.

Comparative Analysis: Mean Streets and Killers of the Flower Moon

To delve deeper into these issues, let’s compare Mean Streets, released in 1973, with Killers of the Flower Moon, a more contemporary film. Mean Streets is often celebrated for its revolutionary approach to film narrative and the way it balances gritty realism with artistic expression. Conversely, Killers of the Flower Moon, although visually stunning, may be seen as less impactful due to its slightly slower pace and more conventional storytelling. Despite these differences, both films have their unique strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion

While it is undeniable that the quality of films has improved in many ways due to advancements in technology and storytelling techniques, it is also true that some aspects have declined. Modern films often struggle with strong scriptwriting and character development, leading to a perception of a decline in quality. It is crucial to recognize that the comparative nature of film appreciation is strongly influenced by social and technological contexts. As audiences, we should strive to appreciate each movie on its own merits rather than relegating modern films to a lower status simply because they lack certain elements present in classics.