The đŸš© of running out of ideas

What is the real magic of cinema?


This is the most appropriate question to start this article. So, while you think about your answer, I will give you mine: Cinema takes you out of your comfort zone, it makes you laugh and cry in an instant, it transports you to realities that only it could create, and that is its true value. When we go to see a new series or movies, we expect a lot, and therefore, it is necessary that the industry manages to cause excitement, intrigue and expectation with these ‘new’ productions.


However, do they really achieve this goal? Because over the last few years, the industry has had a tendency to ‘recycle’ previous creations. This continuous apocalypse in cinema is only a sign of the growing need for new perspectives in the field. Films like The Substance, Wild Robot and Deadpool & Wolverine are the lifeline that still keeps afloat the film industry, and even prestigious and traditional brands like Marvel, Disney and/or Dreamworks.


So how many films can we talk about as something totally new? Probably not many. The main reason must be the economy: Perhaps it is easier to adapt something already made, than to produce it from zero. We have seen how films of the stature of these big companies, in their eagerness to maintain their ‘status’, have been defeated by independent cinema, by fresh ideas, by renewed perspectives and by conscious and valuable productions.


In the following, I will present some elements related to works of cinema that have definitely become a đŸš© and need to be re-signified.


- Infinite Sagas: The Case of Fast and Furious


A great case study for this first element: The endless sagas. Without a doubt, this is a very good idea, which at the beginning managed to charm half the world with its bold characters and risky plot. The problem is that, after 5 or 6 films, the saga starts to become tedious and mocking; this is a phenomenon that probably applies not only to this example, but to many others. Despite its appealing story, the infinite number of films ultimately makes even the biggest fans lose interest, if only a little.


What viewers are probably thinking is: ‘How many more are they going to make it? , Why don't they just end the story there? I don't even remember what the first movie was about anymore, where did this character come from? Are they going to bring out another part again?" Certainly, this should be a clue for the producers and directors, to make an urgent change and end this process that turned into a đŸš©


Fast The Saga

- A thousand films telling the same story


We all know the stories of Belle, Snow White, Pinocchio, Cinderella, Aladdin, and many others. Most of these films have been adapted or are in the process of being adapted into live action, and it is undeniable that several have been very successful. One example could be the 2015 version of Cinderella, which despite having different elements, managed to captivate audiences with a modern twist and a cast that was creative and memorable. However, this is not the case for all remakes.


An interesting case to discuss, above all, is that of Beauty and the Beast, Pinocchio and Snow White. The common denominator here is certainly the multiple versions they have; at least three adaptations of each one. Personally, I think that's a pretty big number to just tell over and over again the same story we all know; as if they've run out of ideas, in effect.

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- The growing forced inclusion


Inclusion and diversity is a theme that has become increasingly popular over the years, and of course in film as well. Its value is unconditional and unparalleled for minorities who want to feel included and finally accepted. The problem arises when this behaviour, which should be genuine, becomes an obligation or a means to project a good image and intention to the public.


Let's think for a moment about productions such as Shrek, Lilo and Stitch or The Emperor's Follies; films that integrate characters such as islanders, indigenous or transgender people that today, years after their release, are still remembered and loved. By contrast, let us now think of works such as the adaptation of The Little Mermaid, in which she is a brunette. This decision on the part of the directors and producers only showed to the public the obligation they feel to be visually inclusive without really reflecting any value in their films, and this was definitely evidenced by the controversial reactions of the audience.

So, was inclusion in the film industry better before it was considered a requirement? The answer may be very subjective, but by looking at the reactions of viewers we can draw a clear conclusion. In recent years, diversity in film has become an attention-grabber and a trophy to show off. From the selection of casts to the gender identity of the characters in the creations, it represents a đŸš© that is becoming more and more false.

Top 15 memes de inclusion
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The decline of cinema looks closer and more lamentable than ever before. Supporting new directors, actors and film companies is vital to rescue the magic of the seventh art. It is tragic to think that traditional firms are so skewed by fame, money and marketing that they will never be what they were. Audiences need more lifelines to rescue their enthusiasm, reflect their sadness, stoke their fears, restore their hope and generate sensation.

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Ishika Banerjee
Ishika Banerjee
 Â· January 22, 2025
Studio's IP is more important to them than creativity because it's less of a risk. But wasn't great art always a risk?
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