At this point the majority of Industry films that are being made are for international audiences ( Pacific Rim) and youth oriented franchises. I think 10 of the top 12 grossing films of last year were sequels or prequels, and so the “adult,” “literary” audience has largely migrated to TV. Right now there’s a little burst of prestige pictures on account of the Academy Awards, which as you point out is one big marketing extravaganza, but otherwise there is not much out there that compels one to the theatre. I think documentaries are the new frontier for the “serious” audience and that we’ll see more and more of them coming into the mainstream.

David:

The valuation of a movie is certainly subjective, but film making has become more of an actuary science than an art, I think, with each movie being very carefully slotted to a particular audience with a particular goal in mind. Personally, I’ve always loved going to movies, to the random, almost shocking discoveries in them, but I’m seeing less and less of that, and like you don’t get out as much as I think I would like to. But I’m old.

Glenn:

Yes, I am the demotivator.

My discretion is pretty much maxed at two trips to the cinema per year. That may be less following my last visit – excessive commercials, smart phone games and ever increasing costs do not appeal.

I couldn’t agree more – Hollywood is a money-making machine that we are sold on thorough the various marketing conduits ~ press press press and oh yeh, posters on subways, still-existing billboards and of course PRESS!

Those millions of dollars will even work on the likes of us ~ the discretionary movie-going seeker of films of worth WATCHING!

Val Dooley