Why are the movies that get less hype,less attention, and cost less to make better than the "blockbusters"

Question

i rent both the "big named" titles and the lesser knowned ones. and the lesser known ones are much better. why?

Answer 1

Bc the passion and plot of the movie arent lost in the whole commercialized bs that goes into making the bigger films like getting the big actors/actresses to star in and special effects etc...the cheaper movies are really about telling the story and bringing it to life not how much money goes into making it look spectacular although it is empty...if that makes sense...lol...

Answer 2

Blockbusters are made to appeal to a very broad range of demographics.

Production studios use some of the profits (indirectly, not directly, meaning they can then afford to make a production where the goal is to break even, as opposed to set opening weekend records) from blockbusters to make some of the films that they really want to make, the less hyped less attention getting ones that you mention. Studios know that the huge profits don't come from "Babel" and "Good Night and Good Luck", they come from "X-Men 3" and "Pirates of the Carribean".

So when it comes to allocating advertising dollars, studios put all their ad money into the big releases, knowing that their target audience for their blockbusters is best suited by a massive TV ad campaign.

It's not always the case. Sometimes the highest grossing movie wins the Best Picture (maybe once every 5 years, with Return of the King being the last one). But generally, the highest grossing movies are not going to be the best ones.

Answer 3

It all boils down to economics. Some of the above posts rightly point to the fact that studios spend more on big soecial effects movies than on smaller art films, but there is a reason they spend more on stories that are less "interesting". In order to recoup the huge costs involved the studios must ensure that they get a large turnout. If they take substantial risks with the story line then they run the risk of alienating the mass audience that they need. Thus, it is literally a case of catering to the lowest common denominator and going for a layup rather than a slam dunk. Also, although you are correct that art films are often better, there are many consumers who only go to a handful of movies a year and are unlikely to spent theirn $7.00 (or $14!)on a smaller, less exciting (but still great) film like "The Queen" or "in the Bedroom." But really the key thing you have to consider though is how many art films are actually not better. For every "In the Bedroom" or "You Can Count on Me" (just movies I like, that did decently) there're also some really crappy ones.

Also, Occasionally there is crossover in either direction. Sometimes low budget films like "Little Miss Sunshine" or "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" go on to huge Box office numbers and sometimes a Hollywood blockbuster tells a decent cinematic story ("Saving Private Ryan", "Gladiator" and "Braveheart" come to mind off the top of my head).

The bottom line though is that "better" is a highly subjective term and when you're a studio exec making these decisions you have to weigh many factors. Also, when it's your *** that's on the line, you're less inclined to take risks with a story that you don't think will be crowd pleasing.

Answer 4

The Blockbusters cost more and the studios spend more money promoting them. They cost more usually because the studios spends a ton of money on the actors and special effects so they had to make their money back. Lesser known films have smaller budgets so they are focused more on the acting and telling a story.

Answer 5

I agree. I think there's too much hype put into the "blockbuster" movies/stars. Too commercialized. Too much expectation. Usually they're planned around some big event in the star's life. A lot of times we're happy with a unknown name, with unknown stars and a better story.

Answer 6

Because they don't have the budget for big hollywood special effects , these movies must rely on the 'story' they're telling and the 'way' in which they tell it. Since, the story is usually stronger, as you point out, the movie will have a bigger impact.

Answer 7

1) Art is subjective and 2) the Blockbuster movies are usually so committee-fied and micromanaged that it's hard for one person's vision to shine through, which is usually how a great artistic movie happens - by having one person be the driving creative force.

Answer 8

usually because they are carried on the plot line and not on the back of personalities and/or special effects

Answer 9

Cause Tom Cruise isn't in them......that's why....