Do you think they should...?

Question

...make more intellegent movies and TV shows?

I went to a Screenwriters Expo in LA back in October. Did you know that most shows and movies have to be written on a 7th grade level? It's true.

Answer 1

Absolutely! We’ve managed to dumb-down America enough! If our youth (youth being younger than 80) is going to be bombarded with the media 24/7 then it ought to be something intelligent or at least make us think! There is nothing wrong with programs that are pure entertainment and you don’t have to think. I’m guilty of watching these. After a long day at the office, I don’t want to think about anything… just entertain my brain dead body. But I do crave the fast pace of West Wing and Studio 60 on Sunset Strip. We need more John Stewart shows, “Wag-the-Dog” and “What the Bleep Do We Know” movies and Saturday morning School House Rock jingles.

Answer 2

We're both writers so I'm sure you may agree with me that writing is a two-way street. And speaking as an avid film lover, I am appalled of the remakes. There are some shows on now that I do enjoy because of the acting and writing; unfortunately when the written word is compromised, it's difficult not to be bitter. Example: What good are we if Aaron Sorkin is utilizing Studio 60 as a personal agenda, I admit I have become hooked on it because of that fact. There are rare times when something works, which is why Hollywood is in trouble- it's crap nowadays, maybe not all of it, but that's just me. The lack of writers is actually interesting to me; one can write but making it effective is different. We're also in the age of technology- cgi films are taking over. Personally I am drawn to television and watch certain shows- Law and Order: Criminal Intent and Shark are two shows that have proved to me that there is something decent. It is also with a sad heart that the reality shows have bombarded- that's not entertainment. Entertainment to me is giving an individual an opportunity to process what is done- like the old black and white flicks, the use of shadows and light. Sorry for my long a** answer.

Answer 3

TV... what's that? (Just kidding).

Yes, I would believe that most TV shows hit at about a Grade 7 vocabulary level. Most newspapers waffle between grade six and grade ten, mostly because reading vocabulary is lower than spoken vocabulary.

As for the quality of shows, I fear I am a poor judge. I stopped bothering with that box when reality programming became popular.

I'm sure there is intelligent programming on television... but I'd be more concerned with whether we (the public) would allow it to stay on.

Answer 4

Movies need to be written for a target audience. Random samples of movie-goers most likely show the majority are at a comprehension level of a seventh grader. This ensures that the viewer will understand the plot, be interested in the trailers, and succumb to the advertisements for the movie sales.

Answer 5

I think they should. At least they should make them consistent. I know that we're supposed to suspend belief in reality for most movies for the plot to work, but it seems like every single movie has huge plot holes that no one cares to address.

For example, why doesn't Gotham City have a CSI department? Is it really that hard to trace all of the tools/weapons/vehicles back to Bruce Wayne? For god's sake, the Tumbler is a unique vehicle built by Wayne enterprises that has tires as wide as a compact car! Couldn't they just follow the treads left by the big @ss tires right into the batcave and then see that it's sitting right under Wayne manor?

Answer 6

I am very suprised that it was not a 5th grade level...that is the average for daily newspapers...
Still when you watch shows like House or Bones, that would be a very advanced 7th grade! LOL

Answer 7

Not really, and I'll tell you why....I don't wanna watch TV anymore! I watch about three shows, and I prefer it that way these days.

Movies are a different story, but there are still some great ones out there....but yeah, when it comes to those basic forms of entertainment, there's a lot left to be desired these days....but who needs movies and TV when we're here? ;)

Answer 8

Fluff and not having to think can be a good stress relief, but there's too much of it. I'm surprised by 7th grade, I would have guessed 5th. We need more intelligent people and a more intelligent media.

Answer 9

I like some of the shows that are on now. If they make them too intelligent then I probably wouldn't be able to follow them with all those big fancy words and stuff.

Answer 10

Yes they should. I did not know about the 7th grade level---that is pathetic. What a sad reflection of our society.