With the recent release of Marvel’s newest film, “Avengers: Infinity War,” they have been able to pass the $15 billion mark on their global box office earnings. This is thanks to the release of both “Black Panther” in February, which has become the ninth highest grossing movie of all time, and “Avengers: Infinity War;” the fourth movie of the Avengers franchise, which now holds the record for biggest opening weekend ever.
However, when looking at the box office results of films, most of them are geared towards action, superhero films with different effects, powerful lights, and CGI to draw an audience in.
“Avatar” is the highest grossing film of all time, “Titanic” second, and the rest of the top ten are expected, which include two “Star Wars” films, two of the “Avengers” films, and “Furious 7.” Why is it that audiences appear to prefer films that revolve around the spectacle of being in another world, versus a distinct story to be told?
Some may argue that action and superhero films do present a distinct story. While this can be argued as true for some of them, I believe studios are purposely leaving films on cliffhangers to make an audience come back the next year and guarantee ticket sales. Through this tactic, I don’t believe they can all be argued as complete stories. Many of these films are not being made to tell a story but to guarantee box office results.
Think of all the remakes, sequels, and prequels to films. They are often not necessary but are guaranteed to bring in money, so it is worth the time and investment for a studio. Marvel and superhero films are not the only ones guilty of this. Think of the “Shrek” franchise. And this summer “Ocean’s 8” will be released, a remake of the previous “Ocean’s” films, but with an all-female cast this time. Box office results are guaranteed, but it is essentially the same plot line every time.
The “Star Wars” films, for example, I don’t believe they will ever end. One day they may set themselves up to say this is the last film, but then maybe ten years later come up with something new again. This leaves audiences on the edge of their seats anticipating the release of something new because they are so encapsulated in the spectacle of movies.
Nothing can ever truly be over. Someone will always come for revenge or back from the dead, and the story will continue in a constant cycle. Studios would rather make a profit than tell stories with an overarching message or theme.
