The Price of Originality

Justacinephile
Nov 1, 2021
2 min read

1 November 2021 - Alexander Wiley

Originality. This is something cinema audiences want and demand, but seem to be slow to support. Originality in storytelling/filmmaking means a film is not part of an overarching franchise, not a remake/reimagining/reinterpretation, and not in a plan for sequels/prequels. (This definition is inspired by @cinematechne). Films fulfilling all three of these categories are hard to come by these days.

There are two films made in 2021 released by major studios showing this paradox: “The Last Duel” (Twentieth Century Studios) and “Last Night in Soho” (Universal Studios). They fulfill all three categories from above; however, they are not widely viewed. “The Last Duel” is set to lose $80 million at the worldwide box office and “Last Night in Soho” is set to lose almost $38 million at the worldwide box office. This is why major studios are not chomping at the bit to support original storytelling – these films are losing millions of dollars. Why support an original film when a sequel like “Halloween Kills” practically prints money? Why support an original film when DC and Marvel films earn hundreds of millions of dollars? The price of originality almost isn’t worth it.

The point may be raised how original films are being made and supported in 2021 such as “Pig”, “Mass”, and “Becoming Cousteau.” These are original, but they’re made by independent film companies and not taken up by a major studio. The A24 studio, which is becoming a formidable studio, still supports and makes high quality original films. This post isn’t about independent film studios; it’s about major film studios.

“The Last Duel” and “Last Night in Soho” are quality films with intense storytelling, intelligent characters, breathtaking cinematography, compelling tension, and amazing direction. Scott and Wright are famous directors; their fame probably played a major part in getting these two films made. Scott is an award-winning director who made films such as “Gladiator”, “Alien”, “The Martian”, “Blade Runner”, and “Black Hawk Down”. Wright is also an award-winning director who made “Shaun of the Dead”, “Hot Fuzz”, “The World’s End” and “Baby Driver.” For directors who made blockbuster films to not have their most recent projects supported is not a good sign. Yes, not all their films are widely accepted, but this not a good trend going into 2021. The circumstances around the world play a major factor, but it’s still not a good trend for original films put out by major studios.

Do I plan to see the next original film released by a major studio? Yes.

What movie will you see next?