Consumer spending slowdown? It looks as if the higher price of oil is making a difference. In the past months, we've read about how people are paying more for the pump, and for many, this leaves less money for other things.
The first thing you stop spending on are luxuries, roughly defined as something you don't need, like jewelry and entertainment.
Entertainment. That includes movies, and the latest reports are that box office receipts are
down plenty.
Is it due to bad offerings at the theaters? The current crop don't seem particularly bad, and the reviews have been, overall, decent. So maybe it's a sign that the consumer's pocketbook is emptied at the gas station and the grocery store (which has seen a jump in prices).
If there was ever a sign of wishful thinking, it's this: (emp add)
"We have never needed a 'Star Wars' movie like we do right now," said box office analyst Paul Dergarabedian, president of Exhibitor Relations Co. "Audiences have just kind of checked out and George Lucas is just going to check them back in. Lucas is going to come in to save the day."
We're sure Lucas will do well, but will he do spectacularly well? Much of the money made with the Star Wars franchise came from repeat viewings. After seeing the film once, will the moviegoer pony up the dough for a second screening? We think not.
posted by Quiddity at 5/10/2005 10:51:00 PM
I'm a movie fan, and the last movie that really excited me was Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, about 15 months ago.
It's funny because about 15 months ago, there was a lot of talk about the importance of movies that there made by passionate directors, like Lord of the Rings, Passion of the Christ or Eternal Sunshine. Since then, except for Farenheit 911, movies have been hopelessly made by committee.
As an Interactive Media Instructor who likes to read this blog, I'd like to add to the DVD comment (with which I agree)...
Movies like Lucas' latest don't bear repeated viewing in the theater. Can anyone say "Jar-Jar"?? I'm not even asking to say it with a straight face (which is highly unlikely). But with a DVD, you can skip the crap (which for Lucas is the little things like dialog and character) and watch the CGI.
Not many people I know -- including instructors and students who are film devotees -- go for second viewings in the cinema anymore...
