By now, most people can see that the American entertainment industry is in terminal decline. Last month marked a new record in low box-office returns, and the year as a whole will likely set a similar record for financial losses. We are long past the COVID shutdowns, but even so, fewer people seem to have any interest in going to the cinema or even checking out new television series.
Debate rages about what has led to this decline. Perhaps the best explanation is that advances in media technology have led to the dominance of streaming platforms and the rise of what culture critic Ted Goia regards as “dopamine culture,” characterized by the production and consumption of mindless content on addictive online platforms like TikTok. When compared to the money and effort required to go to a cineplex stinking of popcorn and teenagers, it’s far easier to stay home and watch reruns of The Office or scroll through amusing YouTube shorts.
The entertainment industry has also been impacted by globalization. Faceless corporate giants like Apple and Amazon are taking control of production studios. Instead of supporting talented storytellers who want to express their creativity, this new leadership aims to streamline content that appeals to the broadest possible audience for a solid return on investment, like selling a smartphone. Coming from tech and finance, these types are rarely interested in investing in talent or meaningful artistic work. As a result, the movies produced by their studios are often poorly made, bland, and quickly forgettable.
Then, of course, there is the problem of incorporating progressive messaging and mind-numbing political correctness (i.e., going woke) in all new movies and shows. While much of this reflects the sincere leftist sensibilities of filmmakers and performers, some of it was undoubtedly part of the “strategy” of the noncreative corporate leadership hoping monetize the zeitgeist.
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