I am a firm believer in film as a popular art. The problem of late has been too much “art” but nothing that’s popular.
Much like the late 60’s/early 70’s, our industry is in a period of regeneration and rebirth. We need films that will challenge the current societal malaise and drabness. We need artists who understand how to artistically put butts in seats in movies theaters or else our art will fade into irrelevance.
In cinema, you really can have it all. You can please great audiences and at the same time you can satisfy yourself as an artist.
Steven Spielberg
There is a hungry audience out there that simply wants to be entertained. No lectures, preaching, or ham-handed messaging. Those who provide quality art that speaks to that hungry audience will attract that audience.
All I really want to do is make people laugh, cry … make ’em feel something and give them a way to forget about their lives for an hour or two … Just pure, simple, entertainment. What’s so wrong with that?
There’s a lot to be said for making people laugh. Did you know that that’s all some people have? It isn’t much, but it’s better than nothing in this cockeyed caravan.
Preston Sturges from “Sullivan’s Travels”