18th
Sundance getting too commercial?
A New York Times article, titled “Can Sundance Get a Break?,” reports that Robert Redford is receiving some complaints from his fellow colleagues. Redford started the Sundance Film Festival, named after one of his most notable movie characters, about twenty-five years ago. In the present however, many people are not very happy with how the festival has changed from its humble beginnings, claiming that it has become too commerical. On the other hand, there are others who believe that it is nearly not commercial enough, at least in regards to our current economic status. Sundance has been known for its brilliant independent films with quirkly plotlines and even quirkier characters. Now that the U.S. economy is in trouble, studios do not want to take any risks and would much rather stick with producing safer movies. It seems that they may be trying to steer away from what could be the next Little Miss Sunshine or Half Nelson. I think that what people are missing in their thinking is the purpose of Sundance. The focus is clear; it’s film. In the studios’ attempt to battle the recession, I think many amazing films will go overlooked because they may not be considered safe. It is quite understandable that studios are thinking financially in a tough economic period, but it defeats the purpose of this independent film festival. I always cringe when Hollywood comes out with another guaranteed blockbuster. I find it difficult to comprehend why the people flock to these films when there are many other great films out there. It may be more difficult for people to access these indpendent movies, which is why film festivals like Sundance are so important. It gives filmmakers an opportunity to get their work, no matter how risque or outrageous, noticed by the masses. I guess we’ll just have to wait until our country’s economy get’s back on track to see more of these movies.
