Can a Movie Be So Good It's Bad?

Depends on what you mean by 'good' in this case. In today's Hollywood, the quest for movie success often places a premium on box office potential over artistic merit. Consider the recent Marvel movie phenomenon. Beautiful and expensive CGI, talented actors, finely-tuned scripts, and extensive focus testing... these elements are all designed to ensure wide audience appeal. Yet, despite the Herculean efforts, many Marvel films have proven to be box office bombs. This raises an interesting question: can a movie be so good that, in a sense, it's bad?

The Box Office Paradox

The modern Marvel approach to filmmaking prioritizes marketability and audience-friendliness over artistic or thematic depth. Films are meticulously engineered to avoid any potential offense or confusion, leading to a product that feels strangely safe but ultimately dull. Masters of CGI and special effects, these films end up being gatekeepers of generic entertainment, designed exclusively for the masses. But in doing so, they sacrifice genuine creativity and a deeper connection to their audiences.

One key protagonist in this discussion is undoubtedly the Oscar Bait film. These movies are purposefully crafted to win prestigious awards through their serious or artistic subject matter, top-notch writing, and exceptional casting. The timing is also strategically placed just before award season to increase the likelihood of critical acclaim and industry recognition. However, the cynical angle of this approach forces many viewers to question whether these films genuinely deliver the goods.

The Paradox of Oscar Bait

While some Oscar Bait films are undeniably brilliant, many feel as though they've thrown in the kitchen sink in hopes of an awards-season win. The elements are there: stellar performances, exquisite shooting, and a strong narrative. However, the end result often falls flat, sacrificed on the altar of potential acclaim. There's a sense that these films are overplaying their hand, burdened with unnecessary artistic flair at the expense of a compelling story.

Consider The Goldfinch (2019). A notably Oscar Bait film, The Goldfinch attempted to blend art, drama, and impressive production values into a seamless package. However, the execution was met with critical and commercial failure. The film's slow, deliberate pacing and its focus on niche subject matter failed to resonate with the broader audience, leading to a perceived lack of engagement and entertainment value.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) is another example of a film that straddled the line between critical acclaim and commercial failure. Directed by Andrew Dominik, this period piece featured notable performances from Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck. Despite its technical brilliance and artistic merit, the movie was deemed dull, a accusation that even the Hollywood elite seemed to share as it failed to win significant awards.

The Shape of Water (2017) presents an interesting case study. Like many of these Oscar Bait films, it was meticulously crafted with top actors and a visually stunning production. Yet, its critical and commercial success highlights that the balance between artistic pursuit and commercial success can be found in different ways. While The Goldfinch and The Assassination of Jesse James felt weighed down by over-engineering, The Shape of Water succeeded in both arenas, becoming a box office hit and an awards darling.

The Artistic Dilemma

Ultimately, the question remains: is a movie that aims for greatness at the expense of commercial success doomed to fail, or can it still find its audience and recognition? This is a matter of gustus, for which there is no argument.

Though critics and audiences may debate the merits of these films, each film represents a unique journey in the journey of modern cinema. Whether they are critically acclaimed yet commercial flops, box office hits that fail to touch an audience, or stellar examples of both, these films challenge us to think about what truly makes a movie 'good'.

As with all things artistic, opinions and tastes differ. The pursuit of a perfect blend of artistic merit and commercial success is an ongoing quest, and each film represents a step in that journey.