Hollywood's Predictability: From Michael Bay to Marvel Cinematic Universe

Throughout my movie-watching journey, I've noticed a consistent trend of Hollywood films becoming increasingly predictable. This shift began after an accidental viewing of a Michael Bay film, which highlighted the bewildering reality that mediocre movies can still achieve commercial success. This article explores the reasons behind this trend and how it has affected movie-watching experiences.

From Clichés to Continuities

The predictability of Hollywood movies has seeped into various genres. Take, for instance, the scary movie genre where death has become a preordained event. Instead of genuine suspense, the audience can often anticipate who will die before they even see it. More concerning is the frequent usage of clichés. Even films that initially catch the audience off guard, such as Reservoir Dogs, fall into predictable patterns as multiple films share the same directorial or production house. This predictability began to overshadow the initial excitement of an unpredictable narrative.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe's Dominance

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has become a prime example of this predicability in modern cinema. Superhero movies, once defined by their unpredictable outcomes, have now become the epitome of formulaic storytelling. Take Age of Ultron for example: the introduction of powerful crystals scattered throughout the MCU to tie the narrative together. Each new film builds on this backstory, with a total of six powerful crystals. One of the crystals, Loki's scepter, was introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy, and the villain Thanos unites them to achieve a more cohesive storyline. Even Doctor Strange and The Avengers introduce additional crystals, resulting in a grand narrative that ties these films together. While not all these movies are solely bad or meant for family audiences, the consistent introduction of these elements has led to an overall sense of predictability.

The Power of Endings

One of the most disappointing aspects of modern Hollywood films is the predictable endings. From the action-packed The Fifth Element to the blockbuster hit Interstellar, where the protagonist triumphs, the narrative often concludes with the hero winning. This predictability extends to the superhero genre, with the explicit assurance that the good guys will prevail, crime will not pay, and justice will be served. This template is a testament to the creators' desire to cater to a mass audience, perhaps as a subtle message on the desirable alignment of personalities with societal norms.

Themes and Themes Relevant to Current Events

Alongside predictability, Hollywood films often embed themes relevant to current events. Stories frequently revolve around American exceptionalism versus global conflict. While these narratives serve to inspire and unify, it often results in simplistic portrayals that align with predominant ideologies. For instance, the success of the MCU and its emphasis on the triumph of good over evil can be seen as a reflection of the broader moral landscape in society.

Finding the Unexpected

Despite the pervasive predictability, there are still films that offer surprises. For example, The Hateful Eight managed to shock audiences with its non-traditional narrative. Similarly, the unpredictability of certain characters, such as the Joker in Batman, adds depth to the story. However, these exceptions often come from independent or lesser-known directors, suggesting a growing homogeneity in mainstream Hollywood films.

In conclusion, Hollywood's trend towards predictability is notable, with genres from scary movies to superhero films falling into patterns. The rise of franchises like the MCU has exacerbated this issue. While some films still offer surprise and excitement, the overall predictability inhibits the exploration of new narrative paths. This trend underscores the complexity of the film industry's response to both commercial success and audience expectations.