Simultaneous Release of Armageddon and Deep Impact: An Overview

The release of Armageddon and Deep Impact in 1998, just a few months apart, is often regarded as more than just a coincidence. This phenomenon is indicative of a broader trend in the film industry where multiple studios simultaneously develop and release films with similar themes or concepts. This article explores the reasons behind this trend and analyzes the approaches taken by the two films in addressing a societal-wide collapse.

Reasons Behind Simultaneous Releases

Several factors contribute to the simultaneous release of films like Armageddon and Deep Impact.

Script Development

Both films were based on existing scripts that had been in development for a while. Studios often recognize a trend or a popular theme, which prompts them to rush to produce their own versions. This allows them to capture a share of the market and capitalize on the existing hype.

Market Trends

The late 1990s saw a growing interest in disaster films. This was likely influenced by advancements in CGI technology, which made it possible to create more spectacular and visually impressive films. Additionally, there was a desire for blockbusters that could attract large audiences and generate substantial box office revenue.

Competition

Studios often aim to capitalize on each other's successes. When one film is popular, others may quickly follow with similar themes to attract audiences. This competition drives innovation and ensures that the market remains competitive and engaging.

Film Analysis: Armageddon and Deep Impact

Armageddon, directed by Michael Bay, focuses on a group of oil drillers sent to destroy an asteroid. The film draws heavily on concepts of exceptionalism and strength, relying on the idea of the United States functioning as a global savior. Meanwhile, Deep Impact, directed by Mimi Leder, centers on the societal and personal impacts of an impending asteroid collision. This film delves deeper into the human processes and emotional responses during a crisis scenario.

Close Release Dates

The close release dates—Armageddon in July and Deep Impact in May—highlight this interesting trend in the film industry. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as 'parallel releasing,' where multiple studios release similar films to maximize their market share.

Audience Analysis

The intention behind the simultaneous release of these films was to appeal to different personality types within the available audiences. Each film was designed to maximize ticket sales by sharing a plot between two differing strategies in dealing with a societal-wide collapse.

Stimulating the Ego/Super Ego

Armageddon, with its emphasis on the exceptional military prowess of the United States, stimulates the ego/super ego of audiences who are sympathetic to this notion. The film relies on a sense of strength and determination to avert a global disaster.

Human Processes in Crisis

Deep Impact, on the other hand, focuses on the human processes inherent in a crisis situation, exploring the emotional and societal impacts of such an event. This film delves into the vulnerability and resilience of individuals during a time of crisis, making it more relatable to a broader audience.

Future Implications

An interesting idea for future films could be to chronicle the Bronze Age Collapse or the fall of the Western Roman Empire. These events took place historically and would provide a unique opportunity for creative writers to hypothesize the human response to a similar cataclysmic event. Such a film could potentially surpass the melodramatic and tiresome plotlines often found in modern Hollywood productions.

In conclusion, the simultaneous release of Armageddon and Deep Impact in 1998 highlights a broader trend in the film industry. Understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon and analyzing the approaches taken by these films can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the film market and the strategies employed by studios to capitalize on market trends.