Why are movies so bad?

For decades, people have blamed the lack of quality movies on the Hollywood system.  Because there’s so much money at stake, the argument goes, movies have to appeal to the lowest common denominator to make their money back.  And a less commercially-based system would produce better movies.  Right? 

Not so fast.  Today, we’re in the age of the independent film.  It’s never been cheaper to make and distribute a movie.  Although I’m no expert in film financing, I think it’s safe to say that it’s also never been easier to make a profit.  Because of this, we have a ton of independent product out there - and of every genre - some with serious talent attached.  But sadly, I don’t believe movies have gotten better.  Over the last couple of years, I have seen dozens of independent movies that were dull, pretentious, or just plain bad.   What’s going on here?  What’s gone wrong?   

I know I’m biased, but I believe that when a movie doesn’t work, the script is usually to blame.   You really can’t make a good movie from a bad script.  So why do these bad scripts get made when I know (again, I’m biased) that there is good material out there?  Is it a lack of taste on the part of the people making the movies?  Is it nepotism?  Maybe you have an idea.  All I can say is it’s disappointing as Hell.

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