Box Office Performance and the Influence of Politics in Cinema

As the movie industry braces for a bleak year following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, box office revenues have been continuously disheartening. Even blockbusters, such as 'Strange World', have seen sparse attendance, often with less than 10 people in the cinema on opening night. The palpable shift towards streaming services and the immediate availability of films shortly after theatrical releases has pushed many potential movie-goers to opt for the convenience and comfort of staying home.

Is 'She Said' Truly Left-Wing?

The concept of political affiliations in film often sparks heated debates. Take, for instance, 'She Said', which centers around two intrepid reporters successfully exposing a serial rapist, a protagonist who just happens to be a Democrat. It is unfathomable to argue that 'She Said' is a left-wing film. The plot revolves around journalism and justice, with no heavy political undertones or partisan messaging. Its failure at the box office, therefore, must be attributed more to its TV-movie-like presentation rather than its political classification.

The Case of 'Strange World'

Conversely, 'Strange World', an adventure film inspired by the tradition of Jules Verne, should not be characterized by political overtones. In a marketing blunder, trailers misled audiences into expecting a knock-off of 'Avatar'. Furthermore, the fact that the lead character is gay is entirely irrelevant to the plot. The film's content remains unaltered regardless of whether the character was straight or gay. Despite these challenges, many critics were pleasantly surprised by the movie, finding it a worthy cinematic experience.

Historical Insights: 'John Carter' and 'Spartacus'

Two cinematic examples, 'John Carter' and 'Spartacus', have also graced the silver screen with significant financial investment but fell short of expectations. 'John Carter', a multibillion-dollar production by Disney, was largely forgotten even before its theatrical run. The same fate befell the 1960 film 'Spartacus', which was criticized due to its author's left-wing leanings. Despite initial backlash and low box office, both films have held a place in cinematic history for different reasons. 'Spartacus', in particular, is celebrated for its dramatic and revolutionary storyline, while 'John Carter' has been more remembered for its conceptual appeal.

Conclusion: Is a Movie Good or Bad Regardless of Politics?

The assertion that a movie can only be good if it adheres to a specific political ideology is a misconception. Both 'Death Wish' and 'Spartacus' illustrate this notion. While 'Death Wish' leaned towards extreme right-wing politics, it became a great and memorable movie. Similarly, 'Spartacus', despite its production backdrop steeped in left-wing politics, remains an excellent film to date. These examples highlight that a film's quality should be judged on its own merits, rather than the political affiliations of its creator or the themes explored within it.

For those who have not yet seen 'She Said', or are inclined to judge it based on its political undertones, we recommend taking the time to watch it. It offers a gripping and enlightening story. Remember to be open-minded, and refrain from assuming that every film is part of a left-wing or right-wing conspiracy. Appreciate cinema for what it is—a form of art and storytelling that entertains, educates, and inspires.