Brad Bird on Hollywood’s lack of originality these days.

Brad Bird on Hollywood’s lack of originality these days. Aug 29, 2018 12:46:17 GMT

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Post by Rey Kahuka on Aug 29, 2018 12:46:17 GMT

Aug 29, 2018 6:56:09 GMT mslo79 said:

I wonder how much a title could really effect a movie? ; it don't seem like it would be much of a factor. if he's right, it's a bit WTF like if that actually effects things.

but I do think audiences are somewhat partially to blame because they keep on eating up super hero types of movies and not too much beyond this, especially in terms of movies that make stacks of $ in the theaters. or even the other non-super hero movies that do well in the theaters are usually tied to some franchise from the past off the top of my head.

but I guess even if what I said is somewhat true... it makes me wonder that those who tend to go to the theaters the most in general are that super hero type of crowd as those who want the originality etc etc generally go to the theaters less often?

o well, things are going to play out however they do and ain't much we can do about it.

A title can be a huge factor in a film's performance. It defines the film in the mind of the audience, more than any other element. Take any of your favorite films and switch out the title for something nonsensical, then ask yourself if you'd have bothered seeing it. "I don't know, the trailer looks pretty good...but Dad Robs Banks?" And maybe you don't watch the gangster movie with Tom Hanks and Paul Newman. And that's assuming you even saw the trailer. Plenty of people read synopses online or just read the titles on the marquee when they get to the theater. This is a site for film fans, so it's easy to assume everyone consumes the media surrounding movies the way we do, but it isn't the case.

I've never been convinced it was the title that scared people away from Edge of Tomorrow, though. I remember not being interested because of the stupid mech suits featured heavily in the trailers. I ended up seeing it because there was nothing else playing that week, and I enjoyed it a great deal. They made the most of the concept and focused more on the (I hate to use the word) gimmick of the story rather than the dopey futuristic tech that was plastered all over the advertising. In their defense, it's a tough concept to sell. "Come watch this movie where you have to watch the same scenes play out over and over again. You won't get bored, we promise!"

So while I don't think the title sunk this particular movie, I absolutely believe the wrong title can ruin box office performance in some cases.