First, the incredible cheapness of acquiring movies (Netflix, DirectTV) at home soon after they are release dramatically (no pun intended) diminishes the value of seeing anything in a theater. I just saw "True Grit," and I think it was the first movie I saw in a theater in over a year. I loved it, wanted to see it early, but I could have waited. Nothing in the "theater" experience that made it any better.
Second, the utter rudeness of audiences, whether cell phones or running commentaries or misbehaving kids, is driving people out who LOVE movies and really want the full experience.
Third, the incredible falling costs of making a movie, due to digital technology, mean that studios have to have a home run every time, and therefore could NEVER make a "Breakfast Club" or a "Slumdog Millionaire." It's not surprising that aside from a few predictable special effects hits---Transformers 1-10 or Iron Man---or movies that have, from books, massive built-in audiences ("Harry Potter," "Lord of the Rings," "Twilight")---studios don't want to front for anything except sure winners. "300" was a freak, made for something like $10m with NO A-list actors, yet it grossed over $180m domestic.
Finally, the piracy issue is huge. My son has seen movies that are just out in theaters on his home computer. Someone will slip a videocam in, and the next day it's on the internet, free.
So as one who is just now trying to break in, it's a challenge, but not an impossible one.
Not having "theatered" since 1990, I can't comment on the audiences, but seeing the kids standing outside our local theater in the evenings I can understand. I'd frankly walk out and never return (after giving the manager a piece of my mind). So, I'm obviously not missing anything in that regard.
The last movie I rented (a year ago) was "Appaloosa". I like Westerns and really wanted to see it. It didn't disappoint me. The next will probably be "True Grit". Come to think of it, that'll likely be my rental experience for the year.
What gave you the urge to venture into film making from writing? Just curious. It would seem like a leap to someone like me not affiliated with either business. Saw you on Glenn Beck awhile back. Shouted "Gee, there's Larry". My wife responded "Huh?". Good luck with the movie venture, and I hope it leads to another successful and profitable career. Rock & Roll isn't one of my interests, so this movie wouldn't interest me. But I'd be interested seeing where the venture leads you...
Why couldn’t someone make a “Breakfast Club”..something with plot, that movie has virtually 0 special effects?
Even it doesn’t hold water to some of the greats of the 30’s-60’s..