I've been researching why the 1970s were a massive turning point in cinema history. Studios began to get desperate and take more risks with new directors who made shocking, controversial, challenging but artistic films, combined with the cultural and political shift of the time. This is why films such as Pink Flamingos, Salo, A Clockwork Orange, Last Tango in Paris, The Exorcist, I Spit on Your Grave, and more came around this time.
I have major aspirations to make similar films to these, to use provocation to deliver powerful messages about society, culture and the world. However, I can't help but notice that it's become very hard to do that in today's age. Studios rely solely on sequels, remakes and safe ideas for profit rather than taking creative risks, along with the prevalence of cancel culture online. I am hopeful that in the future this will change, and it already is changing. Indie artists are becoming more and more powerful, people are demanding more challenging works and it's easier than ever to create content to share with the world. I hope for a future where art can once again be used to make people think and feel different things through confronting content.
What do you think about this? Do you think that we're on the path to where another 1970s-style era of cinema can happen? Do you think cancel culture can have an impact on and even damage careers? Do you think people are becoming more open to different opinions expressed through art. Please let me know so we can discuss it. This is something I feel very passionately about as it is my goal as a filmmaker to bring these types of movies but am often worried that one really badly received film could affect future opportunities in my career.