Birth of an event movie and the transition to the modern blockbuster

Context = reasons

Blockbusters do not stimulate or challenge the mind, opposed to independent films

Film = food

We are fed these formulaic blockbusters. For instance we love to eat Big Macs (blockbusters) but they're not that good. Whereas we're not to keen to eat a healthy salad (independent) but it's good for us in the long term.

At some point between Jaws and Star Wars and the present date. Blockbusters have evolved into sc-fi  driven films and do not focus on the narrative.

1.Technology 

2.Economics=€$¥

3.Audience- social 

Context = reasons

Big dumb movies Mark Komode 

If you spend enough money, which creates an event it will still create a bad film.  People only see the film for the hype and to see the film to see where all the money was spent.

Films now can advertise patrism. And can be used for properganda for instance top gun shows how awesome it is to be in the airforce and how Americans can Kick ass, whereas the rest of the world sees american culture and army as agrogant and as invaders.

Characteristics of block busters

Easy to understand 

Simple stereotypes 

Uses franchising

Merchandising 

Global appeal

Godfarther: budget $6 mill gross $134 mill

Uses simple stereotypes. Star driven with marlo Brando. In the future it became a franchise with video games and sequels. However it is character driven and does not rely on special effects, it does use set pieces but not with SFX. It also has a big director (Francis ford Coppola)

Star Wars: budget $11 mill gross $797 mill

uses simple stereotypes such as Samuel in distress. Is not character driven and does rely on special effects, uses set pieces. It uses A list stars such as Alec Guinness. It had a higher budget than other films and brought in well over triple its budget.

Jaws: budget $8mill gross $260 mill

Is character driven, uses a list celeb with the use of Rob Schneider (nominated for an Oscar). Is part of a franchise

Audiences behaviours: duel ( 1971 tv adapted movie ) Spielbergs first film is commonly compared to jaws. Had a respectable cast. 

Technology: the technology in the jaws was faulty. Used open water not CGI

Economic: first film to ever gross $100 million, simultaneous

Star Wars ended a time of character driven complex blockbusters (new hollywood), and started a new preference where audiences prefer to see visual effects, this is evident through the total gross jaws gross 260 million dollars where as Star Wars made 797 million dollars. Star Wars would become the formula for modern blockbusters.