Disney lost viewers due to poor storytelling, not mainly because of politics
Is a Compelling Story or Ideology More Important for a Movie?
If you’re someone who values a captivating story in a movie, I regret to inform you that Disney disagrees. According to an executive at the House of Mouse, recent flops can be attributed to moviegoers’ supposed bigotry rather than the lack of a compelling narrative.
The unnamed executive suggests that audiences now equate the perceived messaging in a film with its quality. They may not openly express distaste for female empowerment, for example, but they will dismiss movies that promote it as simply “bad.”
I love this, from Matt Belloni’s newsletter. Disney cannot fail, it can only be failed by the mouthbreathing bigots who refuse to acknowledge the greatness of their films. pic.twitter.com/83jkY4DL0x
The truth is, people generally don’t care about the ideology behind their entertainment. What they do care about is whether it’s enjoyable or not. Unfortunately, many of Disney’s recent releases have fallen short in that regard. The studio’s focus on ideology over storytelling has been detrimental to its success.
While Disney’s ideological messaging may be deserving of criticism, people are still willing to support a business they disagree with as long as the product is of high quality. This is where Disney has faltered with its movies.
Successful movies seamlessly incorporate ideology into their stories without compromising on the narrative. Films like “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer,” and even classics like “Casablanca” have left-wing sympathies, but their success stems from their compelling and insightful storytelling rather than their political leanings.
Disney has the opportunity to course-correct and once again captivate audiences by prioritizing storytelling over patronizing messages. However, this would require self-awareness and respect for their audience, qualities that the studio currently lacks.
Samuel Mangold-Lenett is a staff editor at The Federalist. His writing has been featured in the Daily Wire, Townhall, The American Spectator, and other outlets. He is a 2022 Claremont Institute Publius Fellow. Follow him on Twitter @smlenett.
How does a well-crafted story enhance the overall success of a movie and captivate audiences?
Th=293416 “Storytelling is an essential element of any form of entertainment, especially in the medium of film. A well-crafted story has the power to captivate audiences, evoke emotions, and provoke thought. However, the question arises: is a compelling story enough to make a movie successful, or is it equally important for a film to convey a specific ideology or message?
On one hand, a compelling story is the backbone of any successful movie. It is what keeps the audience engaged and invested in the characters and their journey. A good story has well-developed characters, a well-paced plot, and a satisfying resolution. Movies such as The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, and The Dark Knight are prime examples of films that are beloved for their storytelling prowess. These movies have stood the test of time because they not only entertain but also leave a lasting impact on the audience.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend in Hollywood to prioritize ideology over storytelling. Filmmakers are using movies as a platform to convey a particular message or promote a specific agenda. While this can be a powerful tool to raise awareness and spark important conversations, it can also be problematic if it hinders the overall quality of the film.
Disney, for example, has been under scrutiny for prioritizing ideology over storytelling. The unnamed executive’s statement, mentioned earlier, suggests that movies are being rejected solely because of their perceived messaging rather than their narrative. This approach undermines the importance of a compelling story and reduces movies to mere propaganda pieces.
It is essential to strike a balance between a compelling story and conveying an ideology. While a strong narrative creates a meaningful and enjoyable experience for the audience, the film’s message can provide a deeper layer of significance. Movies like Get Out, which seamlessly blend compelling storytelling with thought-provoking social commentary, have successfully struck this balance.
Ultimately, the success of a movie depends on the audience. If viewers feel that the film sacrifices storytelling for a heavy-handed message, it may not resonate with them. On the other hand, if the story is weak and lacks depth, no amount of ideology or message can save it.
In conclusion, both a compelling story and a meaningful ideology can contribute to the success of a movie. However, it is crucial to prioritize storytelling and ensure that the film’s message enhances rather than overshadows the narrative. Filmmakers should aim to create thought-provoking and entertaining movies that resonate with audiences on multiple levels. Only then can a movie transcend its initial release and become a timeless piece of art.
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