Discussion: Smart Blockbusters and Respecting the Audience

With the recent release of Christopher Nolan’s Tenet and the trailer reveal for Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, it seems that the “smart blockbuster” subgenre is still alive and well. Auteur filmmakers and studious realize that audiences have an appetite for high-concept and intelligent stories and characters wrapped in their typical blockbuster fare.

What exactly is a “smart blockbuster” or “arthouse action” film? Essentially, these are large-scale films that go beyond simple mainstream entertainment by providing blockbuster level action and scope with first-rate filmmaking, intelligent scripts, and a timeless quality that solidifies their relevance in the history of cinema. This genre of film isn’t new. Directors like Steven Spielberg and James Cameron have been putting out intelligent blockbuster entertainment for years. Films like Terminator 2, Jaws and Jurassic Park are perfect examples of large scale films that respect the audience’s intelligence and ability to understand deeper themes.

An easy way to describe this style of filmmaking would be to simply look at two action blockbusters: Transformers and Mad Max: Fury Road. Here, we have two films that both feature high stakes, intense action scenes, and a mainstream blockbuster appeal. However, only one has developed characters, interesting themes, and a well-written script. Each film has its target audience and it is definitely possible to love both. Mad Max: Fury Road, however, is able to bring intelligence to its high-octane action. George Miller made every scene in the film feel important and wrote the characters in a subtle way that allows audiences to use their intuition and imagination. Transformers on the other hand simply presents mindless action with annoying and underdeveloped characters and stakes with no real weight. Fury Road feels far more personal. Mindless action is perfectly acceptable every now and again, but intelligent blockbusters are what ultimately help keep cinema alive and fresh.

Much of Christopher Nolan’s filmography falls under this subgenre. His work on Inception, Interstellar, and The Dark Knight trilogy, in particular, earns him the distinction of being a true advocate and force in the popularization of smart blockbusters. From a pure surface layer, entertainment aspect, his films deliver the thrills that mainstream audiences crave. What makes Nolan’s films so memorable and respected, however, are the many deeper themes and ideas he presents in his scripts. He understands that spectacle and visual flair bring audiences to the theater, but it is an intelligent and meaningful story that keeps them talking months after seeing the film.

Denis Villeneuve in recent years has also achieved similar success in crafting mainstream-appealing stories with complex characters and superb technical filmmaking. Films like Arrival and Blade Runner 2049 invite audiences to be swept up in high-concept science fiction while also recognizing the messages the stories are trying to convey.

The Batman director Matt Reeves also looks to be heading in this direction after the success of his Planet of the Apes films. War for the Planet of the Apes is more of a character study than an action film. Not many blockbusters have the patience and attention to detail shown in that film. Even from the brief teaser for the upcoming Batman film, Reeves looks to be delving deep into the character of Bruce Wayne and how the city of Gotham shapes him. The film looks like anything but typical superhero action. These director-driven takes on familiar stories and characters allow studios to keep properties feeling fresh and consistently engaging.

Some of my other personal favorite smart blockbusters are Minority Report, The Matrix, The Dark Knight, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Looper, and Mission Impossible. There are many other films that fall under this category and there are sure to be worthy additions in the future. Hopefully, audiences keep responding well to these types of films and studios choose to support projects with more depth and wit.

What are some of your favorite smart blockbusters? Let us know in the comments!

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