George Hurrell photo of Jane Russell.

When I read that Knowing, the new film with Nicholas Cage took the top spot at box office this weekend, it made me think of how clueless the American film going public is. During the Great Depression in the 1930’s, Hollywood’s offerings included lavish musicals, stunning actresses, dapper actors, stunning photography (George Hurrell). There was a high art to the film industry that barely exists today. Now, with the studios marketing to the lowest common denominator, what would you expect? A film that gets panned such as Knowing and Friday the 13th land at the top of the heap. I mean…what?!? It’s as though there is no interest in capturing the glory days of Hollywood because there’s be no one to buy the friggen ticket. The horrendous lack of taste and reference from the public leaves our culture void of any depth.

Look, I watch reality TV so I am clearly not a snob, but wouldn’t it be lovely to have film choices beyond “bromances” (boy do I hate that expression), sensationalist catastophies, slasher flicks, and wait…how many comic books must we turn into films? Can we please do a movie with Betty, Veronica, Archie, Reggie and Jughead. It seems so timely with Gossip Girl and all. Except naturally, it would have to be R rated to spice it up or it wouldn’t sell one ticket. So, I guess I will just keep to my mindless reality TV until the industry retools itself to reflect the resurgence of the Golden Age of Hollywood. And no, I will not hold my breath.