Monday, February 24, 2014

Independent vs. mainstream cinema

Independent films are story driven and mainstream films are money driven. Arguably this means, indie films are more as art and cultural expression, whereas mainstream films are blockbusters. Mainstream films are escapist entertainment, associated with commercial success and targeted at mass audiences.

The reality of any indie film is that it is never widely distributed due to lack of promotion. The films are complex and tell a truth about society or history. Usually the film is aiming to make a greater point or meaning that is sometimes implicit, sometimes explicit. Spike Lee’s Malcom X or Do the Right Thing are examples of an indie film under these guidelines. http://youtu.be/LbKs766Tr88    

Mainstream films play on stereotypes about black men and black women. The narrative is more shallow and not intended to serve the greater good of society.

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