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If there’s one topic of conversation that I hear constantly, it’s someone talking about a lack of originality in movies, or even TV shows.
Usually it’s after someone feels disappointed after watching their usual TV show, or watching one of the generic action or romance movies Hollywood loves shoving down our throats year after year. Time and again they deliver, and we- like the guppies we are- eat it up. Don’t take me for the preachy type though, I’ve got my own share of movies and shows I’ve watched over and over again only to complain about them.
When you think about it though, it makes sense. We as humans love what we find familiar, and what’s convenient. Even if we’re not entirely happy with the end product, it’s usually fairly easy to watch, especially when it comes to a TV series we’ve invested countless hours into. I don’t care what anyone says, you cannot tell me that after seven seasons that the show House M.D. does anything original anymore
From a business point, it’s simple. If something is profitable, you keep doing it until it stops being profitable. Unfortunately for us, it leaves us with generic action movie #125 that does little to bring something new and original from a story stand point. Even if I enjoy watching a generic action movie, it doesn’t mean that I don’t crave something more from its story.
For those that are willing to look, there are original stories can be found everywhere with a little digging. When’s the last time you read a book? Books these days have regained a certain sense of popularity again through the rise of e-books. How original are they though? Where do you think Hollywood gets most of its ideas for movies from? Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, even Rambo all started off as books before Hollywood remade them for the silver screen.
Call me a geek, but gaming is starting to receive similar looks of interest from Hollywood. With a growing movement of people who believe it to be art, it brings forth a lot of talent day in and day out. It also allows those who play it a different perspective no other medium can offer: that of a participant. It’s one thing to watch someone go and save the world, it’s an entirely different feeling when you’re the one that’s doing the saving. Some games even capitalize on this, and give you the option of choice. The choice of either saving the world, or conquering it is one that’s not always as clear cut as it may seem.
There’s also the option of looking towards other countries for entertainment. Crazy, I know, but not only does it allow you to learn more about the world, it also opens you to stories you may not see otherwise. One of the most original works I’ve seen yet is a BBC show called Sherlock. Let’s face it, the idea of telling another story about the great detective Sherlock Holmes is not the most original idea out there. The idea of modernizing it is, and has proven to be one of the most brilliant stories I have ever lost myself in
Another option for those looking for originality, go out to your local film festival. They’re filled to the brim with so many up and coming filmmakers that at times it feels llke what Hollywood is missing. Principally, they have passion and an undying love for the work that they’ve done. These are the people that are willing to take risks, and are more often than not nearly as popular for it. Let’s be honest, though, when has popularity ever equated to quality?
As a writer in training, I’ve come to a great realization. There are so many great, and original stories out there being told. Sometimes, all we have to do is open our eyes and look around.
