The Studio System vs Today's Movie Industry

The motion picture industry has not been the same since 1938 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that major film studios such as Paramount Pictures were monopolizing the film industry. With decreased revenue and financing for the films, the production of films came to a halt. Today, major studios make fewer then 20 films a year and far more independent films are released today with only financial backing from the major studios. Unfortunately, the qualities of the movies haven’t been the same since.

Oligopolies actually helped improve the quality of movies. Rival studios such as 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers, Columbia Pictures, MGM, United Artist, RKO Pictures and Universal Studios all had to churn out great movies to keep up with each other. They signed promising young thespians, directors, writers and even producers to long-term contracts which helped with the stability and camaraderie. The competition and chemistry helped fuel the greatest year of cinema history in 1939. Films such as Gone with the Wind, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Stagecoach, Wizard of Oz, and Wuthering Heights were all released during that year. Rival Studios of MGM couldn't afford to be satisfied with the status quo that year due to the monster box office appeal and critical acclaim that went to Gone with the Wind and Wizard of Oz

.Another reason for the declining quality of movies is due to fewer great casts. It’s more difficult today to assemble great casts due to the ridiculous money paid to star actors and actresses. For example, a movie like Casablanca had a top-notch ensemble cast with great character actors such as Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre and Dooley Wilson with the featured leads Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

It was also easier to look up to and admire movie stars. They exuded class with their looks and attitude. Can anybody picture Cary Grant jumping up and down like a bufoon on national television? The film stars of yesterday did their best to uphold an image and lives by the standards set by their studios.

Finally, actors and actresses were typecast in roles they were best at. Whenever people talk about stereotypes, they talk about it in a negative light. That couldn't be further from the truth. Why should actors try to take on roles that aren't suited for their talents? Far too frequently, today's actors try to play characters that isn't an ideal fit for them because they want to expand their range. One bad casting choice will bring down the quality of the film very easily and unfortunately, it happens far too often. I know the Studio system will never return but these are simple steps that could be taken to improve the quality of films today.