Critique of Modern Movies within a Review of Clue
I recently watched the 1985 film, Clue, based on the well known board game. One night, six strangers are invited to a secluded New England mansion where they are met by Wadsworth the butler (Tim Curry) and Yvette the maid (Colleen Camp). Each guest is given a codename so as not to reveal their true identity: Colonel Mustard (Martin Mull), Mrs. White (Madeline Kahn), Mrs. Peacock (Eileen Brennan), Mr. Green (Michael McKean), Professor Plum (Christopher Lloyd), and Miss Scarlet (Lesley Ann Warren). A seventh guest, Mr. Boddy (Lee Ving), arrives and is revealed to have been blackmailing the others.
The movie is considered a black comedy mystery film and had a certain ridiculous goings-on and themes that you don’t see in modern movies. It didn’t take itself seriously despite having a dark and suspenseful plot. I feel like movies these days are either trying to be too series and dramatic or are just dumb situations with no depth or meaning. (Speaking of action/drama/suspense/mystery and comedy films.) I’m all about balance in all aspects of my life and the movies and shows I watch are no exception. As a writer, I always have an appreciation for good depth of characters and plot, especially when it has the 90-120 minute span of most movies.
I will not claim to be an expert in the film industry, but in the past few years it seems 90% of new releases are either remakes, squeals, plot-less action or bad comedy movies with two-dimensional characters. My family complains I like watching my old favorites over and over and won’t try anything new, but it’s because most new movies sound boring, the same story. I’m not saying they’re all like this. There have been a few gems (recent ones; Birds of Prey, Onward, and the Jumanji remakes) that come from worn out genres with new exciting twists and characters with personality. But, they are unfortunately a rarity.
I love movies (more than TV shows, honestly). I love the experience of going to the movie theater. But, it’s noticeable the steady decline of creativity in the craft. It is the same with books, music and other entertainment as well, but a lot less so.
What got me with Clue was that, sticking to the themes of the game, was released with three different endings, with different theaters receiving one of the them. (There was a fourth filmed, but the director scrapped it.) I can only imagine the confusion and hilarity of people discussing the film and fighting over how it ended. I can’t imagine any director these days taking that risk of getting bad reviews. But, it really added to the charm of the film. Personally, without spoiling, 1 my favorite was the third ending. It made the most sense character-wise and had the most plot twists though I can see why some people might think it the “cop-out” ending. It also ended with a great tagline.
So in conclusion, I think modern directors and screenwriters could learn from older films to take those risks, to be unique and not take itself too seriously. There is endless creativity out there and the movie industry has the magic of bring someone’s imagination to life so generations to see. Please make sure you support the little films with no big names.