An Old Myth Exposed: “Star Wars” Nearly Destroyed the Movie Industry.
It’s an old accusation with new relevance as the first gen of “Star Wars” kids now have children and grandchildren of their own. Blockbusters abound in multiplexes everywhere, but why is that a bad thing?
It was a cineaste’s nightmare.
Word was that blockbuster films would destroy the cinema’s more personal product. George Lucas and Steven Spielberg shouldered most of the early blame, particularly the former. Before “Star Wars,” you see, was “Jaws.” But, before “Jaws” … was “The Exorcist.” Before “The Exorcist” was “The Godfather.” Before “The Godfather” was “The Sound of Music.” Before “The Sound of Music” was “The Ten Commandments.” Before “The Ten Commandments” was “Gone with the Wind.” Before … Get the picture?
In other words, had blame been misplaced?
Of course it had.
Was the charge even accurate? Let’s explore …
Blockbuster filmmaking did not begin with “Star Wars.” But yet, if it did, so what? The business evolves. Then as now there was more than enough product in our local malls to keep families entertained for weeks.
