Pi & Aquila Vision

Episode 12: The Pursuit of Authentic Art: Quality Entertainment

Authentic Art in Entertainment
In today's entertainment landscape, saturated by political and ideological agendas, the demand for content that prioritizes good storytelling, artistic quality, and the ability to provoke genuine emotions has never been more urgent. Entertainment, in its purest essence, has the power to create immersive experiences that connect the audience to different realities and stories, while simultaneously questioning the status quo and challenging society's perception of itself. The search for authentic art, far from empty and imposing agendas, is a response to the weariness caused by productions that often prioritize politically correct themes at the expense of a good story.

Narratives that engage the audience in a visceral and emotional way are timeless. Throughout history, entertainment has always had the power to educate, entertain, and even transform society. Shakespeare, for example, not only told stories about love and power but also challenged the social and political norms of his time. The works of Shakespeare and other great playwrights and filmmakers possess an artistic quality that transcends the centuries, being appreciated both for their content and the depth of their messages.

However, in the modern era, the relentless search for representations and themes of social inclusion, while legitimate in many respects, has often resulted in productions that neglect artistic excellence. Ideology has overshadowed narrative, compromising the authenticity of the stories and often the artistic talent of those involved. Art should, above all, be a profound reflection of society, human emotions, and the complexity of interpersonal relationships, rather than a platform for ideological militancy.

The Impact of Cinema on Crafting Authentic Stories
Cinema, as an art form, has always played a fundamental role in creating worlds and characters that reflect the complexities of the human experience. Since the advent of silent cinema, filmmakers have sought to capture moments of emotional purity and human depth. Films like Citizen Kane (1941), considered by many as one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of cinema, are examples of how cinematic art can intertwine with technique to create a unique experience. The story of Charles Foster Kane not only reveals the rise and fall of a media magnate but also serves as a reflection on loneliness, power, and human flaws. This masterpiece was not created to promote a political discourse or reinforce a social agenda but to explore universal questions of morality and identity.

Another iconic example of deeply artistic cinema is The Godfather (1972), directed by Francis Ford Coppola. This mafia epic transcends its genre and has become a study of power, loyalty, and human morality. There is no evident ideological agenda in Coppola’s works; his ability to create deep and complex characters, while using cinema as a means of exploring the human psyche, is a clear example of how art should be a reflective experience, not a didactic one.

Cinema and the Rise of Artistic Quality in Recent Decades
In recent years, the film industry has undergone a significant transformation. While major studios have sought to capitalize on successful formulas and franchises like The Avengers and Star Wars, other filmmakers, such as Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, and Denis Villeneuve, have continued to work with stories that not only captivate the audience but also provoke reflection. Films like Inception (2010), Django Unchained (2012), and Dune (2021) not only rely on captivating and impactful narratives but also on cinematic resources, such as direction, screenwriting, and editing, to create a memorable cinematic experience.

Nolan, in particular, stands out for creating films that are both intellectually challenging and visceral. Inception is not just a story about a dream thief but a profound analysis of the nature of reality and memory. Instead of focusing on external agendas, Nolan delivers a complex film full of layers and with a narrative that demands the audience’s attention and reflection. This is how genuine art should be—something that engages and challenges without trying to dictate a moral or point of view.

Hollywood’s Recovery and the Search for Stories that Matter
Hollywood, once the birthplace of some of the greatest cinematic productions in history, went through a phase where artistic choices were overshadowed by the need to align with "progressive" ideologies and themes. Many of these productions, with strong political biases, failed to achieve the expected success at the box office, and the reason wasn’t necessarily the theme addressed but rather the lack of depth and a universally engaging narrative.

The real challenge for the film industry is to refocus on creating stories that captivate people from all backgrounds and beliefs. The audience seeks more than just a simple reflection of contemporary issues; they want rich characters, plots that move them, and stories that make them reflect, regardless of the message they carry. The narrative must be the primary priority, as it is what keeps viewers connected and immersed in the cinematic experience.

By setting aside the pressure to conform to politically correct themes and focusing on what truly matters—a good story—Hollywood has the potential to rise again and reclaim its global audience. The future of the industry depends on its ability to return to its origins, where the art of storytelling was, above all, about humanity, emotion, and connection.

However, there are signs of recovery. Productions like The Greatest Showman (2017), Dune (2021), and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) show that when Hollywood focuses on creating quality stories, without succumbing to ideological demands, the audience returns to the cinema. The need for good stories, with complex and well-developed characters, has once again become a priority. The entertainment industry is learning that for a production to succeed, it needs more than just a relevant theme—it needs narrative, acting, and emotional depth.

The Redefinition of Entertainment on Digital Platforms
The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ has brought a new dynamic to entertainment. While the change has allowed for greater content diversity, it has also opened the door for a saturation of productions that often offer little more than empty spectacle. However, alongside this wave of superficial content, there have also been productions redefining what it means to tell a good story.

Series like Stranger Things, Breaking Bad, and The Crown are examples of productions that stand out for the quality of their narrative and the depth of their characters. Even within the streaming model, there is room for authentic art and stories that challenge conventions. The modern audience demands more than just a simple distraction—they seek experiences that touch their emotions and offer something deeper than the superficial.

The Role of New Media and the Democratization of Content Creation
The emergence of new media, such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, has transformed the way people consume entertainment. While often associated with quick and uncommitted production, these platforms are also being used by content creators to offer high-quality works. Independent directors and filmmakers have the opportunity to reach a global audience, often challenging norms and creating productions that, in some cases, are more innovative than those seen in major Hollywood productions.

Channels like Film Riot, Every Frame a Painting, and Lessons from the Screenplay offer resources and in-depth analyses of film and series production. These creators are helping redefine what it means to create quality cinematic content, not just for the major studios but also for a new generation of filmmakers exploring new forms of narrative and style.

The Way Forward: The Need for Quality Entertainment
The future of entertainment is in the hands of creators who understand the importance of telling good stories and building a rich and engaging world for the audience. Hollywood, streaming platforms, and social media need to remember that, in the end, what the audience desires is not political agendas or ideological messages, but stories that touch their hearts and minds.

As digital platforms democratize content creation, Hollywood must learn from its mistakes and return to its roots: being the center of artistic excellence in entertainment. Good storytelling, well-crafted characters, and stories that generate empathy are what viewers truly want—and this is what will define the future of the entertainment industry.

Sources:
Citizen Kane - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033467/
The Godfather - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068646/
The Crown - https://www.netflix.com/title/80025678
Stranger Things - https://www.netflix.com/title/80057281
Film Riot - https://www.youtube.com/user/filmriot
Every Frame a Painting - https://www.youtube.com/user/everyframeapainting
Lessons from the Screenplay - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6H7V3o9xJ9yVG5gxwHxtFg