Editor’s note: This story is part of the annual Mosaic Journalism Program for Bay Area high school students, an intensive course in journalism. Students in the program report and photograph stories under the guidance of professional journalists.
I am an Oscars fanatic. For the past four years, my mom and I have put immense effort into watching all of the movies nominated for best picture of the year.
Over the years I have watched some amazing, life-altering films. Movies that had me leaving the theater with questions about life, myself and my relationships. Last year’s “Hamnet” was my favorite.
But in recent years, I started to notice a pattern. These “message movies” started to disappear, instead being replaced by franchises, fluffy animations and surface-level comedies. These films were fun, got me to laugh and smile, but I didn’t leave the theater with that euphoric feeling. I felt half-full.
I see the appeal of lighthearted movies. They attract wide audiences and leave people feeling satisfied enough to purchase another ticket in the future.
I am not opposed to those films. The escapism they provide for audiences is necessary, and I too am a fan of the “50 First Dates” and “Despicable Me”s of the world. But don’t you think it’s too much? Doesn’t reality matter anymore? Our theaters and streaming platforms are severely lacking depth.
You may be wondering, “Asher, are you the only person who likes these movies?” The answer to this is no.
When I looked up Letterboxd, an excellent movie review site, I found that its top four all-time popular movies were 2014’s “Interstellar,” 1989’s “Dead Poets Society,” 2016’s “La La Land” and 2004’s “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” All of them are message movies. So if these types of films are so popular, why don’t we get more?
Not only are these message movies adorned by many, but I believe they are also greatly needed.
Today’s society is complicated and requires citizens who ask deep questions and explore unconventional routes to success. Message movies provide a creative and fun way for people to explore this deep thinking process.
And the best thing about this process? It can apply to anyone in any situation. No matter where you come from and your place in society, message movies get you thinking about how and why your life matters.
Message movies provide a safe space for people of any generation, age, and community to think about who they are and how they can make a difference for the betterment of humanity. Message movies can save us.
Asher Rae Aguirre is a member of the class of 2027 at Santa Clara High School.
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