Paul Thomas Anderson is having a good morning. While his "Inherent Vice" probably deserved a couple more nods, the filmmaker was Oscar nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, while Costume Designer Mark Bridges was honored for his work on the movie. Indeed, both the content and look of the film captured Thomas Pynchon‘s freewheeling, weirdo noir tale, and the picture marks another distinct effort from the director. Indeed, as we’ve heard many times over the past year, these are the kinds of movies studios should invest in. And lo! The sky is falling with the glut of superhero movies on the way! But guess what? Paul Thomas Anderson doesn’t want to hear it.
"Ah, that’s such a fucking crock of shit," he told Rolling Stone. "I can’t remember a year in recent memory where there were less complaints about the quality of movies. And what’s wrong with superhero movies, you know? I don’t know. You’re talking to someone that enjoys watching those films. People need to get a life if they’re having that discussion [laughs]. Those movies get a bad rap."
And, I’d have to agree. Is it disheartening that studios are becoming more and more focused on ever-expanding, tentpole universes? Sure. But if audiences are showing up and having a good time, that’s all that matters ultimately. And once that audience interest fades, Hollywood will chase the next trend and milk it dry. But, if you’re still hung up on Hollywood making empty blockbusters, maybe light one up and go see "Inherent Vice"…distributed by Warner Bros….
