What kind of stories aren't "we" supposed to enjoy anymore? Action-filled, hero-centered stuff, usually based in a particular time period? I don't think that's ever truly gone out of fashion since movies have existed, nor will it, most likely.
What kind of stories aren't "we" supposed to enjoy anymore? Action-filled, hero-centered stuff, usually based in a particular time period? I don't think that's ever truly gone out of fashion since movies have existed, nor will it, most likely.
We're not supposed to enjoy stories where characters earn their victory through hard work and merit. That narrative "supports the patriarchy" or "capitalism!!!" or some such nonsense. Stories about building something from the ground up are also problematic, because they imply this can be done (especially if they're based on true stories). The list goes on...
We're only supposed to enjoy the approved narrative of a woman overcoming oppression (which largely consists of being told not to succeed by men) and realizing "the power was within her all along." Season with anti-social or cruel behavior to taste. Bonus points for deconstructing a fan-favorite male character (Nick Fury, Indiana Jones...) along the way.
I appreciate that kind of re-imagining, because it opens new and imaginative ways to talk about stale characters. I love OG Indiana Jones and watched "Raiders" last week with my wife, who also loves those movies. But there's so much more that could be done in that universe. What would Indy look like from the POV of someone who keeps having their hard-earned treasure "stolen" by him? And he sure wasn't the hero in a younger Marion's memory.
For me, it's the same as when comic books changed dramatically in the 80s. I bought as many Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man comics as my parents would let me as I was growing up. They got a little stale though:
1. $hero is enjoying his day.
2. $villain comes along and ruins it.
3. $hero prevails and goes back to what he was doing.
Then authors like Alan Moore came along and asked what it would look like if the superhero was actually a giant asshole, or emotionally damaged. I can still enjoy Peter Park triumphing over Green Goblin, but I'm glad there are new ways to explore that universe.
I think you're either dreaming up imaginary ideological enemies or making the opinions of a small minority out to be more pervasive and dominant than they actually are.
I suppose I am mostly characterizing what Disney has been offering for the last five years. Even they have managed a few exceptions, like Andor.