If a movie isn't a hit right out of the gate, they drop it.

Hearken, O listeners of wisdom, to the words of Roger Ebert, a seer among those who contemplate the flickering images upon the silver screen. He casts his gaze upon Hollywood, that grand theater of dreams and illusions, and observes a troubling pattern: when a movie falters at the outset, when it fails to seize the attention of the masses instantly, it is abandoned, cast aside like a vessel unworthy of the sea. In this relentless pursuit of immediate triumph, the mainstream product has been bent and twisted, shaped to the basest appetites of the crowd: violence, vulgarity, and the shallow amusements of teen comedy rise above all else, while subtlety, depth, and courage languish unseen.

From the earliest days of storytelling, societies have wrestled with the tension between art and commerce. The ancients, too, understood the peril of pandering to popular whim. In the amphitheaters of Greece, tragedies by Sophocles or Euripides were celebrated not merely for spectacle, but for their capacity to reveal the truths of the human condition. Yet even then, playwrights risked censure when their works did not immediately enthrall the audience. Ebert’s observation is a modern echo of this ancient struggle: the marketplace, ever impatient, favors instant gratification over enduring artistry.

Consider the story of Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott. Upon its initial release in 1982, it failed to achieve commercial success, and many doubted its value. Yet its vision, its depth, and its exploration of humanity would endure, inspiring generations and becoming a cornerstone of cinematic reflection. This is the very counterpoint to Ebert’s lament: when commerce dictates art, the soul of storytelling is imperiled; yet where vision persists, greatness may emerge, though often belatedly.

Ebert’s critique also illuminates a societal mirror. By privileging violence and vulgar comedy, mainstream cinema shapes the perceptions and desires of its audience, particularly the young. The constant exposure to shallow thrills and sensational spectacle risks dulling the capacity for reflection, empathy, and appreciation of nuance. The cinema becomes less a temple of human insight and more a marketplace of instant sensation, a reflection of a culture that prizes profit over meaning.

Yet, even within this shadow, there is hope. The rise of independent cinema, film festivals, and streaming platforms demonstrates that artistry can find a path, even in a world dominated by immediacy. Just as the ancients gathered in small circles to preserve knowledge, modern creators have cultivated spaces where thoughtful storytelling may flourish. Ebert’s observation is a clarion call: to honor depth over immediacy, to seek substance amid spectacle, and to resist the tyranny of fleeting trends.

The lesson is clear for both creators and consumers. As an artist, strive for integrity, even when the market is harsh and fickle. Trust that works of value, though perhaps unrecognized at first, may find their place in the hearts and minds of those who seek meaning. As a consumer, choose what nourishes the mind and the spirit; support films that challenge, illuminate, and inspire rather than those that merely pander to base impulses. In this dual vigilance, both creation and reception align with the higher purpose of art.

Practical action follows naturally from this wisdom: seek out cinema that provokes thought, that explores the human condition with courage, and that dares to deviate from formulaic violence or shallow comedy. Educators and parents may guide young viewers toward films that broaden understanding and cultivate empathy. Critics, too, bear responsibility: their voices may elevate works that might otherwise be drowned by the roar of the market, preserving a space for the enduring value of storytelling.

Thus, remember the words of Roger Ebert as a guiding principle: the fickle nature of immediate success should not dictate the measure of art. True greatness often requires patience, courage, and vision. By cultivating discernment, nurturing creators, and seeking depth over spectacle, we honor the ancient promise of storytelling—to illuminate, to challenge, and to endure beyond the fleeting desires of the moment. In this, both society and the human spirit are enriched, and the theater of dreams remains a sanctuary for the soul.