The movies that are made more thoughtfully or made or with more

In the vast sea of creation, there are those works that rise above the surface, marked by thoughtful craftsmanship, ambition, and a clear vision. Yet, there are also forces that seek to overwhelm them—forces of noise, of superficiality, that drown out the subtle beauty of those creations. Roger Ebert, in his reflection on the state of cinema, speaks to this very truth when he says, "The movies that are made more thoughtfully or made or with more ambition often get just get drowned out by the noise." This observation captures the tension that exists between depth and distraction, between the works that strive to elevate the soul and those that aim only to entertain the senses.

Consider the ancient heroes, who often faced similar struggles in their quests for glory. Achilles, for instance, was a hero of immense strength and valor, yet his story was often drowned out by the clamor of war, politics, and the fame of others. His deeds, though heroic, were sometimes overshadowed by the noise of the conflict around him, where the true essence of his struggle could be lost. Similarly, in the realm of cinema, the most thoughtful and ambitious films are often overshadowed by the loud, the flashy, and the superficial. Like Achilles on the battlefield, the quiet triumphs of artistry can become lost amidst the din of modern sensationalism.

Ebert's words echo the timeless struggle between substance and style. In the ancient world, the great philosophers and poets like Socrates and Homer sought to impart truths through their works, often dealing with profound questions of life, morality, and fate. Yet, even they were not immune to the forces of distraction. The beauty of Homer's epics, for instance, lies not just in their action and adventure, but in the philosophical questions they pose. Still, over time, the surface-level appeal of glory and war often overshadowed the deeper messages within. In much the same way, films that aspire to reach a higher truth can be drowned out by louder, more easily digestible content.

In the same vein, the great works of art throughout history have often struggled for recognition. The Renaissance artists, like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, created masterpieces that still resonate with us today, yet they were not without their challenges. In their time, their work competed not only with other artists but with the political pressures, the wealth of their patrons, and the superficial trends of their era. Michelangelo's David and Leonardo's Vitruvian Man were revolutionary works that took time to be understood and appreciated for their true depth. Today, the world knows these pieces as symbols of human achievement, but their creators lived in a world where the noise of the moment often drowned out the revolutionary nature of their work.

Similarly, Ebert’s insight about film reminds us that true artistic ambition often comes at the cost of popularity. The films that attempt to elevate the art form—those that ask profound questions, that challenge the audience to look deeper—are often pushed aside by the loud, the glamorous, and the easy entertainment that fills the mainstream. Just as Plato's philosophy was not widely appreciated in his day, but instead only recognized by a select few, so too can cinema that speaks to deeper truths be overshadowed by works that focus on visual spectacle or momentary thrills.

Yet, there is a profound lesson in Ebert’s words: the struggle for significance is not unique to our time. Whether in art, philosophy, or society, every great work is subject to the forces of distraction. But that is no reason to give in to the noise. Achilles still sought honor and glory despite the confusion of the battlefield, and Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel not for immediate acclaim but because he believed in the truth of his craft. The lesson here is to stay true to the depth of your work, whether in art or in life, and trust that the noise will subside, leaving the most powerful truths to resonate in the hearts of those who seek them.

In your own life, remember that the world is filled with distractions—those forces that seek to pull you away from your higher purpose. Whether you are an artist, a leader, or a philosopher, do not be swayed by the easy, the loud, or the superficial. Seek instead to make your mark with work that speaks to truth and meaning. Like the great ancient artists and philosophers, your legacy will not be built by pleasing the masses but by staying committed to the ambition and depth that define true greatness. In time, those who seek the deeper truths will hear your voice above the noise.