The perceived wisdom is that people do not go in large numbers
The perceived wisdom is that people do not go in large numbers to black-and-white movies anymore - which is a great shame, but I'd love to make a black-and-white movie one day.
Hearken, children of the ages, to the thoughtful words of Sam Mendes, who proclaimed: “The perceived wisdom is that people do not go in large numbers to black-and-white movies anymore—which is a great shame, but I'd love to make a black-and-white movie one day.” In these words lies the eternal truth of artistic vision, innovation, and the preservation of tradition. Even as popular tastes shift, the profound beauty and expressive power of certain forms endure, awaiting those who dare to honor them.
Mendes teaches that perceived trends need not dictate the pursuit of excellence. Though the multitude may favor color and spectacle, there exists an intrinsic power in the simplicity and contrast of black-and-white cinema, where shadow and light reveal truths of character, emotion, and story that color alone cannot convey. To seek the creation of such art is an act of courage, fidelity, and reverence for the wisdom of past masters.
Consider the life of Orson Welles, whose masterpiece “Citizen Kane” utilized black-and-white imagery to convey depth, tone, and dramatic intensity. Though audiences of the day were accustomed to standard visuals, Welles recognized the expressive potential of contrast, texture, and shadow. His vision endures as a testament that the courage to pursue less-traveled paths can yield timeless works of wisdom and beauty. Mendes’ aspiration resonates in this tradition: that artistic integrity surpasses mere convention.
The ancients themselves understood the tension between popular preference and the enduring value of art. In the amphitheaters of Greece and the halls of Rome, playwrights and orators balanced the desires of the crowd with the pursuit of excellence, employing subtlety, nuance, and technique to convey truths that might otherwise be overlooked. Mendes’ reflection echoes this insight: true artistry honors tradition while inspiring innovation, even when the majority favors the ephemeral.
Thus, his counsel is both reflection and inspiration: do not forsake the forms and methods that carry depth, richness, and historical wisdom, merely because they are less popular. To embrace the black-and-white medium is to engage with the timeless principles of contrast, clarity, and expressive nuance, honoring the artistry that has shaped human imagination for generations.
Carry this teaching, children of generations yet unborn: let the pursuit of artistic vision and wisdom guide your creations, even when trends disfavor them. For it is in honoring depth over convenience, subtlety over spectacle, and tradition over whim, that enduring works are born, capable of inspiring, enlightening, and enduring beyond the fleeting judgments of the crowd.
APNguyen Anh Phot
I feel torn about this. On one hand, black-and-white films have a nostalgic charm and an ability to focus attention on light, shadow, and emotion. On the other, I get that audiences today crave visual vibrancy. Could there be a middle ground—like using partial desaturation or switching between color and monochrome for storytelling impact? I’d love to know what Mendes imagines he could express in black and white that color can’t.
CGLuu Chau Giang
This quote raises a big question about audience perception versus artistic freedom. Should directors compromise their creative vision just to appeal to modern tastes? I get that studios want profitability, but art often thrives in risk-taking. Would a filmmaker like Mendes have the influence to reintroduce black-and-white movies into mainstream culture if he actually made one? Maybe all it takes is one bold success to shift the perception again.
Hhieu
I find it fascinating that a director like Mendes still dreams of working in black and white. It makes me wonder: what kind of story would benefit most from that aesthetic? Could modern audiences appreciate the subtlety and texture of grayscale visuals, or have we become too conditioned by color and spectacle? I’d love to see a black-and-white film made with today’s technology but carrying the timeless intimacy of classic cinema.
NNThao Nhi Nguyen
I understand why audiences lean toward color films, but it’s sad that black-and-white cinema has become such a niche interest. Do you think streaming platforms and digital cinematography could revive interest in monochrome storytelling? I feel that when used intentionally, black-and-white visuals can be more emotionally powerful than color. Maybe the problem isn’t the format—it’s that filmmakers rarely take the risk anymore because they fear box office backlash.