The Biopic Bubble: A Glimpse into What We Value

August is shaping up to be a significant month for streaming services, with numerous high-profile titles set to hit various platforms. At first glance, the influx of new releases may seem like a natural consequence of movie releases each year. However, upon closer inspection, it’s clear that an overemphasis on biopics has become a trend.

The Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” will join Peacock on August 13th, its $1 billion worldwide gross solidifying it as one of the highest-grossing movie biopics in history. Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed “Oppenheimer” will also return to streaming on Peacock, a move that feels more like a reaction to the current box office climate than an effort to give audiences what they want.

The real story here is not about the movies themselves but our collective obsession with biopics. Why do we keep coming back for more despite criticisms leveled against the genre? Is it because we’re desperate to relive history through the lens of a charismatic performer’s rise to fame, or have we become desensitized to their formulaic storytelling and predictable outcomes?

The underwhelming reception of David Lowery’s “Mother Mary” serves as an example. Despite its talented cast and original songs, the movie struggled to find an audience. However, when it becomes available on streaming, will we finally give it the attention it deserves? Or will we opt for the familiar comfort of a Michael Jackson biopic or a Christopher Nolan epic?

The trend is not limited to August alone; the box office has seen a significant rise in biopics over the past few years. Movies like “Rocketman” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” have raked in millions at the domestic box office, but it’s difficult to ignore the feeling that we’re being sold something more akin to a souvenir than a genuine cinematic experience.

The influx of new releases is also evident with Netflix’s supernatural thriller “The Last House,” which will make its way onto the platform on August 7th. One can’t help but wonder if this is merely a precursor to something bigger – are we witnessing the birth of a new era in streaming, where audiences crave an immersive experience that rivals the big screen?

However, it’s also possible that we’ll continue down the same path, opting for the comfort and familiarity of biopics over more innovative storytelling. The answer, much like the box office numbers themselves, remains to be seen.

As we navigate this trend, other films are vying for attention. Disney’s revival of the Camp Rock franchise will undoubtedly draw in audiences looking for lighthearted summer fare, while Aleshea Harris’ directorial debut “Is God Is” promises to bring a much-needed dose of radical feminist theatre to the table.

Billie Eilish’s concert movie “Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live)” is set to premiere on Paramount+ on August 6th. As one of the most talented young performers working today, it’s not hard to see why she’d be at the forefront of this trend. However, as we continue to stream our way through life, what does this mean for the future of live performances and concert films in particular?

One film stands out as a fascinating anomaly – Kat Coiro’s romantic comedy “You, Me & Tuscany.” Despite earning $22 million at the box office earlier this year, the movie has flown largely under the radar. With its charming cast and picturesque setting, it’s hard not to see why audiences would be drawn in.

This raises questions about our collective psyche – are we more interested in escapism than genuine storytelling? Or is there something more at play here – a desire for comfort and familiarity that transcends the biopic bubble?

As we enter this new era of streaming, it’s worth examining what August 2023 teaches us. The box office may be dominated by biopics, but that doesn’t mean we’re any closer to understanding the true value of these films. It’s time to look beyond the surface level and ask ourselves – what do we truly want from our cinematic experiences?