Sometimes it seems as if everyone is a critic – and Roger Ebert is certainly one of the most recognizable names in America’s lucrative entertainment business.
That is why a number of Hollywood moguls may very well sit up and take notice of Ebert’s scathing criticism about the current state of 3D entertainment.
Indeed, according to Ebert, 3D is a “waste” of a perfectly good dimension.
“Hollywood’s current crazy stampede toward it is suicidal. It adds nothing essential to the moviegoing experience. For some, it is an annoying distraction. For others, it creates nausea and headaches,” Ebert opined in a rather lengthy Newsweek column entitled ‘Why I Hate 3D.’
“It is driven largely to sell expensive projection equipment and add a $5 to $7.50 surcharge on already expensive movie tickets. Its image is noticeably darker than standard 2-D.”
Ebert also insisted that 3D is “unsuitable” for “grown-up” films of any seriousness.
“It limits the freedom of directors to make films as they choose. For moviegoers in the PG-13 and R ranges, it only rarely provides an experience worth paying a premium for.”
However, Ebert noted that he is “not opposed” to 3D as an option, but remains firmly against the medium as a “way of life” for Hollywood.
“It seems to be skewing major studio output away from the kinds of films we think of as Oscar-worthy. Scorsese and Herzog make films for grown-ups. Hollywood is racing headlong toward the kiddie market. Disney recently announced it will make no more traditional films at all, focusing entirely on animation, franchises, and superheroes,” explained Ebert.
“I have the sense that younger Hollywood is losing the instinctive feeling for story and quality that generations of executives possessed. It’s all about the marketing…The marketing executives are right that audiences will come to see a premium viewing experience they can’t get at home. But they’re betting on the wrong experience.”
