How ‘Inflation’ of Elements Can Make Films Boring

Are Old Movies More Entertaining?

It’s a common claim—”modern films just aren’t as good as older ones.” While this isn’t entirely accurate, there’s a psychological element at play. Only the most compelling old films remain in circulation today, creating the illusion that the average quality of older movies was higher.

Still, if we compare these cherished classics with many modern films that fade from memory after just a few weeks in theaters, some stark differences become apparent.

For example, older Japanese films often struggled to match Hollywood productions in terms of “scale.” Budget constraints made creating powerful, eye-catching visuals a challenge. However, advancements in computer-generated imagery (CGI) have allowed modern Japanese cinema to achieve breathtaking, Hollywood-style spectacle. Yet, even with this newfound visual prowess, many viewers report feeling underwhelmed as films progress.

The Problem of Overuse: Music, Acting, and CGI

Too Much Music

One issue that stands out is the excessive use of music. Music is a powerful tool to evoke emotion—be it heightening suspense, amplifying peril, or delivering emotional resonance in climactic scenes. But when music is overused throughout the film, the effect diminishes, becoming little more than noisy distraction. This “music inflation” weakens its impact where it matters most.

Over-the-Top Acting

Another example is overacting, often called “ganari shibai” (shouting performances). While explosive moments of desperation or rage can be effective, films that rely on constant yelling and dramatic over-enunciation lose their emotional weight. When the volume is always turned up, even pivotal scenes become indistinguishable noise.

The CGI Pitfall

CGI offers incredible possibilities, such as blending real-world landscapes with digital elements for cost-efficient realism. However, CGI inflation arises when effects are overused or exaggerated—think whirling, video game-like camera perspectives that end up feeling artificial and distracting.

The Case for Simplicity: Learning from Jaws

Revisiting Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, a masterpiece of the monster genre, highlights these issues. Despite countless modern shark-centered films, Jaws remains the gold standard. A closer viewing reveals one of its defining strengths: simplicity.

The story is straightforward, the characters are clearly defined, and the film is surprisingly quiet—even during its climactic scenes. The antagonist, a massive shark, is voiceless, and the human-versus-shark showdown is driven by ambient sounds like water splashes, ship creaks, and dialogue—not overwhelming music. This restraint amplifies tension, proving how sparingly used sound can create a more immersive experience.

Modern films often rely too heavily on musical shortcuts to manipulate audience emotions. But, as Jaws demonstrates, the challenge and joy of filmmaking lie in crafting scenes that convey their intended emotional impact without overdependence on music.

Applying These Lessons to DIY Filmmaking

The same principles apply to independent, DIY films. Instead of covering gaps with music to create “impact,” filmmakers should ask: “How can this scene evoke the intended emotions without it?” Embracing such challenges is not only rewarding but also leads to richer, more thoughtful creations.