Commercial vs. Literary Film

It’s commonly discussed that literature can be divided into two main divisions: commercial and literary. Commercial literature is published with the sole purpose of making money. The books are generally easy to read and can appeal to a wide audience. Readers usually expect a sympathetic hero or heroine, a defined plot with suspense, and a happy ending. In addition, the book’s theme commonly affirms conventional views of world. Literary fiction’s purpose is very different: either an artistic or to broaden or deepen the reader’s awareness of life. Literary fiction seeks to bring the reader pleasure combined with understanding. It often attempts to dispel illusions about certain places, things, or people. In fact, literary fiction commonly attempts to challenge or change world views. Since we’ve been arguing that movies are, in fact, literature, it follows that we can argue that there are also two main divisions of movies: commercial and literary. The commercial movies are often movies that are supposed to draw in viewers based on a funny, romantic, or familiar story line; movies made solely to bring in money. A common commercial movie would be the romantic comedies often found in movie theaters (i.e, Nicholas Sparks’ movie Safe Haven). On the other hand, literary movies have a deeper purpose which often includes the dispelling of misconceptions or prejudices. For instance, Schindler’s List and Remember the Titans both have a deeper purpose than entertainment. Each movie seeks to confront and dispel the racist tendencies that lie dormant in society. Schindler's List takes the audience through a dark, riveting tale set in the Holocaust and forces many to confront issues that are often skirted around, leaving the audience uncomfortable yet altogether better off. Remember the Titans isn't quite as harsh, but it still details the racism present at the high school football level, which is just as hard to stomach. This scene is difficult due to the gruesome civil war references, yet it is one of the most inspirational moments in all of sports.

These movies are forcing the viewers to think, which is often a signal for a great movie; however, great movies can be commercial. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is considered a classic, yet it doesn't challenge deep, societal issues like the preceding movies. Even some commercial fiction is well regarded, such as the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which combines wide appeal with critical acclaim. Movies are literature, and they are divided as such, yet it is crucial to recognize that these are not strict definitions; they exist on a spectrum. In addition, some movies are focused on a specific audience or not intended to be great movies at all, but are instead intentionally silly. It is due to this large variation that movies are so appealing: there is a movie for every view, mood, and by extension, person, which is why we love them so dearly.