Why are blockbuster movies now so long?

It probably happened during the 75th bit of banter-cum-CGI-swordplay-type-battle scene in ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End’. The moment when you finally thought to yourself: ‘why is this film still going? Surely after three of these things it would easier to wrap up the storyline in under two hours?’ Ultimately, 'Pirates 3' ran a ridiculous 169 minutes.
 
For some unfathomable reason, family-orientated summer blockbusters seem to be getting longer. 2013’s first big US flop, ‘The Lone Ranger’, clocks in at a ten-gallon-hatted 149 minutes (it’s also directed by Pirates’ Gore Verbinski, a talented man with a clear phobia of editing rooms). Zack Snyder’s ‘Man Of Steel’ is 143 minutes and you barely hear the word Superman.

[The movies that didn't know when to end]

It’s not restricted to action epics. Take three of the greatest romcoms ever made: ‘Annie Hall’, ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and ‘It Happened One Night’. Their respective lengths in minutes – 93, 96, 105. Judd Apatow’s ‘This is 40’ comes in at 134.
 
It’s a strange phenomenon. Film is expensive. If ‘The Lone Ranger’ had been a pithy hour-and-a-half, it would have cost significantly less than its purported $200+ million. Even if it had still been a flop in the US, Disney would have lost a lot less cash. Of course they may still recoup in the unlikely event the movie is a surprise hit when it is released in the rest of the world. But don’t hold your breath.
 
Equally peculiar from a financial perspective, longer running time means less showings in cinemas. Reduce your length and that means another evening screening at the Cineworld Bradford. Another chance to fill the tills.
 
So why do studios and filmmakers persist? And more importantly, whose fault is it that we are forced to sit through flabby films that would inevitably have been improved by some judicious cutting?

 
James Cameron
 
King James really should take some responsibility. ‘Titanic’ paved the way, while ‘Avatar’ followed suit. The result was two of the most successful movies of all time. Execs clearly now think audiences demand elongated spectacle. That is, you’re paying £15 a ticket, plus whatever else for popcorn, etc., so it had better be worth the money. If not in quality, then in the amount of time sitting in your seat.
 
The past
 
Others might say that Kubrick did it with ‘Spartacus’ (197 mins) and if Kubrick’s done it, then it’s worth copying (though it’s worth noting that both ‘Citizen Kane’ and ‘Casablanca’ are under two hours). Perhaps filmmakers think a lengthy running time suggests gravitas and thoughtfulness, a respect for the complexities of narrative. Obviously those people haven’t sat through ‘Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen’.
 
Ego (and the subsequent brown-nosing it engenders)
 
Snyder, Apatow and Verbinski are three of the most powerful directors in Hollywood. It’s increasingly unlikely that someone sits them down after a preview screening and says, “Hey, Zack, mate, I’m loving Russell Crowe explain again how Kal-El is a really special kid. But if you want to keep that bit, can you not chop some of the fighting at the end?” As perceived hit-makers, the studios are too desperate to have them and their ilk onside.

[Hobbit stars explain why it HAD to be long]

It’s us, not them
 
Explains Mark Batey, chief executive of the Film Distributors’ Association, “I think today’s generation of media-savvy audiences who watch a lot of stuff on Youtube are just more used to a greater variety of short-form video content than any generation of audience before them.” Still, it’s down to us to vote with our wallets. “Ultimately, audiences are the arbiters.”
 
So where do we go from here? CGI extravaganzas become ever more the norm. If we are supposed to enjoy watching massive somethings smashing up huge something elses – and we’re arrogant enough to want characterisation and dialogue in amongst the carnage – apparently we better get used to numb bottoms.
 
A final, simple plea to future filmmakers/executives currently hatching blockbuster season 2015. In fact, it’s just one word: Pixar.
 
Those guys know how to do it. And more importantly, keep it short. A movie can still feel epic and be less than two hours. Something to ponder when Michael Bay asks you for another $25 million to destroy Basildon “in, like, a really cool way!”