Reasons To Be Cheerful (About The State Of Cinema)

Yeah, the negative screams, but hope for the better sings a pretty swell song.

how does it all get there?

Sorry, if I have bringing you down lately. I don’t want you to be glum, chum.

Seriously, though, there are reasons to be cheerful about the state of cinema. Although I think the real question most of us have is “how can I go on?”, I think we also hear that other voice saying “I must go on!”. Sorry, Sam…

Depending on the weather, I guess you’d either call me a pessimistic optimist or an optimistic pessimist. I love the sin but not the sinner. Or is it the other way around? Or doesn’t it matter one bit? You have what you like, and I’ve got mine. Best to keep the trains on separate tracks.

Anyway, this is what we’ve got, at least for now, so we might as well deal with it.

Wait. Cue scratching record sound…

This is supposed to be the upbeat piece for the week. What’s happening here? Are we drifting back down in the demon zone? Has the undertow got us by the foot? Am I letting my actual nature get the better of me? Who’s conning who? Let’s go back to “Go”.

I’ve shared my gripes with you for thirty years now, and yet rarely do I get asked why — if I have such a beef with the state of cinema — do I keep pushing forward.

I think that lack of questioning reveals more about this industry and world than it does me, frankly. The reason I can write so much about this singular topic, is because I love it, love it, love it.

I am in awe.

I worship at its alter. It delights and rewards me more consistently than anything else on this earth.

Let’s face it: cinema is wonderful. Let us now count the ways.

Now before you begin, may I offer a suggestion? This is an exercise I encourage you to practice at least once yearly for the rest of your time on this wretched earth. Keep your love of cinema in shape. Do your exercises.

Ask yourself, what are the reasons to be cheerful about the current state of cinema. Try to think in new ways each and every year. Try not to repeat yourself, but don’t punish yourself if you do. Maybe go ten years before you go back and compare the lists. Maybe keep it in it’s own notebook. Or not. FWIW I like the number of twenty. It is good for a single sitting (or two). Try to hit 20 reasons to be cheerful. Ready?

Do your best, but the journey is the destination. I’ve told you before why I will never be discouraged. A big reason is because I am always in this practice. Take a run. Let’s count the ways.

25+ Reasons To Be Cheerful About The Current State Of Cinema, 2025 Edition