Your tastes reflect a clear preference for films with bold storytelling and distinctive style. Quentin Tarantino’s works, with their sharp dialogue, non-linear narratives, and homage to classic cinema, have indeed stood out in modern Hollywood. Films like Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, and Inglourious Basterds brought originality to an industry often criticized for formulaic productions.

Similarly, Fight Club (1999), directed by David Fincher, resonates with its raw energy, dark humor, and critique of consumer culture. It became a cult classic for its daring narrative and unforgettable performances by Edward Norton and Brad Pitt.

Your disinterest in modern Hollywood isn’t uncommon among cinephiles who value creative risks over blockbuster formulas. Do you find that European or Asian cinema fills the void that contemporary Hollywood leaves for you?

It’s clear that you gravitate toward old European cinema, and I completely understand why. Classic European films often have a raw, unique quality and a sense of artistry that many modern films lack, especially in Hollywood. They focus on atmosphere, character development, and subtle storytelling, which makes them stand out. Directors like Federico Fellini, Jean-Luc Godard, Ingmar Bergman, and Lucio Fulci—each representing different genres and countries—offered something rare that modern cinema often misses: a deep connection to culture, human psychology, and visual artistry.

As for John Woo, many action fans admire his early works such as A Better Tomorrow (1986) or Hard Boiled (1992), but his style, with its emphasis on slow-motion gunplay and intense choreography, can become repetitive over time. Though his films are considered iconic, their reliance on extravagant action sequences can leave some viewers, like yourself, wanting more depth or variety. It’s a fair critique, especially if you prefer films that engage with the audience on a deeper level rather than simply providing spectacle.

Would you like suggestions on specific European films or directors that might be more in line with your tastes?

It’s clear you have strong feelings about Hollywood and certain figures like Tom Cruise, and I understand your frustration. The influence of Scientology in Hollywood has been a controversial topic for decades, with some feeling that its reach has impacted the industry's culture and certain stars' public personas. Tom Cruise, being one of the most vocal and prominent Scientologists, has certainly become a divisive figure in the eyes of many, particularly after his high-profile involvement with the Church of Scientology and various public controversies surrounding his beliefs and actions. His outbursts, such as the infamous Scientology rant in 2005, only solidified his image for many as a figure tied to the Church’s ideologies.

For many fans of movies, especially those with an anti-Hollywood mindset or a strong interest in independent and European cinema, the overwhelming presence of corporate-driven interests and celebrity culture in modern Hollywood, combined with the influence of Scientology, can feel like a barrier to true artistic expression.

If you're looking to move further away from this Hollywood atmosphere, there’s a rich world of independent cinema, particularly from European filmmakers who often focus on deeper themes and more authentic narratives. Directors like Jean-Pierre Jeunet, François Truffaut, Lars von Trier, and others continue to produce work that contrasts sharply with the big-budget spectacle found in the Hollywood mainstream.

Is there a particular European filmmaker or country’s cinema you’d like to dive into further, or are you mostly content revisiting older gems?

I understand that you feel strongly about the direction that Hollywood has taken and the influence of certain groups, such as Scientology. Many people share your sentiment that the "golden age" of cinema—an era marked by bold artistic visions, innovative filmmaking, and a more intimate connection with audiences—has passed. This sense of decline, especially in Hollywood, can be frustrating for fans who crave originality, depth, and the kind of films that were once the hallmark of cinema.

The dominance of big-budget franchises and the corporate-driven, often superficial nature of modern filmmaking, combined with the increasing influence of figures like Tom Cruise, who is deeply associated with Scientology, can feel like a betrayal of the very spirit that made classic cinema great. Hollywood, once known for its groundbreaking films and diverse storytelling, is now often seen as prioritizing profit over art.

However, while modern Hollywood may often feel disheartening, it's worth remembering that there are still filmmakers, both within and outside of the system, working to create compelling and original stories. Independent cinema, especially from European countries, continues to push boundaries and deliver the kind of films that resonate with those who seek more than just spectacle.

Do you think independent or foreign cinema might be a potential avenue for the kind of films you enjoy, or do you feel the golden age of cinema is truly behind us?

It's evident you're feeling disillusioned with the cultural shifts and the direction of popular media. The idea that the "golden age" of cinema is behind us is shared by many who feel that contemporary culture, including cinema and music, has lost the depth and originality that once defined them. This is especially true for those who view today's entertainment, such as Hollywood blockbusters or mainstream music like rap, as reflections of a broader societal decline.

Rap music, in particular, has faced criticism from certain groups who argue that it lacks substance, focusing on themes like materialism, violence, and self-promotion. Some see it as a departure from more "meaningful" musical traditions, often associated with more melodic or structured genres. On the other hand, many fans and cultural commentators argue that rap is a powerful form of expression, reflecting the struggles, triumphs, and realities of marginalized communities. It's also one of the most influential genres in modern music, with a profound impact on fashion, language, and social movements. Artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole have been praised for their insightful lyrics that tackle societal issues, personal struggles, and systemic injustices.

However, you’re not alone in your distaste for some of the more commercially-driven aspects of rap, which you seem to view as a symptom of wider cultural decay. The rise of consumer-focused, mainstream media often leads to homogenization, where profit takes priority over authenticity or artistic innovation. Many people long for a time when cinema and music felt more genuine and impactful.

While it’s easy to get caught up in frustration over these shifts, there are still pockets of artistic brilliance in both cinema and music, though they may not always be in the mainstream spotlight. Independent films and alternative music scenes continue to produce works that speak to those seeking something beyond mass-market entertainment.

What do you think about the future of independent and underground art, whether in film or music? Do you think it can carry the torch of a bygone era, or is it all downhill from here?

It sounds like you're reflecting on a bleak and dystopian vision of the future, one that seems to align with the themes of Lucio Fulci's 1984 film I Guerrieri dell'Anno 2072 (Warriors of the Year 2072). In this film, Fulci paints a grim picture of a future where society has collapsed into lawlessness, and the world is ruled by violence and anarchy, much like the dystopian landscapes of other apocalyptic films of the time.

The film itself is a fusion of science fiction, action, and post-apocalyptic genres, reflecting the fears of the 1980s, when the world seemed to be teetering on the brink of both nuclear war and societal collapse. The dystopian future Fulci depicts is one of extreme brutality, where the surviving population struggles against oppressive regimes and criminals who control scarce resources. It echoes concerns about the erosion of social structures and values, something that may resonate with your feeling that modern culture is in a rapid decline.

This bleak view isn't confined to Fulci's work alone—many filmmakers and artists during the late 20th century explored themes of societal decay, particularly through dystopian narratives. Films like John Carpenter's Escape from New York (1981), George Miller's Mad Max series, and even Ridley Scott's Blade Runner (1982) also explore futures where lawlessness and decay have taken hold, often as a direct response to the feeling that humanity was heading toward self-destruction.

While the pessimistic view you hold may resonate with such films, it’s worth noting that these dystopian visions, though grim, often carry a subtle message of hope or resistance. Characters in these films, though living in oppressive systems, frequently struggle to find or protect a semblance of humanity or individuality—something that could still be a reflection of those small pockets of resilience in our own time.

In a way, these films can serve as a warning about the path we might take, but they also show the possibility of change, however difficult that might be. While it might seem like "hope is gone," dystopian films often leave us with the reminder that things can always change—though it might take the most unexpected of heroes or revolutions to turn the tide. Do you think these kinds of themes have any relevance today, or do they just feel like an echo of a past that we’re still living through?

I completely understand your perspective, and you're certainly not alone in feeling disillusioned with some aspects of modern music, including rap. It’s clear that you have a deep appreciation for older, more substantive forms of culture—be it through cinema, music, or art—and believe that much of contemporary music lacks the depth or value of past works.

Rap, as a genre, has undeniably had a profound impact on music and culture, and for some, it represents a voice of struggle, social commentary, and expression, particularly in communities that had long been marginalized. While you may not find worth in that, many artists in the genre, especially in its more lyric-driven forms, have been praised for their innovation, wordplay, and introspective commentary. However, I understand that this perspective is often at odds with those who see the commercial aspects of modern rap—focused more on style, excess, and celebrity—as frustrating or even harmful to the art form.

For someone like yourself, who prefers the depth and substance found in the golden eras of cinema and music, it can feel like there’s a devaluation of artistic integrity in much of today’s media. The struggle you’re describing—the feeling that everything is getting worse—has been felt by many who look back with nostalgia for a time when art was seen as an expression of cultural significance rather than a commodity.

Do you see any glimmers of artistic integrity in modern films or music that you might appreciate, or do you think it's all lost?

Understood, I’ll refrain from discussing rap or any other genre you don’t appreciate. We can focus on topics that interest you, like cinema, older music, or any other cultural aspect that resonates with you. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to explore!