i cannot imagine a film like Carlito's Way getting made today. it cost 30 million in 1993. it would cost approximately 50 million to make today (i used % increase in CPI). i dont think any studio would finance a gangster flick with little or no action.
and even if it were to get made today, who would play pacino and sean penn's roles? tom hardy? ryan gosling? di caprio? the actors today are terrible.
Well, Carlitos Way was just one of those films... Right Time, Right Place, Right People involved etc. It'd definitely be hard to pull off today though, I agree. The only thing that would save it today is the efficiency of Digital Filmmaking. It would be a quick shoot, definitely way lower in budget BUT, I'm sure it'd attract quality actors. That's a good thing about all these Marvel/DC Films and other Studio Joints, the Actors can take risks. Hardy is definitely a great example. Or how about Fassbender? He's $20mil a pop but still does stuff like 'Shame' because he's friends with Steve McQueen and respects his work. It always depends on a few things... Is it a Well Known Director? Because their name has to sell on its own. Then if you land a star, the budget will grow. Carlitos Way was lucky too. Goodfellas had just come out, similar budget($20-25mil) and Crime Films were Popular. So add in the talent and a bit of luck, it gets made. Fortunately we're seeing the change of am industry though. VOD is allowing for films to make HUGE Profits Longterm. While some may break even at the Box Office, they end up doubling that in DVD/BluRay Sales and on VOD. Studios are taking some risks on Mid-Budget Films. Look at Arrival, it's become one of the years favorites. Instead of the crazy $150mil, it was made on $47mil, already made $70+mil and will probably end up in the $150-200mil area. Those are making studios rethink the ridiculous BS that can make $400mil and still not break even because of Marketing Costs and Percentage Points etc. We'll see a resurgence.
share