For the most part, Hollywood is more than happy to peddle the same tired, predictable ground wheh it comes to blockbusters, functioning on the "if it ain't broke then don't fix it" ethos which is fine for churning out over-familiar products to the listless masses but restrictive if any attempt at artistry is to be involved. There are exceptions to the rule of generic movie production - indeed, especially since the release of the hugely popular The Matrix Hollywood has come to understand that it can be hugely rewarding to invest in original, "high concept" films which challenge the audience and tread new, previously unexplored, cinematic ground. Filmmakers who are able to get interesting and original high concept ideas off the ground and into development - never mind finally onto the silver screen - are a rare breed, and they deserve all the credit they can get for trying to inject some originality into their films. When they succeed - as the Wachowski's did with The Matrix (if not the sequels) and Christopher Nolan did with Inception - the results can be spectacular. But not all high concept blockbusters are pulled off without a hitch - some, despite their best intentions and great ideas forming a solid foundation, fail to live up to expectations. The following list covers ten high concept movies which failed to deliver the goods.
