"Hollywood films have become a cesspool of formula and it's up to us to try to change it... I feel like a preacher! But it's really true. I feel personally responsible for the future of American cinema. Me personally"

Alexander Payne’s passionate statement reflects frustration and a sense of duty regarding the state of mainstream filmmaking. By calling Hollywood films a "cesspool of formula", he criticizes the industry’s overreliance on predictable storylines and repetitive structures, suggesting that creativity and originality have been largely replaced by commercial calculation and risk-aversion. The use of the word "cesspool" underlines the depth of his disapproval, painting a picture of a system overwhelmed by mediocrity and stagnation.

He emphasizes change as an imperative not just for himself but as a collective responsibility for artists who care about the future of film. The phrase “it’s up to us to try to change it” indicates a call to arms, recognizing that innovation must come from filmmakers themselves rather than relying on the system to correct itself. He paints himself as more than just a passive participant in the industry; he feels compelled to urge others into action, evoking the tone of a preacher, someone who spreads a message with zeal and conviction.

Payne’s confession that he feels "personally responsible for the future of American cinema" lays bare the deep emotional investment he has in the art form. This sense of personal responsibility implies that, for him, filmmaking isn’t simply a profession but a moral or cultural mission. He experiences a burden that others might shy away from, feeling as though the preservation and renewal of cinematic artistry hinges on the efforts of individuals like himself.

His words are both self-deprecating and earnest, suggesting a tension between humility and a messianic sense of purpose. Ultimately, Payne’s statement is a rallying cry for filmmakers to resist complacency, to strive for authenticity, and to be unafraid to push boundaries, even at the cost of commercial comfort.