Dark times, Dark movies

How often do you hear movies being described as 'a darker version of' or 'a more mutare movie'? Many movies want to sell themselves as realistic, mature or dark. Let's take 'Hancock' as an example, they called it a 'realistic' super hero movie. No more flashy suits and big capes (Edna Mode would be proud) but alcoholism and swearing. Hancock doesn't save the day while flashing his bright white teeth and he simple isn't perfect. Some people stated that this is how a human with superpowers would likely end up in our world, and they make a very good point. I know a lot of people that I wouldn't trust with superpowers, we should just stick to perfect aliens like Superman.



What I've always wondered wether or not those dark and gritty movies are created in a response to our ever harder and hateful growing world. Do these movies top the Box Office because people are tired of seeing everyone having it together, besides themselves? Do people want to see the darker side of a story because it makes their life look less bad?
It's hard to say. But one thing is definitely sure, ever since we've entered an economic depression more and more movies have become darker and darker. 

Alice in Armor

Another great example is 'Alice in Wonderland'. Now obviously this movie was directed by Tim Burton who always had a certain dark undertone in his movies. Yet Alice seems to be dealing with a lot more mature problems and it can't be denied that this movie is much harsher then the original.
'Snow White & The Huntsman' is yet another example . It really ties in with Alice since it's a remake from an old Disney movie. Both have completely different story lines with issues and obstacles that are definitely less child friendly. Even though Snow White dying wasn't very child friendly thing to begin with. And we don't just get to see a tougher Snow White but also a more realistic evil queen. She's not just evil for the sake of being evil, there's a reason for it.

Even in recent movies the trend is still visible, like 'Man of Steel' which is more about the decay of the super hero then his heroism in general. Compared to any other Superman movie, that's pretty new.There are loads of examples like this, and that alone proves my point.