re: Why are modern filmakers so addicted to overly complex plots?

A lot of good answers already, and I think, to a degree, they all speak to some sort of "modern condition" that ends up characterizing modern films. In that, directors are probably guilty of a couple of these problems, not necessarily all of them.

I think, taking on from Jimbeaux's breakdown of postmodernism, is the idea of "arrogance," in the there is a level of arrogance in post modernism's need to break everything down, break it apart. That that very exercise if more complicated than the thing itself (which is false), therefore, more complex.

We also think, as a culture, that we are "better" therefore, that we make better things than times that have come before., and although that's mostly true from a technological standpoint, I think it's a laughable assumption in terms of art. So these "complicated" stories that we tend to make are complicated for complication's sake. They actually don't deserve the pieces, and most of the additions are overblown, but because we are better, it is better.

We don't trust ourselves with simplicity anymore, and we look down on simplicity routinely.

You want to?

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We should talk about how comedies have gone the opposite way of what you described.

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in what way? they may be the worst in terms of change

look at classics from the 80s and 90s and most have simple stories and structures

look at comedies today. lots of crime/noir satires that require that complicated plot. hell even shitty movies like the new Ghostbusters has too much going on (especially when compared to the original).

This is why Fury Road got such rave reviews and is so rewatchable...as is its predecessors, especially The Road Warrior.

It's an extremely simple concept done it exceptional artistry and directing.

Just look at all of Spielberg's early stuff too... It's all so simple and easy to follow and purely entertaining.

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too many characters
too many subplots
too many shock-twists
too many climaxes

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All a symptom of shitty screen writing. You can't substitute special effects and cheesy stereotypes for a solid foundation.

That's really what it boils down to. The best screen writers have left Film either because they are allowed more creative freedom on TV, HBO, Netflix, etc... Or because the studios refuse to take risks or buy their script and then bastardize it.

You are definitely right. Most writers have left for TV.

In fact we may be in the Golden Age of television and streaming.

oh i have another amazing example: Ex Machina

very simple story. i mean stuff happens leading to a climax but there aren't all these subplots running around adding confusion

one of the best movies of the past 15 years

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Don’t forget to include due blame on the audience. Our attention spans are getting smaller and smaller. Large portions of the audience don’t want deep characters with multiple layers they have to peel back over 2 hours. So writers and directors replace an intense study of a few characters with a dozen different archetypes flying through plot twists simply for the sake of twisting the plot. It’s to try and hold onto our limited attentions for a little longer

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This x100

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In fact we may be in the Golden Age of television and streaming.

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“May be”?

We’ve been in it for years now