So that, to me, is important that audiences are treated with an amount of respect toward their intelligence. Most Hollywood films don't respect their intelligence.

In this quote, Eriq La Salle expresses his belief that audiences deserve to be treated with respect regarding their intelligence when it comes to film. He critiques many Hollywood films, suggesting that they fail to engage viewers intellectually and instead rely on simplistic or formulaic storytelling. La Salle implies that films should challenge the audience, providing them with thought-provoking content rather than treating them as passive consumers of entertainment.

La Salle’s comment reflects his frustration with the trend in Hollywood towards mass-market films that prioritize entertainment over substance. He advocates for films that respect the viewer’s ability to engage with more complex, nuanced narratives. For him, treating an audience with respect means offering films that require critical thinking and do not simply spoon-feed information or rely on clichés.

The origin of this quote likely comes from La Salle’s own experiences in the film industry, where he has been involved both in acting and directing. As an actor, he has been part of various projects, some of which may have fit the mold of typical Hollywood fare. His statement reflects his desire to elevate cinema and encourage filmmakers to create works that offer more than just escapism—films that can stimulate intellectual engagement.

Ultimately, La Salle’s statement is a call for filmmakers to respect the intelligence of their audience by offering stories that are more thoughtful, challenging, and meaningful. His critique of Hollywood reflects his belief that cinema can be both entertaining and intellectually enriching, pushing viewers to reflect more deeply on the stories being told.