They seem much rarer now, those auteur films that come out of a director's imagination and are elliptical and hermetic. All those films that got me into independent cinema when I was watching it seem thin on the ground.

Toby Jones' quote, "They seem much rarer now, those auteur films that come out of a director's imagination and are elliptical and hermetic. All those films that got me into independent cinema when I was watching it seem thin on the ground," reflects his sense of nostalgia and disappointment about the current state of independent cinema. He laments the decline of auteur films, which are characterized by a director’s personal, unique vision and creative control. These films were often more abstract, with a style that felt introspective, subtle, and open to interpretation, relying heavily on the director's imagination.

The terms "elliptical" and "hermetic" describe the qualities that Jones associates with these films. "Elliptical" suggests that these films often have a narrative style that leaves much unsaid, with storytelling that is fragmented or indirect. "Hermetic" refers to a sense of insularity, where the film creates a world that feels self-contained, requiring the viewer to engage more deeply with its meaning. These qualities, Jones believes, are becoming rare in contemporary filmmaking, as mainstream cinema increasingly leans toward more conventional and easily accessible formats.

Jones also expresses a sense of loss for the kind of independent cinema that initially drew him in. These films were defined by their originality and the personal touch of the director, often pushing boundaries in both form and content. The phrase "thin on the ground" reflects his belief that such films are now harder to find, as the industry has shifted toward more formulaic and commercially viable options, diminishing the presence of truly independent and artistically bold cinema.

Ultimately, Jones' quote highlights the changing landscape of cinema, especially in the realm of independent films. It underscores the shift away from the more experimental, auteur-driven films of the past in favor of more mainstream, accessible works, leading to a sense of disillusionment for those who once admired the creativity and depth of these unique films.