Why some people called indie movies, "intelligent" movies?

Echoing the first two answers, and I'd also like to add that usually Indie films leave something to the imagination...they tend to want you to think about the story for yourself and choose not to spell everything out for you with action, direct dialogue, flashbacks, etc. They're often referred to as "intelligent" movies because most aim to make you THINK and FEEL, to CONSIDER and THEORIZE rather than sit back and watch things explode while you munch popcorn and chug soda. They're trying to evoke something other than base cinematic enjoyment.

Of course, that's not ALL Indie films. There are terrible Indie films just as there are terrible blockbusters.

I don't normally hear people refer to all independent films as "intelligent". Far from it. It often takes a lot of digging to sort the gems from the psuedo-intellectual drivel and useless bullcrap you see a lot of.

Even before the end of the studio system (which I'll assume you are referring to) independent films a were around. They did get a lot of attention though when studios of the time realized indie directors could take a shoestring budget and make hefty returns.

Independent films have always been "independent films". It just means that they weren't funded by one of the major studios.

Frequently though, there *is* a noticeable difference between mainstream blockbusters and the large number of independent films out there. Just because they all (or most) adhere the *very fundamentals* of storytelling does not mean they are *all* the same.

lol

The studios have not fallen I assure you. People will always choose big budget films over independent. I suppose they have to make the indie movies a little more "intelligent" story-wise to make up for the lack of special effects and good producing,

Not all independent films are intelligent or even entertaining, but another big difference is that they can portray whatever they want, however they want, without worrying about pleasing corporate sponsors.

I think it might be because indie films don't typically aim to make money. Because money isn't an issue, indie films tend to explore issues or ideas much more deeply rather than try to please everyone.

Because like You, most people don't "get Them." They're made to provoke "Thought", not just Entertain... :)

yes