My take: The old classics were based in the culture of a country like Gone With the Wind or Dr. Zhivago. You had to have some background in the politics to appreciate what you were watching. Current movies are based on fictional characters, many with superpowers, who navigate a society created for the movie. Think Avatar or any of the superhero movies. They have the ability to be dubbed in any language and sent to any country in the world and be equally understood by the audience. Better for generating profit.