question of the day: Does a movie have to be *about* anything?

This is an older question I came across in comments. LaSargenta wondered:

A question to... everyone who watches movies. Why does it have to be about anything? Is life about anything? Sometimes life and even stories about life are just a string of shaggy-dog stories. Is that bad?

While it’s true that even movies that aren’t about anything are still sort of about something, LaSargenta’s point is well taken: Does a movie have to be about anything? Is a silly story enough, if it’s done right?

(If you have a suggestion for a QOTD, feel free to email me. Responses to this QOTD sent by email will be ignored; please post your responses here.)