Roland Emmerich wants to get serious

BERLIN, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Director Roland Emmerich reportedly plans to move from blockbusters such as "Independence Day" to more serious fare.

The Hollywood Reporter said Emmerich told reporters in Berlin that he wants to take on "more difficult, socially relevant" films in the future. Emmerich spoke at an event in which he unveiled his new production-financing company Reel Machine.

"I'm older now," he said. "I want to do other things."

Emmerich called his 2004 hit "The Day After Tomorrow" a first step in his evolution from crowd-pleasing pictures to more meaningful work.

"I did what I always do, but for the first time, there was a message, as well," he said.

"The Day After Tomorrow" -- starring Dennis Quaid in a cautionary tale about the fragility of the environment -- grossed $186 million at the U.S. box office and more than $320 million worldwide.