Adaptation ... embraces the possibility of another paradigm: commerce and art. ... What do you think? ... Is the world of movies justifiably divided into two spheres - commercial movies vs. "serious and sophisticated" films?

I sure as heck hope not, because I'm trying to accomplish that exact task with my story: a big (dare I say) "four-quadrant" film that deals with universal themes and questions but is told in the context of a personal, gritty mystery thriller, which along the way veers into areas of the paranormal with "graphic novel-esque" characters.

Not trying to pitch. Just stating that, from day one, I, personally, have been guided by the desire to "hide" Big Ideas in a commercialized story that appeals to both men and women, young and old.

Best part yet! Interesting topic. I've seen thousands of movies, but have yet to see Adaptation, even after multiple friends telling me to. So tonight I will pick it up.s

Hollywood based on a lie? I'd say no... and yes. The happy endings do very much happen in life, it's all perception (I'm currently happy as a poor wannabe screenwriter, but I'm striving for more). You always hear about movies 'based' on a true story. There is some truth, but reality and movie magic dilute the truth.

One great example is the movie Remember the Titans. A very powerful story, based off of a true story. Sports Illustrated did an article on the school a few years back, the school had not continued to champion over sports and segregation. It had transformed into a school that no longer serviced minority students and the main sports program was a rowing team. Titans were not remembered there.

Of course Hollywood is based on a lie, every freakin industry in America is:
...Fashion-make you look better clothed than naked
...Literature-play to your need to live a fantasy vampire life so you dont have to take risks in real life.
...Fast food - tastes great but is really bad for you
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The general public prefers the lie so corporations will always deliver.
Yes there is room for great movies that are critically acclaimed as well as being generally interesting, but those will always be the minority because Joe Q. Public will watch Armaggedon 60 times, but (insert your favorite highbrow movie here) once.

Hollywood prefers the easy way out. Creating art films is complicated; it takes research, accuracy, honesty, the ability to consider and challenge stereotypes, to explore taboos or unpopular view points. It requires rehearsal time and often forgoing botox-ed stars in favor of unknowns, for the sake of authenticity. It requires risk.
Film might be entertainment right now, but that shouldn't be its sole goal. A film should enrapture us, thrust us inside the world and the characters, but it should make is think, it should say something specific, new and interesting about the events presented, and it should challenge us to think and respond. It should lie to tell us a truth. And too often Hollywood lies not for the sake of telling a truth, but for the sake of making big bucks.