Fallacies in Film

The film/television industry has an extremely active community of critics. They examine every aspect of a project: the acting, behind-the-scenes elements, and the writing, to name a few. But how well do critics’ viewpoints line up with the consensus of the general public? Over the years, there have been several major discrepancies between audience and critical scores. Past films like Captain Marvel were praised by critics but unpopular among audiences; recent films like Don’t Worry Darling was panned by critics but adored by audiences. To investigate how critical opinions influence us and how our viewpoints differ, I interviewed three people from the student body.

Don’t Worry Darling is currently in theaters and has become notorious for its disdain from critics; however, audiences have had a different response. Senior Sam Nigg walked into the film with a preconceived opinion based on the critical response. “My expectations were low,” said Nigg. “Critics were very harsh when rating the movie.” Critics have slandered Don’t Worry Darling for everything a film can be slandered for. Harry Styles’ acting has been universally panned and the story is considered to be lackluster; yet, the response from audiences has been notably positive. “I really enjoyed the film because the twist at the end was super unexpected,” exclaimed Nigg. “I expected it to be mediocre, but Florence Pugh was a star in it. The movie also did a great job of building up the suspense and causing an unsettled feeling in the audience’s stomach.” Sam’s experience can speak for any film. Why should we allow critical reviews to give us a preconceived bias?

While Don’t Worry Darling received negative critical responses and positive audience responses, other recent films (like Elvis and Licorice Pizza) have done the exact opposite. Junior Cameron Roach saw both films and wasn’t impressed. “Elvis wasn’t that good,” said Roach. “I feel like critics review more on the actual concept. The concept for Elvis was solid, but the movie was just ok.” Many films that hit the mainstream have brilliant concepts, but fail to succeed in the eyes of audiences. For example, Licorice Pizza was adored by critics for its originality, even receiving a 2022 Academy Award nomination for Best Picture; however, audiences had mixed opinions. “I didn’t like the movie, not even the concept,” said Roach. “It was just weird. The Academy is rigged and based on arbitrary factors.” The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences relies on the votes of its 9,500 members from all different areas of the entertainment industry to determine nominees. Why don’t audiences get more of a say?

Other movie lovers, like sophomore Cat Bower, prefer to ignore critics and view on their own terms. “I usually take a few things into consideration,” said Bower. “If it’s something I’ve heard good things about if it’s similar to something I’ve watched before if it’s something I know I will find appealing.” By not factoring critical opinions into a decision, a viewer can enjoy a film without a preconceived bias. “I don’t typically concern myself with reviews,” said Bower. “Everyone has preferences and a stranger’s preferences do not matter to me.” Critics are real people with real preferences about what they watch. If they detest psychological thrillers, they would likely give Don’t Worry Darling a negative review; if they love biopics, they would likely give Elvis glowing praise. Why should their preferences influence our assumptions about a film?

The film is an art that can be enjoyed by everyone and, like all art forms, it is completely subjective. Some people enjoy action-packed science fiction adventures that leave an audience in a state of sensory disarray; some people enjoy intricately crafted dramas with stunning performances from an ensemble cast. Everyone has a preference, critics included. A published opinion is not necessarily the best or most accurate. I leave you with a challenge: next time you are searching for a film to watch, forget about the critics. Pick something you have never seen from a genre you enjoy; afterward, take a look at the critical reviews. You are likely to be surprised.