A Warning Against Film Prejudice

We often get a bit of a criticism for the way blockbuster movies are scored in our reviews. In the year end rankings it’s been common to see comic book characters right next to the Oscar nominees, or sometimes above them on the list. Why is that? Well probably because I’ve never considered sadness as a more credible emotion than excitement and spectacle. Remember that moment when you were a kid and you saw the movie. It’s different for everyone. I have about 50. Star Wars, Godzilla, Die Hard. Those movies matter to us because they introduce us to something new, and even more importantly, because we like them.

With my generation, there seems to be a shift around college age where instantly spectacle becomes shallow and excitement becomes cheap. Sure, people will praise The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises because the critics tell us it is okay to do so. I can tell you right now that in a few weeks the pessimistic moviegoer will be praising Looper. The critics are telling us we may do so.

My approach is to go to each movie with the same excitement. I often go on weeknights when the theaters are mostly empty. My wife times me on how long it takes to get our tickets from the kiosk. (I can navigate the whole process in 20 seconds. It’s actually pretty impressive). My point is that I want to be there. But now what? The summer is over and the award season bait is hitting the screens. That’s okay too. Be excited for those. Different film elements are on display. Dialogue is more paramount than the emotions tied to physically fighting.

So here is my call against the least important and damaging form of prejudice, film prejudice. I’m quick to defend action blockbusters since I am constantly reading the “experts” rip them to pieces because of their supposed inferiority. But in reality, the casual moviegoer needs to approach the indie dramas with a similarly open mind. I dare you to go to the movies without an opinion of a film predetermined. It’s tough. But if you’re not willing to have fun at the movies, wait until they come onto TBS or FX. Then you can whine about the amount of commercials they’re playing.