A Movie-Goer’s Responsibilities | Responsible Criticism

In the past, hero introductions elicited claps and cheers, but today, it’s all about flashes from mobile phone cameras. Social media dominates, with immediate uploads and ongoing updates, allowing people to express their thoughts instantly. In a country like India, where around 1600 films release annually, film discussions on social media platforms are inevitable. Live tweets, reviews for different aspects like the first half, second half, trailer, songs, climax, and teaser flood the digital space.

Understanding the Film-Making Process

Every film undergoes a meticulous process, from a basic plot to scriptwriting, casting, shooting, and post-production. The film is then promoted with a unique strategy, sold to distributors, and released. This intricate process involves hard work, adjustments, and struggles, making movies deserving of respect.

Responsible Criticism and Film Respect

While criticism is valid, it should be done with respect and manners. A tweet has the power to impact a film, but considering the effort, dedication, and challenges involved in the filmmaking process, constructive criticism is more appreciated than outright negativity. Big hero films often recover their budget in the first week, thanks to a strong fan base. While loving and celebrating a favorite star is natural, degrading other actors’ films is counterproductive. Box office wars and comparisons do not define a film’s quality, and both hits and flops are part of every star’s journey.

Appreciating Films Beyond Box Office

Appreciating films goes beyond box office collections and star rivalries. Superstars have experienced both hits and flops, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the diverse aspects that contribute to a film’s success or failure. Treating every film with respect, irrespective of the actor or box office figures, fosters a healthier film culture. Many films achieve massive success through word of mouth, with audiences becoming the film’s promoters. Active movie buffs on social media play a crucial role in amplifying a film’s reach. However, sometimes misleading promotions to create a buzz can lead to mismatched expectations.

Misleading Promotions and Audience Expectations

Promoting a film solely for its mass appeal, even if it doesn’t align with the actual plot, can result in disappointed viewers. Makers often leverage an actor’s fan base, creating trends with posters, teasers, or trailers that may not reflect the film’s true essence. Expectations set by these trends can adversely affect the overall viewing experience.

Responsible Criticism and Managing Expectations

Sharing a film’s first look poster or promotional material requires a level of responsibility, considering the impact on audience expectations. Trendy status does not guarantee the film’s quality, and premature judgments can affect the film’s reception. Considering the high cost of tickets, concessions, and the time invested in watching a film, audiences seek value for their money. Most moviegoers attend for entertainment, and if a film falls short, it can be frustrating. However, acknowledging the effort of those behind the scenes and the diverse workforce supported by the film industry is essential.

Impact of Cinema on Livelihoods

Cinema isn’t just about actors, directors, and producers; it supports the livelihoods of countless individuals. From the crew working on set to those involved in post-production and distribution, cinema provides jobs for many. This underscores the importance of respecting the industry.

Responsible Film Criticism

While bad films are inevitable, criticizing them should be done constructively. Recognize the efforts put into filmmaking and avoid using heavy words to bash the entire crew. Understanding what went wrong in a film and expressing it in a thoughtful manner contributes to a more constructive dialogue. Everyone has their own taste in cinema, and no film can please or displease everyone universally. Despite individual preferences, the shared experience of watching movies offers a unique escape and emotional connection. Responsible discussions and celebrations of good films contribute positively to the film culture.

Embracing Responsibility in Film Discourse

As consumers of cinema, embracing responsibility in discussing and critiquing films enhances the overall film culture. Accepting the diversity in tastes, celebrating good films, and approaching criticism with thoughtfulness contribute to a healthier and more respectful engagement with this powerful form of entertainment.