There's a certain kind of basketball fan who gets enraged at free throw shooting. They complain every time a player goes to the line and misses one, erupting with denunciation: "It's the easiest shot on the court! You should make it every time!" This is understandable. It does seem like the easiest shot on the court. Stand at the line, the rim ten feet high and fifteen feet away, take your time, and shoot the ball. And if you're not great at it, then practice more!
I had a professor in film school who used to hate when students pontificated about the meaning of films. He said that it was too easy to cherry pick and make the film about what you wanted it to be about. He asserted that "if a film can mean everything. It doesn't mean anything." I think this is the slippery slope so many critics fall into. I think it is fine to watch a film as a viewer and read into it whatever you are feeling or needing to work out at the time, I think all great art allows that, but that shouldn't happen as a professional film critic.
Very on-point observation. The lure of a well-worded punchline is indeed seductive. As an aspiring critic, I can't say I've never fallen for that trap myself, but this piece very much captures the accountability critics have to "show their work," so to speak.
Wonderfully written!
I had a professor in film school who used to hate when students pontificated about the meaning of films. He said that it was too easy to cherry pick and make the film about what you wanted it to be about. He asserted that "if a film can mean everything. It doesn't mean anything." I think this is the slippery slope so many critics fall into. I think it is fine to watch a film as a viewer and read into it whatever you are feeling or needing to work out at the time, I think all great art allows that, but that shouldn't happen as a professional film critic.
Anyway, great piece!
Very on-point observation. The lure of a well-worded punchline is indeed seductive. As an aspiring critic, I can't say I've never fallen for that trap myself, but this piece very much captures the accountability critics have to "show their work," so to speak.