What Does It Take For You To Consider Your Film Viewing Experience A Success?

In my book, Vibes From The Screen, I point out that I have one major rule that I impose upon all my film groups and classes, to wit: “Never read a movie review prior to seeing the film.” I constantly urge all moviegoers to follow this rule. In my opinion it is important to go into a viewing totally unfettered, completely open to receive the messages and the art of the film. Form your own opinion and conclusions before being influenced by others. How are they better able to judge what you will enjoy than you are? Guidance can be accessed two other ways. It is always possible to obtain a two or three sentence synopsis of a film via IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes so that you have an idea of the subject matter. Skip the reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic and just check out their overall critic rating without any analysis. This would normally filter out the real trash. (IMDb’s ratings come from the site’s users and provide a slightly different perspective.)  Only after seeing the film should one read the movie reviews by the top writers, to help expand your analysis and appreciation of the film.  The good film critics do add a lot to the learning and discussion.  Their essays have life experience substance.  The rest are just static.  Determining which ones are discerning and worthy to be trusted takes time and effort but is worthwhile.

Over the past 14 days I have attended viewings of the nine 2017 versions of the films listed below. Next to each are the critics’ average score on Rotten Tomatoes; the critic’s average score on Metacritic; and my personal score. As you can see there is some wide variance between the critics and myself on a few of these. I will discuss these differences in the posts on the individual films. But the why, of their very existence, is the point for discussion here.

First is the fact that I discovered when I started taking film classes – I am not meant to be a film reviewer. My aim is to become a connoisseur* of the art of filmmaking. I have a long way to go on my journey but I am learning daily. Most movie critics write for an audience while I write for myself. Just as I love discussing film with others and benefitting from their insights, I have also found that by putting my feelings and ideas on paper (or onscreen) I help myself gain better insight into the film. I view films for the art demonstrated as opposed to the entertainment value. I rate the presentation of each of the elements. That is not to say that I do not find some films purely entertaining but my primary amusement comes when I am enthralled by a film. Sometimes it is the story and gravitas of its underlying meanings. Sometimes it is the awe and vibes from the acting, or the cinematography, the sounds (including music) or the directing. If any one of these leaves an impact with me, then my viewing has been a success.  I do not have to have “liked” the movie.  From time to time all of these elements come together to provide a truly great film. I recently led discussions at my university on the 1993 drama Three Colors:Blue, directed by Krysztof Kieslowski and starring the talented and intelligent Juliette Binoche. This film is definitely one of the latter – a masterpeice. Another reason I could not be a true film reviewer is the fact that I just cannot watch or appreciate certain levels or genres of movies. I don’t even try anymore. That does not make those films bad or less artful. They just don’t suit my distinctive taste. Will that change as I journey towards my goal? – Perhaps.  Additionally, in full disclosure I do admit, as many of you know, to a cultural bias in favor of European films.

So I would like to hear from you. What are your criterion? What must happen for you to finish a viewing and feel that you had a meaningful experience? How much do film reviews affect your choices? Etc.

*Connoisseur: One who understands the details, technique, or principles of an art. One who can discriminate and appreciate the subtleties so as to become competent to act as a critical judge.