Do We Need Film Critics?

As a seasoned film enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel both exhilarated and dismayed by the democratization of film criticism in today’s digital age. Having grown up in the era of print media, I fondly remember the days when the voice of film critics carried significant weight and their opinions shaped public discourse around cinema.

To begin with, it’s important to note that the author of this article is a film critic, which means their perspective and bias should be considered while reading their opinion piece. In today’s world, it’s essential to critically evaluate all information we consume, including its source, the writer, and their intentions. Therefore, I encourage you to remain vigilant and scrutinize this article closely with a discerning eye. Use that magnifying glass of yours when reading or watching anything!

As a devoted cinephile, I ponder over the question “Do We Need Film Critics?”. At first glance, one might assume that film critics are essential due to their extensive movie knowledge, street-smart cinema wisdom, and role as trustworthy guides in navigating the vast and sometimes inconsistent world of opinions on films. They keep filmmakers accountable, challenge the monotony of formulaic filmmaking, cater to discerning viewers, and shine a light on lesser-known gems that might otherwise be overlooked amidst the hype surrounding blockbusters, remakes, reboots, and the like. In essence, they add depth and nuance to our cinematic experience, making our movie journey richer and more rewarding.

Movie Critic Dinosaurs?

As a film enthusiast with a diverse background and experiences, I strongly believe that the traditional concept of a film critic needs a modern revival. The rise of social media and accessible movie review platforms has led to an influx of opinions from individuals who may not have the same level of expertise or critical analysis skills as professional film critics.

Evolution of Media

In the past, many haughty film critics who ruled over print media with their lofty opinions had minimal accountability, as they were published mainly in newspapers and magazines. Their readers had limited options to challenge or engage with alternative perspectives. Without the internet, there was scant competition to stimulate critical thinking and broaden one’s own viewpoints.

The Internet’s glorious rise ushered in an abundance of information, enabling us to access diverse viewpoints instantly. Blogs, chat rooms, social media platforms have made it simple for individuals to share their thoughts publicly. With algorithms now acting as gatekeepers, expressing opinions has become more accessible than ever before. Reaching a consensus through mass rating systems and search engines is now commonplace. This digital awakening offers countless opportunities for seeking opinions and reducing the influence of traditional critics. However, it also introduces new challenges.

What Did It Score?

In simpler terms, the reliance on ratings from sites like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb has become an issue. While these metrics were once helpful, they now pose challenges due to their widespread influence during movie releases. The open nature of the internet, which was initially seen as a freedom, has turned into a hindrance as these ratings have grown in importance. Unfortunately, this system is now susceptible to manipulation by trolls and click farms, which were not anticipated in the early days of the Internet.

As a movie buff, I’ve noticed that consensus ratings can be quite tricky nowadays. With the ease of creating fake accounts and reviews, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to distinguish authentic feedback from biased opinions. The public acknowledgement and ranking of every film have their advantages, but they also come with risks.

When evaluating a film’s place among the top 250 movies of all time on the Independent Movie Database, every film takes on a political significance. This is especially true if the film shows great potential. However, since there’s no requirement to prove that you’ve actually seen the movie, registered users hold significant power in the voting process.

Some filmmakers encourage their supporters, including cast, crew, and family, to boost the number of votes and leave glowing reviews during a movie’s early release. Consequently, you may notice extreme ratings – such as 10/10 or 1/10 – for many films. However, keep in mind that most films fall within the spectrum of being not very good (1) to exceptional (10), based on the SPL!NG-O-METER. Therefore, the mid-range ratings carry significant importance as they reflect the majority of films’ true value.

Everyone’s a Film Critic

In my perspective as a follower, assigning the power to decide a film’s worth to the masses can be challenging. If we solely relied on their preferences, we would likely witness an endless stream of roller-coaster superhero and muscle car speedster movies. This situation might enrage and annoy some esteemed directors, but they would probably concede that it’s a “necessary evil.” However, let’s not forget that a few of them may secretly harbor feelings of envy.

These films may not be considered “bad” due to their ability to captivate audiences and devoted fans with their grandeur and excitement. They generate substantial revenue at the box office, and though some directors might debate their artistic worth due to catering to fan demands, they hold significance and deserve recognition, despite the creative process being more audience-focused than artist-driven.

In simpler terms, the Internet allows for countless voices to be heard, but the abundance of information, some of which may be biased or false, makes it challenging for authentic voices to be clearly heard. Accessibility to expressing opinions has become swift and convenient, however, this comes with the drawback of an overwhelming number of individuals expressing their views, leading to a cluttered digital landscape.

Narrow the Information Highway

After reaching the peak of being inundated with limitless information, the situation is calming down once more. Consequently, experts and seasoned commentators in the movie industry are regaining prominence. Recognizing the significance of controlling information, countries like China are taking steps to do so, particularly in relation to medicine and science during the Covid-19 pandemic. Measures are being put in place to authenticate credentials before individuals are allowed to express their opinions publicly.

While it might appear restrictive, limiting the spread of misinformation actually safeguards freedom of expression. Unchecked expression can lead to harmful consequences when false information is used as a weapon. This may seem extreme in the context of films, but the essence remains: prioritize the knowledge and authority of experts.

Find a Voice to Trust

Movie critics, often seen as simply voicing criticisms from the sidelines instead of creating, actually possess deep knowledge and enthusiasm for films. Their views hold significant value due to their expertise. With critics readily available on numerous media channels today, movie audiences have an abundance of perspectives to consider.

With the Internet making cinema accessible to anyone with a connection, there’s now an opportunity for everyone to share their views on what makes a movie magical. This is beneficial for gathering diverse opinions and expanding the definition of a great film. As financial models shift away from traditional film critics tied to print publications, more reviewers are drawn to the field out of passion rather than monetary gain.

Before discounting movie critics as insignificant, take a moment to ponder over the points in the second paragraph, viewed through the perspective of the modern digital era. Certainly, there are outdated individuals in the field. However, let us strive for the resilience and relevance of film critics, similar to that of critics and truth-tellers across various sectors, ensuring our society stays informed and motivated towards excellence.

2024-07-18 15:40