In an era when everybody with an internet connection may express their thoughts, there has been an odd change in the conversation around art, especially film. People in this day and age, many of whom have no basic knowledge of art or film, feel entitled to loudly proclaim whether a film is “good” or “bad.” The phenomena is not specific to movies; rather, it is a reflection of a larger pattern in which the most vocal critics of an art form are those who are not familiar with it.
Cinema is a sophisticated art form, much like painting or sculpture. It’s ridiculous to take seriously the criticism of someone who hasn’t studied or understood the subtleties of filmmaking, just as it would be unrealistic to expect someone who is ignorant of composition, technique, or history to evaluate a work of art. Nevertheless, this is what we witness every day. People who don’t comprehend the language of cinema—its visual grammar, its storytelling strategies, and its emotional weight—are quick to label movies as “trash” or “masterpieces” without really understanding why.
The Art of Cinema: More than Just Entertainment
Basically, cinema is an art form—a synthesis of music, performance, and visual storytelling intended to arouse feelings, stimulate thinking, or just provide amusement. However, it takes more than merely viewing a few blockbusters to grasp its nuances, as is the case with every creative form. Criticizing film means appreciating its layers: the director’s vision, the structure of the screenplay, the mood-shaping effects of the photography, the editing that manages the pace, and the actors’ depth.
However, modern consumers frequently evaluate films based on superficial considerations. They will label a film as “bad” if it didn’t satisfy their expectations, their own preferences, or whatever arbitrary criterion they made up without any background information. Seldom do they delve further—into the film’s themes, technical mastery, or position in the larger canon of cinematic history.
Lack of Knowledge, Loud Opinions
Probably the most annoying part is that, although it’s OK to not be an expert in movies, it’s quite another to talk authoritatively about something you don’t understand. It’s like entering an art gallery, looking at a contemporary sculpture, and saying right away that it’s “nonsense” because you don’t understand its meaning or context. The same is true with movies.
People who are unaware of the complexities of filmmaking or who have not studied the history of cinema are eager to pass judgment, acting as though their own experiences are the only reliable indicator of quality. They will state that “this movie is bad,” but they won’t be able to explain why. Was it the pacing?, The narrative structure?, The performances? These are elements that skilled film critics evaluate not just personal taste.
A Growing Problem in the Digital Age
This trend has been increased in the digital age by sites like YouTube, Reddit, and Twitter. The fact that everyone can now speak is both a blessing and a curse. More individuals being able to express their opinions is fantastic, but it also means that not everyone who speaks up is the most knowledgeable. A plethora of superficial criticisms, frequently founded on ephemeral emotions and instinctive responses, have resulted from this democratization of thought.
But here’s the thing: you can’t really analyze a film if you don’t comprehend its art. Everyone has the right to their own beliefs, of course, but not all viewpoints are created equal. You shouldn’t consider the opinions of someone who isn’t familiar with the art form on the same level as someone who has studied and appreciated cinema for years, just as you wouldn’t take a random bystander’s criticism of classical music as seriously as you would a professional musician’s .
It’s acceptable to dislike a film. Still, there is a duty involved in judging a movie to be “bad.” Cinema requires the same respect as painting, just as you wouldn’t evaluate a picture without knowing the art world. Take the time to understand what makes a movie work, what doesn’t, and why it matters if you’re going to talk about it with authority. Like any great work, film merits critical analysis rather than simple assessments .
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