Ignoring The Hype
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Ignoring The Hype

Why giving into the hype is the ultimate destroyer of great film experiences.

21
Ignoring The Hype
SCREENRANT

It does not take a rocket scientist to understand that there are two types of films: good films and bad films. Just as there are many aspects that contribute to the making of a good film, likewise there are many factors as to why a film can be labeled bad. The list of such factors is quite lengthy: poor acting, atrocious screen-writing, inappropriate lighting or music, and the list goes on.

But did you ever consider the possibility that one of the reasons why a film may be described as bad is because of yourself?

For many people, this is an un-heard-of concept. On the surface, such an argument does not make sense. A viewer does not direct the film, act in the film, or perform any other duties that have any impressive effect on the film. All a viewer does, as many believe, is choose whether or not to view the movie.

If one digs deeper, this is not inherently true.

Think about this: If there is any superpower that actually does exist, it is one that is individually possessed by most human beings and it is often referred to as one's imagination. Our imaginations are truly incredible; they can create entire worlds in our minds, paint beautiful dreams and horrifying nightmares, and craft incredible stories that rival even the most extraordinary of blockbusters.

Our imaginations can also do something else: influence our perceptions.

For example, when DC Comics announced that it's latest film would feature the famous fight between two of the world's greatest superheroes, Batman and Superman, viewer's imaginations took the reins and ran wild. Everything from conspiracy theories to revisitations of classic animated movies and cartoons flooded social media and the Internet. YouTube videos analyzing the conflict, the trailers, and the film's possible plot line appeared faster than raindrops in a thunderstorm.

On the one hand, interest in the film was at a record high, but on the other hand, all of the excitement was raising viewers' expectations to such an incredible level that there was no way the film could even lift its head to meet the bar.

So what happened?

Unfortunately for DC, the film was torn apart by critics and it received brutal treatment across the Internet.

Granted, the film could have been greatly improved in many areas, but this was overshadowed by the one fact no one will admit: the film did not meet many audience expectations, so therefore it must be bad.

This phenomenon is what one of my close friends calls, the hype.

Basically, the hype is over-the-top interest in a film, driven by our imaginations, which fuels our fantasies.

There is a reason why this same friend wisely told me, "Never give in to the hype."

He could not be more right. The hype is the ultimate destroyer of films; it tops any director's error, any editing error, or any cinematic error for that matter.

Why?

Because if a viewer gives in to the hype, the film cannot compete with the viewer's imagination, and so it is then perceived to be bad, regardless of whether or not it actually is.

Viewers need to understand that films are not free-flowing. Instead, they are linear. That means that the film starts at point A and ends at point B. Our imaginations do not work like that. Instead of being linear, our imaginations are fluid, constantly reshaping our fantasies and stories, crafting and re-crafting an endless amount of possibilities.

Our imaginations do not understand that it is impossible for a film to change what it is midway through a showing, just to accommodate our subconscious desires and wishes.

And when a film does not, viewers complain about how "bad" the movie was, completely ignoring were the film succeeded and where it could legitimately be improved.

It is true that there are many factors relating to whether or not a film is bad and a viewer giving in to a hype may, in fact, be the greatest of them all.

Thus, when preparing to see a film, remember to enjoy yourself, watch the film's trailers, and get excited! Then, enter the theatre with a clean slate, one that is not piled high with influenced expectations and over-bloated fantasies. Only by doing this will you as a viewer be able to not only appreciate films more, but be able to clearly identify whether or not the film is truly good or bad.

There is no simpler way to say it: ignore the hype.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71445
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133481
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments