Ignoring The Hype | The Odyssey Online
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.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

193716
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

16964
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

459401
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27489
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments