Great episode, Scott is always a great guest. Can’t wait to see the films you talked about.
Also a great discussion about Christopher Nolan, I agree people are a little too precious about him. But to be fair, I can get precious about the things I love too. :-/
The discussion at the top of this show was so interesting. It made me think of a series that The Guardian newspaper here in the UK are currently running, in which, critics talk about their “most overrated” film. There is one on There Will Be Blood, The Dark Knight, Before Sunrise, etc.
What’s most interesting are the comments people leave. Some are incredibly passionate, but so angry.
But it did get me thinking, is the word “overrated” bad for film criticism? It creates tension and conversation, but is the term too easily dismissive of a film itself based entirely on its fanbase/place in society? It seems to me that an “overrated” film can still be good, or can still contribute positively to cinema. But with the word “overrated” comes many negative connotations.
What’s your opinion guys? Is using the word “overrated” bad for criticism. And even if a film is “overrated” can it still be one of the best ever made?
Interesting question. I actively go out of my way to avoid using “overrated” and “underrated” when talking about matters of opinion.
First of all, “overrated” or “underrated” just means “everyone else likes this a different amount than I do, and I’m right.” That doesn’t tell me anything useful or interesting.
Also–and this is my main reason–once I bring “overrated” and “underrated” into the film conversation it stops being about the film and starts being about my reaction to other people’s reactions to the film. And at that point, who gives a crap? Let’s just talk about the movie.
Short answer: yes, “overrated” and “underrated” are not good for criticism.
I’ve never been more shocked nor delighted listening to this podcast than I was when Tyler made the “two doors” joke. Wow.
Great episode, Scott is always a great guest. Can’t wait to see the films you talked about.
Also a great discussion about Christopher Nolan, I agree people are a little too precious about him. But to be fair, I can get precious about the things I love too. :-/
The discussion at the top of this show was so interesting. It made me think of a series that The Guardian newspaper here in the UK are currently running, in which, critics talk about their “most overrated” film. There is one on There Will Be Blood, The Dark Knight, Before Sunrise, etc.
What’s most interesting are the comments people leave. Some are incredibly passionate, but so angry.
But it did get me thinking, is the word “overrated” bad for film criticism? It creates tension and conversation, but is the term too easily dismissive of a film itself based entirely on its fanbase/place in society? It seems to me that an “overrated” film can still be good, or can still contribute positively to cinema. But with the word “overrated” comes many negative connotations.
What’s your opinion guys? Is using the word “overrated” bad for criticism. And even if a film is “overrated” can it still be one of the best ever made?
Here is a link to the blog series I mentioned, http://www.theguardian.com/film/most-overrated-films
Interesting question. I actively go out of my way to avoid using “overrated” and “underrated” when talking about matters of opinion.
First of all, “overrated” or “underrated” just means “everyone else likes this a different amount than I do, and I’m right.” That doesn’t tell me anything useful or interesting.
Also–and this is my main reason–once I bring “overrated” and “underrated” into the film conversation it stops being about the film and starts being about my reaction to other people’s reactions to the film. And at that point, who gives a crap? Let’s just talk about the movie.
Short answer: yes, “overrated” and “underrated” are not good for criticism.