12/07/2006
Critique The Critic!
Are literary and film critics capable of giving an unbiased review when it comes to the “Terrible Three?”
In a nutshell, apparently not.
For decades, movie lovers have either listened to or ignored the voices of the critics. Critics are often highly paid, very picky, and in some genres, they remain clueless.
The three genres of science fiction, fantasy, and horror have all been thrown together more times than fans can count. Despite their commercial popularity, critics usually give these films poor marks for the exact same reasons. Typically, we can assume it is simply because the critics themselves do not like the genres and, therefore, allow their personal feelings to cloud their judgment.
They have deemed the genres of Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Horror together because most professionals in the industry regard them as such. Writers and authors already have a good idea of how these are perceived by the attitude of publishers. So many have, “We do not accept fantasy, science fiction, or horror,” blatantly posted across their web sites.
What many who shun these genres fail to recognize is that these are popular areas. We live in a world where Stephen King has sold far more books and created far more movies than such writers as Jackie Collins. Yet, it seems with most publishers that drama, romance, and erotica are more accepted and published.
American audiences seem to prefer much different material than is often acceptable. For example, look at Lifetime Network. Initially, most non-viewers think of drama, something with intellectual meaning and purpose that is thoroughly positive and constructive. Yet, look through the movies. The majority involves mystery, and others involve the paranormal and much darker themes than mere romance. Add to that the syndication of the popular television series, “Medium,” and it firmly declares that American audiences prefer material with darker themes.
The film industry is much like the writing industry in professional genre preference. Movie critics adore dramas. They love the weepy, “tear-jerker” films that leave everyone feeling good, or sends whatever message they can create from it.
Yet, when a horror movie surfaces, they always return to the same criticism. “One-sided characters, poor pacing, bad plot, poor writing, bad acting, etc.” What are fans of these genres to do for expert advice on what films to see? Sadly, we have no known critic specifically for these three wonderful genres.
A movie critic, “in general,” is a farce from the beginning due to their one-sided nature. They will have a biased opinion prior to ever seeing a film. They, much like editors, will have their own specific tastes and preferences. Very few critics can actually provide a totally unbiased opinion on a movie or book for the entire spectrum of the industry.
Look at such blockbusters as, “The Ring,” “X-Men,” or, “Lord of the Rings.” They were mega-movies with audiences who have returned to watch again and again. This doesn’t even touch on the fan base of “Star Wars,” or, “Star Trek.” Can we consider how many, “X-Philes” there are who loved Mulder and Scully? Yet, how many saw as much recognition as, “Titanic,” or, “Friends?” None. Naomi Watts gave a stellar performance as “Rachel,” in the Ring movies, but never received the much deserved recognition. Even Halle Berry and Penelope Cruz were amazing in, “Gothika,” but little attention was brought to this role.
Fans of the “Terrible Three,” (horror, science fiction, fantasy) seem to be far greater in number than those of many other genres. It is apparent when movies are released and in home video sales. Yet, we still wait for a critic who can adequately discuss these films with interest and intelligence.
11:48 Posted in Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: critics, opinions, genre fiction, film, books, novels