Dont judge a movie by the review

My husband and I follow movies with a passion that sometimes serves as a lowest common denominator for our relationship - translated that means that even when we are at loggerheads on all other subjects movies and books are the two things that can keep the fabric of our marriage intact. Even when we are in he middle of a fight, the discussion about a book or a movie immediately serves to thaw the ice and bring back the comraderie.

We have our own parameters to gauge a movie to decide whether it merits watchng. This many times is in direct conflict with the popular opinion of most cinemagoers - but we are kind of used to it by now. We are wedded to certain directors and actors and creative teams and no one, definitely not some two pennies worth critic can keep us out of the cinema hall. Which brings me to the topic of critiquing a movie.

Have ypou ever wondered who decides that a person is worthy of critiquing a work of art - be it cinema, music or art. What gives them the credibility or moral authority to comment on some body else's work. Have they any masterpiece to their credit? Have they accomplished anything noteworthy in that field that they have presumed the right to comment on some body else's work. Every work of art has untold effort, innumerable tortuous hours of toil that have been sunk into it - it embodies a million aspirations and countless dreams. No one ever goes half measures while creating something. Of course not all of us are maestros. So some efforts become masterpieces while others stay mediocre.

However while one can make an informed opinion on a movie, I do not think one has the right or authority to pan something and decry somebody's efforts. Not unless that person has personally proven hinslef in that same field. They say that begruntled people turn into critics. I am inclined to agree. When one does not have it in him to perform he derives joy in deriding the guy who dares to try.

And what is even more pathetic is that the common man ascribes undue importance to one person's opinions, one person's taste without giving the craetor a fair chance. How many times have I heard people writing off a movie just because the review is not good. I have been pleasantly suprised scores of times when I have chosen to disregard somebody else's opinion.

Ayn Rand had classified people as first person and second person individuals on this same trait. Those who only rely on their opinions belong to teh first class. Needless to say they are the ones who blaze their own trail while the others merely follow other's footsteps.