MovieChat Forums > General Discussion > Is a movie ever “just” a movie?

Is a movie ever “just” a movie?

posted 7 years ago by MinaVladimir (4077)
18 replies | jump to latest

“You’re overthinking this, it’s only a movie.”

We’ve all heard this one (and probably said it a few times too).

A film should carry some sort of idea, even a most basic one IMO. People make movies because they want to convey something to the audience.

Sure, some sway more to the intellectual side, others more to entertainment. You can say that the ideas aren’t that interesting, or aren’t developed well. You can even say that you don’t watch them for anything else, but unplugging your brain for two hours.

But I don’t understand the continuous use of the “it’s only a movie” argument. Is it unwillingness to go a little deeper in what you’ve seen? Or an idea that certain movies are just for fun and there isn’t or shouldn’t be anything more there?

Not everything warrants deep analysis, or has grand themes, but I think it’s insulting to the filmmakers to say that there isn’t more to explore in their movies beyond the literal action on screen.

What are your guys’ thought on this? Why do people say that? Do you think it’s true? Can you give some examples of where it applies (something different than Transformers would be welcomed ;P)?

[–] Catbookss (13664) 7 years ago

Times I may have said it, or thought it:

1. During a very violent, and realistically depicted scenes. Possibly only partially watched from behind a hand ;)

2. When people get into absurdly heated arguments whilst discussing them, and more so if it's obvious the main (and sometimes only) goal was sheer entertainment.

[–] MinaVladimir (4077) 7 years ago

Thanks everyone for the comments! Great points all around, especially the ones about context and nit picking.

P.S. Sorry for not responding to everyone individually, I've been a bit busy these past few days.

[–] Stratego (29339) 7 years ago

I absolutely hate that phrase. Even if it's a brainless action movie or teen slasher, it should be okay to discuss the logic of a movie.

[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 7 years ago

Some are only a movie. A prime example is The Lobster. That was a cinematic mess, so "only a movie" would actually be a compliment to that dog.

😎

"Fruitcake anyone?"

[–] arvin g borkar (2854) 7 years ago

Well, not really. I mean with low budgets and more profit, I would think movies are no more deeper than what we think of them. It is pretty clear cut as to what the writer and directors want the audience to see.