Movies Are Not Moral Compasses

They have never been and never will.

Dear Reader,

Some of you might know, that I’m writing a series of posts about my favourites this month. I have posted my first post in this series, listing my favourite albums. Do check it out, if you haven't yet. Right now, I’m writing a post about my favourite movies. One of those movies is, Poor Things. Yes, the Emma Stone movie, for which she got an Oscar for playing the role of Bella, the woman with the brain of a child. When I opened its Letterboxd page for gathering some information about the movie, I came across some absurd reviews. Honestly, I never read or watch them for anything because I feel, that everyone should have their own opinion on something, which should never be a by product of someone else’s.

Contrary to my practice, I felt the urge to read some reviews which heavily criticised the theme of the movie. The most obvious point, many of them made, was about the multiple obscene scenes in the film and the evil message it tries to give. Let me attach one here,

Hmm, spicy, isn’t it? While reading this, I was only able to think about, how people expect movies to be utopian reflections of the world. I truly respect their opinion about the film, but when did the movie vouch for being morally correct?

Movies are not moral compasses. Yes, they aren’t and never will be. A moral compass is a set of beliefs about what is right and what is wrong, that guide’s one’s actions. And I think, movies should not be watched and made to guide us. To be honest, no kind of artistic expression should influence or motivate us to behave in a certain, morally righteous way. Because at the end of the day, everything is made just for entertainment purposes. Okay, you might say, that some movies are made to give a message, and I totally stand by that. But these movies are very few in number. Not every movie is a show of moral values. Just imagine, wouldn’t it be so boring to see every character being socially and politically correct, only to justify the moral righteousness in front of the audience?

Addressing the above review, the person has a problem with the protagonist of the movie. Firstly, this is an adaptation of the book of the same name. So, the makers have only shown what the book stated. Tell me, if you (the reviewer above) have read this book before watching this, would you question the book as well? You might, but not everyone does. I’ve noticed that a lot of people feel comfortable while reading books centred around sensitive topics like this. And no-one feels to talk about the book being morally incorrect. They say, it’s fiction, anything is possible and writers have the liberty to write about anything, even if it’s acceptable or not.

But why do movies get burned at the stake, whenever the makers try to dip their feet in risky waters? Why the moral police van, starts chasing them? Well, movies are one of the only creative mediums that can reach to a wider audience. Most of the people that make up an audience, have rigid beliefs and whenever they come across something that’s even slightly morally incorrect, they start marching with their pitchforks.

Movies are an artistic expression which don’t care for being an exhibition for morality. Movies are a way to experience escapism, from our world to some other, which doesn't always have to be a utopia. Why was the first movie ever shot? To preach the audience or entertain them? Well, I think the latter makes more sense. Humans have the right to form their own opinions but relentlessly criticising something just because it doesn’t match their moral expectations is stupid.

It all comes down to one thing. We have become so sensitive these days. I remember, in the olden days, movie makers would always get away with problematic themes and scenes. Why? Because, the people didn’t care that much in those days. They only wanted to be entertained and that’s what movies are for.

Just a few days ago, I read two brilliant posts on Substack. Both of the authors are my good friends here. First one is, ‘We live in an angry culture…’ on Arathy’s Substack, written by

Arathy

herself. The second one is, ‘the age of hypersensitivity’ on frankly, my dear, written by

Janu

. Please read these masterpieces ASAP. Both of them talk about the overtly sensitive nature of people these days. They get pissed off over the smallest of things. Everything comes down to social media and the urge to criticise everything we see on the internet, because apparently, we’re so good at it! No, you don’t need to, because not everything is made for criticising. Some things, like movies are only made for entertainment and it would be really better if people treated them like that as well.

If a poor things’ hater has come across this post, and is cursing me while reading this, please don’t waste your time in reading the entire thing, (Well, if you’re reading this line, that means you’ve reached the end, so thankyou for reading, LOL!!!!). If anyone feels attacked, then that means, you only watch movies to find your moral values in them. Trust me, that’s of no worth. This is just my opinion and I will stand by that forever.

Okay, enough of ranting and criticising those who criticise films(Lol!). Please wait for my next post about my favourite movies. Till then, thankyou so much for reading!

Farewell.