I enjoy movies. Even many movies that others say are terrible, I still enjoy. Part of this is because I can usually find something good in the movie. Part of this is because I do not take the movies seriously.
Movies are Art
Movies, of course are pieces of art. Just like paintings or music, they are designed to show you something, or to make you feel something. Their creators have some message to send; some theme they want you to see. This is sometimes quite obvious and in-your-face, and sometimes it is hidden deeper. There may be many levels to the message, or feeling. It may even mean something different for each viewer depending on their own worldview and background.
Some art is not meant to be taken seriously. Entire genres of works, such as satire, are not meant to be taken seriously. Other pieces of work are meant to be very serious.
Whether the movie is intended to be taken seriously or not, I just do not take it seriously. I tend to just kind of check out for the two hours or so while watching the movie. It is a time for entertainment, and not deep self-reflection and analysis.
Taking it Seriously
I have come to find that this viewpoint is not really majority perspective. People do care deeply about movies, and the messages embedded in them, and take them very seriously. They do not just check out during the movie. They see themselves in the movie; and find their own strengths and weaknesses laid bare. It hits them personally, and as a result, any accolades or critiques of the movie they also take personally.
I can sit up and analyze the piece of art after viewing it. I indeed do this more and more, based on the things I’m currently reading and podcasts I’m currently following, etc. But even then, I find that I tend to only really remember the “good” parts of movies, and just forget the other parts. The parts that don’t really sit well with me are just dropped.
This is probably also why I seem enjoy rewatching movies more than others. Because I don’t tend to remember the “bad” parts, I remember the movie as good and enjoyable. It is a surprise each time when I watch them again and a piece comes up that is odd, or doesn’t sit well.
Other Forms of Art
I have also noticed that I do not react the same way to other pieces of art. I tend to be more critical of music and books. Instead of just remembering the good parts of these, I have more of a memory for the “bad” parts. I analyze them more than just sit back and enjoy them. And, most of all, I find that difference interesting.