By: Keaton Marcus

While I have covered this topic briefly in numerous past posts, it's come to my attention that it came off as a bit rushed, incomplete, and not doing this "controversial" topic enough justice. So here, as readers may have guessed, I will be writing an essay on subjectivity and objectivity while viewing a film, giving definitions for the two before stating which one I prefer. What constitutes these words? Is there such thing as complete subjectivity or objectivity? As always, while writing these topic essays, feel free to disagree or call out any poor writing, but at least respect and hear my take out.

OBJECTIVITY:

Before explaining the term, it's easy to say that this entire topic is so incredibly convoluted, mired in multiple perceptions as usual, that it's challenging to pinpoint a singular definition. Objectivity, for one, can relate to an arrogant moviegoer calling their highly debatable opinion fact, claiming that anyone who disagrees with them is wrong. In other words, their point of view of something is objective. Obviously, from looking at the word from this point of view, one will definitely come across the conclusion that this concept is ethically incorrect when discussing movies. Claiming your opinion is absolute, one hundred percent right while invalidating the other is harmful and just irritating. The other way to look at objectivity is slightly more agreeable, and it relates to ratings. What am I referring to? I happen to be referencing aggregated review sites such as Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, Letterboxd, Metacritic and more that compile reviews online into a two digit number (most of the time). We are all influenced by this type of objective placeholder even if it’s a pain to admit it. It can be extremely challenging to rate something a five out of five when the average, objective rating is 2.5/5. Not to say the concept of weighted averages is morally superior to the elitist cinephile one, but it’s definitely a fact. 100% objectivity cannot exist for sure, but after factoring in ratings from a massive group of critics or audiences, a statement like “Taxi Driver is considered objectively a masterpiece” isn’t so far fetched. When one says “I think Kill Bill is the greatest achievement of all time and anyone who thinks otherwise is incorrect”, then holes begin to show in this argument. Yep, no one said breaking this down was going to be a walk in the park.

SUBJECTIVITY:

Now, subjectivity, also not necessarily the easiest topic to simplify into one paragraph. To begin, subjectivity refers most to highly personal (and perhaps unpopular) opinion. In a person’s eyes, Michael Bay may be a better director than Akira Kurosawa. Objectively, in terms of ratings and general mainstream reactions, this is completely false, but not to our friendly neighborhood cinephile Jeffrey. Bay could be a genius to this man, and that’s the definition of a subjective perspective on cinema. It can also be something less insane to most people, like the score of Tenet is Nolan’s best. Again, highly subjective despite not being incredibly unpopular in agreement. Readers may be thinking that this subject is far easier to deconstruct, and maybe even that 100% subjectivity does exist, but that’s where things get complicated. Our human nature binds us. The constrictions of peer pressure and almost mob mentality prevent us from being completely subjective either. In one way or another, all of us are affected by a Letterboxd score, even if in a subtle matter. For example, I love Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, and with the 2.9 on LB, it puts me down for sure. I stick with my opinion of course, but it can be difficult without question. Additionally, I believe that The Rise of Skywalker is a solid conclusion, but with the mixed-to-negative reviews, it can be hard to carry that around with pride. Hopefully these rambling incoherencies of an argument came together well enough.

WHICH I PREFER:

This bit of the essay is likely the easiest job yet. The ultimate conclusion in terms of what is better is obviously subjectivity. Having personal feelings no matter what other people or ratings say and voicing them is the healthiest way to grow one’s passion for cinema. Developing a superiority complex and listening to the mainstream consensus shouldn’t even be allowed to an extent in my opinion, as it can be damaging for both you and others that simply want to share their love for film. Look, I’m not the person to be telling people what’s right or not, but at least try and see from this perspective because it could be helpful for the future. Whenever I come across someone who enjoys putting people down for an opinion, I pity them. It’s disappointing to see so many that do not have the empathetic capacity to respect others, but it is also something we must live with in the film community.

CONCLUSION:

Wrapping this up, I would like to keep it in readers’ heads that this entire write-up is only my view on the matter and is in almost no way fact. This is an infinitely debatable topic that will never likely get perfectly solved and wrapped up in a tight little bow. Hopefully this was at the very least insightful and an interesting read. After reading, if you enjoyed this at all, please ponder this for just 30 seconds. What side are you on? Do you take into account other people’s feelings while voicing your own opinion? Leave a comment about what your thoughts were, and what you prefer out of the two terms.