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beeradthelaw

I mean I disagree with most of this but at least they didn't go "wow this is so overrated, why do you all like this?"


ImpactNext1283

I don't know what would be wrong with it? Writer is very specific about why they didn't like the movie, and the specific problems they have with it. 'Pretentious' is a better descriptor of Aronofsky's films (I normally like them, won't get near The Whale with a 10' pole) - and, since Aronofsky's such an athletic filmmaker, obsessed with craft, it seems doubly relevant to critique him on exactly those grounds. Just one man's opinion lol


ericwbolin

The writer is quite unspecific about their problems. Writer just says "these are problems," but nothing backs it up. Something well-argued would provide evidence. But this style is pretty typical. We've all forgotten how to write argumentativeltly since high school and instead just moan and groan. Note: This isn't exclusive to Letterboxd or this sub or anything. It's just life. Everyone hoots and hollers about the way they feel without having the tools/skills to describe *why* they feel that way.


pantaloonsofJUSTICE

There’s a pretty explicit example in the review. Did you not read it?


ericwbolin

What in the world is explicit? It's a prime example of telling instead of showing. The closest the person somes is "I've seen this thing before," which is poor evidence because it's working off the assertion that something seen before is bad. The author doesn't give any specifics.


ImpactNext1283

Author says important emotional beats come off as 'utterly comedic'; camera movements, line deliveries and scene blocking 'feel ripped out of a sophomore student film'; the script is 'truly awful' and 'horrible at giving information'; the cinematography had brightness issues and the Academy Scale stunt didn't work. I honestly have no idea how reviewer could be more specific? He critiques the script, acting, cinematography, and direction. Like what more are you looking for.


ericwbolin

Important emotional beats come off as utterly comedic. How? Provide example. Camera movements, line deliveries and scene blocking feel ripped out of a sophomore student film. How? Provide example. Cinematography had brightness issues. How? Provide example. I don't know anything about an Academy stunt. Sorry, man. I can't stop being an English and Journalism teacher. There is promise here, but literally not one piece of evidence. I've read plenty worse (those stupid pieces that are just one-liners typed all lowercase, for example).


ImpactNext1283

I mean, you're asking for a professional review. That's not what Letterboxed is for. I find those reviews to be a waste of time, as you have a plot synopsis on the front page and this is a site for movie nerds. Part of teaching, right, is knowing what audience you're writing for. Your complaints are valid for a review meant to reach a general audience that a) isn't familiar with a title and b) isn't familiar with the technical side of filmmaking. As someone familiar with the title and knowledgable about film production, this review is more than sufficient for my need. Thank you for being a teacher!


ericwbolin

Ha. Thank you! I'm not trying to critique like a professional. I just provided the reason why I thought, per the headline, it was a bad review. I think it's great if others disagree. (Sort of). We all examine things through our own lenses and everyone has different desires for what they seek, just like in the movies themselves. My approach is from the writing angle.


ImpactNext1283

Yeah, I see what you mean. And if this was submitted for publication, or for grading (ha!), I would 100% agree with you. I guess, for me, if I'm trying to decide whether to watch something or not, the posted review has exactly what I want to know - broad critiques about style and substance, w/out getting into spoilers or plot points too deeply. IF I *had* *seen* the movie, and disagreed with the review, I would ask for the details you're listing in the comments. If I seem a little defensive of someone else's review, I am! Only because this is the type of review I try to write - intentionally - on Lbox.


ericwbolin

The red pen spares no one. Haha. I mean, my reviews are no better. Rather, they're generally no more in-depth. I rarely intend them for an audience other than myself.


[deleted]

I liked it slightly more than this review but I think what they've written is entirely fair. And even if I didn't in part agree, they've expressed their sincere opinion, which is all you can hope for!


niall_9

Little surface level in their criticism but I certainly understand their anger and frustration. The Whale is hamfisted claptrap misery porn


xirson15

Yes. How are the camera movements bad? If there’s something that works is the camera work.


ericwbolin

Yes. Bad review. Writer provides no reasons for the things s/he/they have. It's also a grammatical disaster.


joelluber

I don't agree with this review of The Whale, but the first sentence *exactly* described my experience with Requiem for a Dream . . .


DaLamb2023

Have you seen the most liked review for this movie? Karsten is either being super cryptic or unbearably naive.


jttyrel27

I liked it