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

Is a movie ever “just” a movie?

posted 8 years ago by MinaVladimir (4086)
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)?

[–] croft_alice (12180) 8 years ago

For me it's not "only" a movie,i put myself in the characters shoes."I need to find answers,i must understand."😉

[–] LeiaOfLothlorien (1980) 8 years ago

I think it does depend on the movie, and the context. For example, if someone has been nit-picking every second of a movie for hidden meaning or mistakes, then I think that's going a bit too far, and the comment "it's just a movie" could be warranted. There are some movies that aren't meant to be analyzed to death, while others are designed for speculation and interpretation.

[–] [deleted] 8 years ago

I watched Moonlight last week and I didn't get whatever they were selling. Thought it was pointless.

[–] ALurker (485) 8 years ago

Yes and no. It all depends on the context of the movie. This even applies to "based on true stories" kind of movies in some matter.

I guess one side of that argument could boil down to 'suspense of disbelief'. Or not always going into a movie expecting some sort of Oscar-worthy achievement to take place.

[–] MissMargoChanning (6630) 8 years ago

I do like to put myself in the situations and ask myself what I would do while watching films. That's the best part for me. I do this while reading a good book as well.
At the end of the day... the movie.... the book....
It's a story! Sometimes it isn't always told well. At times, it wants you to believe certain things that you don't believe. Sometimes it is just plain fun!
I can get behind, It's "just" a movie.
It's called entertainment.

[–] LeiaOfLothlorien (1980) 8 years ago

🎶At the end of the day there's another day dawning
And the sun in the morning is waiting to rise
Like the waves crash on the sand
Like a storm that'll break any second
There's a hunger in the land
There's a reckoning still to be reckoned and
There's gonna be hell to pay
At the end of the day!🎶

Ahem. Sorry. You got that song stuck in my head, so I got it stuck in everyone else's. 😂

Anyway, I agree with you. It is fun to try to put yourself into the story and really feel what the characters are feeling. Or speculate away on various points.

[–] MissMargoChanning (6630) 8 years ago

I don't know the song, but I like the lyrics and the thoughts!

[–] LeiaOfLothlorien (1980) 8 years ago

"At the End of the Day" from Les Misérables (2012). The song where the poor are singing, then the factory women.

If you haven't seen it, you should, especially if you like musicals and emotional movies. Just be warned, you will cry.

[–] MissMargoChanning (6630) 8 years ago

I will give it a watch! I have heard of it for years..... just never watched it!
Yes. I like many musicals and LOVE films with emotion. I have the feeling I will enjoy it!
Thank you!

[–] LeiaOfLothlorien (1980) 8 years ago

You're welcome! Let me know what you think of it. c;

[–] actionkamen (23176) 8 years ago

Virtually all superhero movies, fast and furious movies, power rangers, video game movies, zombie movies, gore-fest movies, pre-school movies (teletubbies, dora, thomas the tank engine, etc.), spoof movies, alien movies, magical movies, religious movies, porn movies, propaganda movies, giant monster / giant robots movies, etc. To all of them "it's just a movie" can be applied.

[–] godewey (16472) 8 years ago

I've never understood this either. If it's only a movie then why do you watch it.
I do think some people only watch to watch and don't like to think about it too much.

Movies should be about exploring, talking, laughing , crying, getting angry, arguing.
It is an artistic creation. 10 people can see a movie, look at a painting, read a book, hear a song and all come away
with different interpretations.

I've told people who have told me this before. And I suppose your mother was just a mother.

[–] Martoto (5175) 8 years ago

They are all just movies. What you think or do about them is an entirely different thing.