Originally a comment on Not all directors of frat-boy movies
It seems like they, Apatow and Rogen, want some kind of special sticker that says that they are the exception to the rule that states that culture influences media which in turn further establishes cultural norms. But that is a silly exception to want if they expect their films to keep selling. The thing that keeps people going to see their stories is that they are culturally relevant.
On a slightly related personal note, I was watching Knocked Up with a good guy friend (a guy who actually IS a “nice guy”) who noticed I was becoming uncomfortable during the film. I hadn’t said anything, and even though I knew it was making me feel bad I was forcing myself to laugh at the parts that were clearly meant to be funny. About ten minutes in, he stopped the movie, and he asked me, “This is reminding you of your ex husband, isn’t it?” And I really had to consider it for a moment before I realized that yes, that was precisely why I was so unhappy. I didn’t want to watch Entitlement: The Movie because I had lived it. This friend realized why the movie was problematic, and as far as I know he’s stopped watching those types of movies. He told me the experience ruined it for him, in a good way, and that he didn’t know he’d have ever become aware of the problems in those films if he hadn’t watched me watch that movie.
*squeak whisper* Look guys I’m I a blogger!
Yes. Yes you are. Thanks for that post.
I think Rogen and Apatow’s reactions to that article (“How DARE she! OMG! Eleventy111!!! Help,help,I’m being attacked! Evil clickbaiting witch!) demonstrate another form of entitlement : To never ever be questioned or criticized.
Wow. That was powerful.
Also in the running, Seth MacFarlane:
http://www.flickfilosopher.com/2014/05/million-ways-die-west-movie-review-nice-guys-need-shut.html
@3: They’re in the movie business, so I think that’s a bit of a harsh conclusion.
No, I think they’re upset because the critique lands so close to home. If not a direct hit.
They never ever considered their dudebro films to have any social impact at all, much less a negative one. They’re just ways to make millions and millions upon millions of dollars. Last I checked, the latest one has already made $110 MILLION dollars.
It’s a point I’ve seen made about the video gaming industry. Game developers, publishers and players want games to be treated as art because of the prestige. But you mention the responsibilities that come with producing art (namely cultural influences and taking criticism) and suddenly they’re just games. Right up until the discussion dies and we’re back to “you don’t appreciate my art!”