Rotten Tomatoes Isn’t Killing Cinema, You Are.

Introduction

Let’s be honest. We’ve all done it. Scrolled through Rotten Tomatoes before deciding whether to spend our precious time and hard-earned cash on a movie. That little green splat (or the dreaded red one) has become a gatekeeper to our cinematic experiences. But before you point the finger at a website, shouting about its supposed power to make or break films, take a long, hard look in the mirror. Because, truth be told, the real threat to cinema isn’t Rotten Tomatoes, it’s us.

We’ve created a culture of instant gratification and binary judgment. A world where a percentage score determines a film’s worth before we’ve even seen a single frame. While Rotten Tomatoes provides a valuable aggregation of opinions, our reliance on it as the sole deciding factor is contributing to a homogenization of cinema, a shrinking of risk-taking, and ultimately, a less vibrant and diverse landscape of movies.

The Short-Term Stings:

The immediate impact of this Rotten Tomatoes obsession is clear: smaller, independent films and films with unconventional narratives suffer disproportionately. They might not appeal to the broadest audience, and therefore, struggle to achieve a high “Tomatometer” score. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they lack artistic merit, originality, or the power to resonate deeply with some viewers.

Think about films like “Mother!” (2017), Darren Aronofsky’s polarizing allegory. It received a middling score on Rotten Tomatoes, yet sparked intense debate and discussion, proving that cinema can still provoke, challenge, and stay with you long after the credits roll. If we were all relying solely on that number, we might have missed out on a truly unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.

The pressure on studios to churn out crowd-pleasing, commercially viable films also increases. Risk-taking is discouraged, and originality takes a backseat to formulas that guarantee a high score. This leads to a glut of sequels, remakes, and predictable blockbusters, stifling creativity and limiting the opportunities for fresh voices to emerge.

The Long-Term Consequences: A Cinematic Wasteland?

The long-term consequences are far more concerning. If we continue to prioritize aggregate scores over genuine engagement, we risk creating a cinematic landscape devoid of originality and artistic risk. New directors, writers, and actors may struggle to break through if their work doesn’t conform to the established formula for critical success.

Imagine a world where only movies that appeal to the widest possible audience are greenlit. We’d lose films that tackle complex social issues, explore unconventional narratives, or experiment with different cinematic techniques. We’d essentially be losing the soul of cinema, its ability to challenge, inspire, and reflect the human experience in all its messy, beautiful complexity.

Furthermore, the over-reliance on Rotten Tomatoes breeds a herd mentality. We become less likely to trust our own judgment and more likely to conform to the prevailing opinion. This can lead to a decline in critical thinking and a weakening of our ability to appreciate the subjective nature of art.

So, What Can We Do? Reclaiming Our Cinematic Agency

The good news is, we can break free from this cycle. We can reclaim our agency as viewers and contribute to a more vibrant and diverse cinematic landscape. Here are a few practical steps we can take:

• Diversify Your Sources: Don’t rely solely on Rotten Tomatoes. Explore other review aggregators like Metacritic, read individual reviews from critics you trust, and most importantly, listen to your gut. What genres do you typically enjoy? Which directors intrigue you? Let your own curiosity guide you.
• Take a Chance on the Underdog: Actively seek out independent films, foreign films, and documentaries. These often offer fresh perspectives and unique storytelling approaches that you won’t find in mainstream blockbusters. Streaming services like Criterion Channel, Mubi, and Kanopy are excellent resources for discovering hidden gems.
• Engage with Cinema Beyond the Score: Don’t just passively consume movies. Discuss them with friends, family, or online communities. Write your own reviews. Analyze the themes, the cinematography, the performances. By actively engaging with cinema, you deepen your appreciation and develop your own critical voice.
• Support Local Theaters and Independent Filmmakers: Attend screenings at independent cinemas, film festivals, and community events. Buy tickets to support films that are taking risks. By voting with your wallet, you send a clear message that you value originality and diversity.
• Remember, Art is Subjective: A low Rotten Tomatoes score doesn’t automatically equate to a bad film. Different people have different tastes. What one person finds boring, another might find profound. Be open to the possibility that you might enjoy a film that critics didn’t. Go in with an open mind and allow yourself to be surprised.
• Advocate for Film Education: Support initiatives that promote film literacy and critical thinking skills, particularly among young people. By teaching future generations how to analyze and appreciate cinema, we can ensure that they are not simply passive consumers, but active and engaged viewers.

Examples in Action:

Look at the resurgence of interest in films like “The Thing” (1982). Initially, it was poorly received by critics and considered a box office disappointment. However, over time, it gained a cult following and is now considered a science fiction horror classic. This demonstrates that initial critical reaction isn’t always a reliable indicator of a film’s long-term value.

Another example is the success of A24, a film production and distribution company known for championing independent and unconventional films like “Moonlight,” “Lady Bird,” and “Hereditary.” A24 has proven that there is a significant audience for films that challenge the status quo and offer unique perspectives.

A Call to Action: Be the Change You Want to See in Cinema

We have the power to shape the future of cinema. By diversifying our viewing habits, supporting independent filmmakers, and engaging with films in a more meaningful way, we can create a more vibrant and diverse cinematic landscape.

Stop letting a percentage score dictate your choices. Embrace the unknown. Take a chance on something different. Discover a hidden gem. Challenge your own assumptions. Ultimately, it’s up to us to decide what kind of cinema we want to see. So, let’s choose wisely. Let’s choose originality. Let’s choose diversity. Let’s choose to be more than just passive consumers. Let’s choose to be active participants in the art of cinema.

The power to save cinema isn’t in the hands of critics or studios; it’s in your hands. Go forth and explore!