We all know that we like a certain movie that everyone else struggles with. You’re thinking of it right now. But it’s not always that we can contextualize and articulate just why we enjoy this content, or what it means to us. To some, that’s fine. It’s not as if everyone has to set themselves up as a cultural critic. But for others, analysis is half the fun whenever absorbing content.
Many read media blogs such as ours, read reviews on Pitchfork, watch YouTubers reviewing the latest video game or reading Roger Ebert’s legacy in regard to film reviews. It might be that crafting original and worthwhile thoughts can be hard to do, but often, it can also help you contribute your own impressions into the void, rather than echoing what someone else thinks.
This is not a life or death issue of course, but it can be that engaging in this exercise gives you motivation to seek out more media, to have your voice heard, and to become more discerning in your tastes. Let us see what this might look like:
Read More Critical Commentary
Sites like ours, Pitchfork, Roger Ebert’s website, or many review offerings can bring you a range of opinions that you appreciate, and some you don’t. It’s important to find writers who can bring the strength of their arguments out and still weave a coherent passage. Following writers you completely agree with can feel nice, but it doesn’t always open you up to the most worthy criticism. We would recommend reading as much as you can, because it will help you understand how critics think. For example, considering Eminem’s best albums may have you in agreement or disbelief, but if the arguments are substantiated, you’ll understand why, and will get something from it.
Post A Review
Post a review for everything you consume. It might be the last movie you saw, the last book you read, or the last video game you completed. When you write a review, even on a private blog that no one will see, you exercise your critical thought process and develop a better sense of your opinions. Over time, you will learn plenty about yourself, and will also be developing your ability to source examples and stay true to your reviewing purpose without conjecture.
Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone
If you’re only someone who watches 20th-century French art films, consider watching Japanese martial arts films. In other words, get out of your comfort zone from time to time, and see what’s happening on the other side of the pond to you. This can help you gain more contextual information regarding the breadth of the industry. Furthermore, this can help you feel more confident about your opinions because they will be textured by an understanding further afield. We expect a professional to have much experience in their field. This means that consuming more varied material could help you to no end here.
With this advice, you are sure to become the personal critic you hope to be.