Do you allow critics to paralyse your production? If so, you may be robbing your fans and followers.
In 1999, writer and director M Night Shyamalan released ‘The 6’th Sense’ and made movie history. The boy in the bedsheets whispering, ‘I see dead people!’ is easily up there with moviedom’s all-time iconic moments.
Shyamalan followed this up with a series of thrillers-with-a-twist, which quickly became his unique signature. His formula of forcing the audience to re-think the entire story after the moment of revelation made him notorious. Personally, I can’t seem to watch ‘The Village’ enough times.
As expert-positioning goes, it sounds like a perfect success story. Right? But then, enter, the critics…
Last week, when Mr Shyamalan released his latest offering, ‘The Visit,’ I bought tickets the day it opened. I absolutely and unashamedly loved it! It scared the proverbial pants off me, and (as added candy) I saw the twist coming and had it right at the moment of revelation. All in all, a delightful audience experience for one of his devoted fans.
The next day the newspaper reviews all seemed to say exactly the same thing:
‘Falls short of The 6’th Sense,’ ‘Rehashing his old, tired formula,’ and ‘Another predictable offering.’
Do you know what fans like most about Shyamalan’s movies? It's the very fact that he keeps using his ‘old, tired formula.’ We love the formula, and would be devastated if he stopped giving it to us. I, for one, am genuinely grateful that he appears to ignore the vitriol of the critics and continues to produce. I can think of nothing worse than his ceasing to use his talent, simply because each new movie ‘isn’t The 6’th Sense.’
The truth is, listening to the critics is a recipe for paralysis.
Another case in point, Chelsea Clinton, daughter of past US-President Bill Clinton, recently released a book. I was flawed to read a critic’s acerbic diatribe, criticising her for being part of the top 1%, and going around to schools to inspire young girls, ‘who would never have the same opportunities as her.’ Chelsea could just as easily be criticised for being among the top 1% and NOT doing anything to inspire others. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
So do!
Be a producer of your own, truest ideas. If you love a stance, a voice, a cause, a formula or a framework, do it and do it boldly! Be happy to be accused of what you are and shrug off the poison. Do your thing.
There may be critics who hate your formula, but do it with passion, and there will be many, many more fans who simply can’t get enough of it. And it is they who will keep you in business, they who will constantly want more, they who will allow you to own your industry.