The Negative Impact of Rotten Tomatoes on the Enjoyment of Films for the General Audience

In the digital age, film reviews and ratings have never been more accessible. Platforms like Rotten Tomatoes have become the go-to source for many moviegoers seeking a quick and simple gauge of a film's quality. While this may appear to be a convenient way to make decisions about what to watch, the excessive reliance on such platforms can have significant and detrimental effects on the way the general audience experiences and enjoys films.

The Power of the Tomato Meter

Rotten Tomatoes is a review aggregation platform that compiles professional reviews and audience scores to provide a "Tomatometer" rating for each film. While this may seem like a useful tool for gauging overall critical reception, the oversimplification of film criticism into a binary system can be misleading and reductive.

The problem lies in the binary nature of the Tomatometer. A film is categorized as either "fresh" or "rotten", with no middle ground. For example, if a movie has a Tomatometer rating of 59%, it is deemed "rotten," even though it is just one percentage point away from a "fresh" rating. This reduction of complex critiques into a simple thumbs-up or thumbs-down system can be misleading and unjust.

The Impact on Film Diversity

One of the most significant negative impacts of Rotten Tomatoes is its influence on the types of films that get produced and promoted. Movie studios frequently prioritize making films that they believe will receive high Tomatometer scores, as these scores can have a substantial impact on a movie's box office success. Consequently, there is an emphasis on producing big-budget, crowd-pleasing blockbusters, while smaller, riskier, and more unconventional films are left in the shadows.

As a result, the general audience misses out on a wide range of cinematic experiences. Films that fall into niche genres or address unconventional themes often struggle to find an audience because they are less likely to receive high Tomatometer ratings. This limited focus on films that conform to a specific mold restricts the diversity of stories and perspectives available to the general audience.

The Influence on Expectations

Rotten Tomatoes also plays a pivotal role in shaping the expectations of moviegoers. When a film receives a "certified fresh" rating, it is often seen as a must-watch, while a "rotten" label can discourage many viewers from seeing it. This results in a situation where people might avoid a film they would have otherwise enjoyed simply because it did not meet the arbitrary criteria of the Tomatometer.

Furthermore, this influence can hinder critical thinking. Rather than forming their own opinions about a movie, many moviegoers rely on the Tomatometer to determine whether a film is worth their time. This diminishes the joy of watching a movie and forming a personal connection to it, as viewers become preoccupied with whether a film aligns with critics' consensus.

The Spoiler Effect

Another downside of Rotten Tomatoes is its potential to spoil the viewing experience. Even without reading the reviews, a simple glance at the Tomatometer can inform a viewer whether the film has a happy ending or contains plot twists. This can significantly diminish the suspense and surprise that makes watching a movie enjoyable.

The influence of Rotten Tomatoes is not limited to people's viewing choices; it extends to the film industry itself. Film studios often chase after high Tomatometer scores, as these scores can significantly impact a movie's box office earnings. This pressure can result in studios producing films that cater to critics' preferences rather than taking creative risks. The consequences are fewer opportunities for experimental, diverse, and unconventional films, which can stifle the creative potential of the industry.

Counterarguments and the Role of Critics

It is important to acknowledge that Rotten Tomatoes is not solely responsible for these issues. Critics and audiences are entitled to express their opinions, and the platform provides a space for these opinions to be heard. The issue lies in how these opinions are aggregated and distilled into a simplistic rating system that lacks nuance.

Critics and their reviews play a crucial role in shaping public opinion about a film. However, critics' reviews are sometimes reduced to a numerical score, which can undermine the depth and nuances of their assessments. This reductionist approach can misrepresent a critic's evaluation of a film, as a nuanced critique can be distilled into a binary "fresh" or "rotten" label.

Furthermore, Rotten Tomatoes often calculates an aggregate rating based on a film's percentage of positive reviews. This system fails to consider the intensity or enthusiasm of these reviews. A film with an overwhelmingly positive consensus may receive the same rating as a film that receives mixed but leaning positive reviews. As a result, two films with the same Tomatometer score may offer vastly different viewing experiences.

The Role of Audiences

While Rotten Tomatoes' influence on the film industry is significant, the power ultimately rests with the audience. Viewers can choose to engage with the platform critically and utilize it as a resource rather than a definitive judgment. It is essential for moviegoers to exercise their independent judgment, read a variety of reviews, and seek out films that align with their interests and preferences, regardless of the Tomatometer rating.

Conclusion

Rotten Tomatoes, while a convenient resource for film information, has several negative consequences for both the film industry and the viewing experience of the general audience. It simplifies the complexity of cinematic art into a binary rating system, influences the types of films that get made, shapes viewers' expectations, and even spoils the enjoyment of watching movies. To fully appreciate the rich and diverse world of cinema, it is imperative to view Rotten Tomatoes as one of many resources, rather than the sole arbiter of a film's worth. By considering the multifaceted nature of film criticism and embracing the subjective and diverse opinions of both critics and audiences, moviegoers can rediscover the joy of cinematic exploration beyond the confines of a tomato.