Lessons from the Cannes

Negative reactions to criticism point to lack of introspection

May 23, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 05:55 am IST

For lessons on how to react to criticism, some of our filmmakers need to take a look at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival. Earlier this week, when Gus Van Sant’s new film The Sea of Trees starring Matthew McConaughey was screened at the festival, it received boos from the discerning audience. Later, the press reviews literally killed the movie calling it even “annoying” and “dishonest”.

Reacting to these harsh reactions, Van Sant said: “I read one review this morning and it was very definitive, I was imagining everyone was the same as this person so I thought, 'Now we know where we stand,' which was kind of nice.” McConaughey was more direct, saying “People have as much right to boo as to ovate.”

Now, imagine all of those times our own illustrious filmmakers and stars reacted to negative reactions and opinions on their films. In recent months, we have heard some of them questioning the credibility of those who criticise, without even going into the merit of the arguments raised. We don’t get to see the signs of introspection that we saw in Van Sant.

Here, irrespective of whether the criticism is just or not, some filmmakers act as if they produced a perfect work of art, which is above criticism. That lack of introspection is perhaps a pointer to why some of them have been following set formulas since the past few decades.

Suresh Gopi has been known to make all the right noises, from those early days doing roles of fiery young policemen. In the real world, he has deftly shifted support for various political fronts. But, the rewards for all that have not always come through.

Of late, he has identified himself with the right, at times the extreme version of it, and has also made several controversial statements, including in support of the BJP’s beef ban idea.

With the news of him being tipped to become the next chief of the National Film Development Corporation, the industry talk is that he has finally been rewarded for all the brave words he has uttered in recent times. His appointment is being read along with the general trend of ‘saffron supporters’ taking over various film and cultural bodies.

This week, we also witnessed several persons active in RSS-affiliated cultural organisations being appointed as members of the film certification body in Kerala.

It is a moot question that how these film bodies will be helped, if the main criterion of appointment is allegiance to a particular viewpoint or political hue.

Actors like Aju Varghese and Joy Mathew should be feeling a bit happier now. They are those ubiquitous character artistes whom you would see in most movies but who would not figure in the list of winners when the State film awards are announced.

Many years ago there were awards for supporting actors. But they were later replaced by the award for the second best actor and actress.

Mostly, it would be the hero or the heroine bagging it, not the artistes doing character roles.

Thankfully, the character artistes would be getting their due once again, after the State Cabinet last week okayed the new norms for the State awards. Not surprisingly, Thilakan heads the list of actors with the highest number of awards for the best supporting actor, with six. Sukumari, KPAC Lalitha, and Kaviyoor Ponnamma won the best supporting actress awards on four occasions each.

To reinstate the award for the supporting actor and actress was one of the several recommendations made by the panel headed by director Adoor Gopalakrishnan.

The panel also needs to be commended for doing away with the award for the best comedian. Unlike the television channels, the State does not have to find out which actor is best suited for the role of a comedian, villain, driver, or policeman. The awards for the best actor and the best supporting actor should be enough.

(Contributions by

S.R. Praveen and

P.K. Ajithkumar)

Negative reactions to criticisms point to lack of introspection

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