I started Static Glass because I felt the need to share what I thought about stories that I’ve seen and love or have learned something from. However, the last thing I want to do is impose my opinion on someone else, narrowing their perspective. We live in a time where access is infinite and we are constantly being fed opinions that aren’t ours, especially when it comes to art like film or music.

I’ve always believed that writing is an authentic form of expression and for those of us who are called to do it, we know there is a great intimacy in it. Sharing how you feel or see the world is not just exposing. It has the power to impact others and I think that’s very important to realize. I never want to come off as a “film critic” because I’m not one and will never feel like I’m qualified to critique someone’s art. I think of myself as a student of art and I simply find myself here to confront my understanding of it all.

It’s not new knowledge that social media has impacted the way we experience everything and this is especially true for storytelling. Since we consume media vastly different today than before, everyone has the opportunity to be a “critic”. As someone who grew up with both emerging technology and having to do things “the old school way” I feel pulled in two directions. I have always loved going to the movies and the pureness of not knowing whether it would be good or not, but getting to come to that conclusion on my own. We would only be given a trailer that we would either see when attending another movie or catching the trailer on cable television. There were even times when we would also just see a movie poster and say “I want to see that!” Now, with how fast things are uploaded to social media we are able to impose our thoughts before we even get to the experience.

Having this instant access not only allows us the pleasure of a movie trailer at our disposal (which have become entirely too long but that’s a discussion for another day), we also get insight into what other people are thinking. Again, everyone has become a critic. I’ll admit that I’ve been victim to this and it really did impact my perspective of the film before walking in. Recently, I found myself, again, looking through the comments of a movie trailer and had to stop myself. Then this question popped up in my head: Are these really my opinions or am I just taking what other people are saying as my own thoughts? I won’t lie it sent me into a mini existential crisis as I contemplated all the things I have claimed to like or hate in the past few years. Obviously, I know that I have my own thoughts and opinions, but it’s interesting to think about how we may have been subconsciously swayed by the media we intake.

I started to think about art and the film industry in particular when it comes to online criticism. While I don’t do traditional film reviews here, I know that I still impose my opinion on art and I have found that anytime you’re commenting on someone’s work, there is a fine line you walk. This whole idea made me think of the 2022 film, The Menu. On the surface this film is a satirical telling of the fine dining industry. We get to see some of the absurdities of the patrons in a unique psychological thriller. However, this film also alludes to how we consume and critique art, especially in the modern day. In the film we see a variety of guests arrive to this elite and notable restaurant. Some are there for status, some are there just to show that they were there, and others are there to impose their intellect or “understanding” of a world they feel embraced by simply because they like it. (I mean, isn’t that what I’m kind of doing here?) When you take a look at the guests, however, you’ll notice that no one is truly enjoying the experience for what it is. They are too busy trying to bury themselves in the pretentiousness of it all. Seeing the scene from an audience perspective, we can be called to question if we too are like the restaurant guests. Are we truly enjoying what we’re seeing or are we just echoing the sentiments we’re expected to echo?

I do think having an open discussion about art can be helpful and even insightful. Sometimes we even see artists being called out for there personal choices, which tends to bleed into the overall perspective of the projects themselves. All of this tied together, I feel, has given people the idea that they are entitled to having a say in another person’s art process. The Menu explores this idea of entitlement through Ralph Fiennes’ Chef Slowik, who feels the pressure from the industry and a resentment of how the guests consume or critique his creations. Just like how a filmmaker, or any other artists, will spend years on a story for it to be dismissed in a comment or single post. Thinking back to the characters in The Menu, who come off as entitled and overtly critical, we can see a reflection of ourselves as a society. We must challenge ourselves to engage with art honestly and purely rather than for engagement or acceptance online/within a community. I know it’s something I have to work on personally, as well.

The beautiful thing about movies is that it gives you a visual representation of a story. Sometimes we don’t like the story being told or maybe we don’t like the way it was chosen to be told. That is fair and you are free to have those feelings, thoughts, and opinions. We are also so lucky that we are free to share those thoughts openly and for others to take in. I, however, think we should be doing so from a place of pureness and openness. Anya Taylor Joy’s character in The Menu, for instance, comes into the restaurant as a complete outsider. One who doesn’t understand the exclusivity of this fine dining experience, nor does she seem to care. She’s just there to get fed and have a nice time. She didn’t have any expectations so her experience was pure, but she was also taken aback by the absurd nature of the people around her; the intensity it brought to the staff and chef. As someone who is an amateur in this space, but just fully enjoys watching movies, I think I can relate. However, I am not immune to seeing the thoughts of the community online. While I may just want my burger and enjoy eating it, will I be led to believe I deserve a steak instead? That is the main question I’m leaving myself and with you today.

Can we engage with art honestly and purely or are we too far gone in the social space that we must mark opinions of the mass as valid?

Today’s song choice is: Freelance by Toro Y Moi

Thank you, I love you.

-Rae