What I’m driving at is that by making everyone flat, no one can grow. When Boromir falls for the Ring, everyone in the audience saw it coming from a mile away. When Denethor goes suicidal, there’s no surprise because he’s a raving madman from the moment we meet him.

Damn

[–] PoopingCough@lemmy.world 5 points 1 year ago (2 children)

But if it were like he's suggesting, people would complain that those characters final(ish) actions were out of character and it would make no sense for them to do those things. Just because you can see something coming doesn't mean it isn't enjoyable to watch. If you saw two trains heading towards each other on one track you wouldn't look away simply because the you see the outcome coming. There's a difference between foreshadowing and being predictable and imo it's not good criticism.

[–] frezik@midwest.social 2 points 1 year ago

Right, and I think Denathor is a good example. Spends his screen time being an asshat. Very satisfying when he gets what's coming.

[–] pomodoro_longbreak@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago

Right I guess that's partly down to the medium of movies. Probably not enough screentime to devote to a more subtle character evolution.