Movies and TV shows are constantly criticized for portraying unrealistic characters, plots, and fashions. However, the big screen image is meant to entertain – viewers need to learn the difference between fiction and reality.
A common genre under fire for its lack of realism is soapy teen dramas. They show the angst of first love and the ambiguity of teenage identity, drawing you into the wild life of these idealistic teenagers.
The appeal of characters like JJ from External banks or Otis from Sex education make the average teenager pale in comparison. Their stories are supported by angled lighting, 20 takes and a perfectly written script. There is a role to play, and they play it well.
Few believe they will marry Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl or that their best friend will be Rory from Gilmore Girls. But maybe some will. It’s possible that these beliefs come from impressionable young teenagers who want to be swept up in the romance and excitement of these fictional lives.
Here we come to the heart of the problem.
TV shows are expected to reflect reality. Maybe we’re all a little selfish and want to see ourselves in the characters on screen. But the problem seems to go even deeper.
Due to the recent and long-awaited release of its second season, one show in particular has gained huge popularity over the past few weeks: Euphoria. euphoria unique style of glitter, color and individuality produced a new cultural aesthetic among teens and young adults. However, because it’s flashy, seductive and dark, Euphoria racked up criticism for not portraying real teenage life.
And that would be okay. It’s not meant to be an authentic experience – the shows are meant to evoke excitement and emotion because they’re overtly dramatic, not because you view your life through a glass screen.
Shows are labeled as bad, inadequate, substandard or second rate because they don’t seem “real” The illusion is shattered – three men won’t fight for your hand in marriage, you won’t get caught in a storm and make your friends think you’ve been dead for months, and sadly witches aren’t real.
We shouldn’t think less of a show to show us what probably won’t happen. Nor should we always blame the movie for glorifying violence, drug addiction, and sex. It is our responsibility as viewers to know that these are just stories. They are created solely for the entertainment of the viewer.
Whether a movie or show is good or bad, it’s a fictional story. They exist as a fantasy to bring pleasure and entertainment to the viewer. It’s not going to look like real life, nor does it owe it to the viewer to do so.
Suzy is a third year English History medical student and one of the That of the magazine Copy editors.