The 10 Most Annoying Fake Elements in Movies and TV Shows
Have you ever watched a movie or TV show and thought, 'This is completely unrealistic!'? The media we consume often plays on our imaginations and presents scenarios that are far from reality. Let's dive into some of the most common and annoying fake elements in films and TV shows, which can draw you right out of the narrative.
Fake Love Interest Portrayals
Item 1: Woody Allen and George Costanza
Many movies and TV shows feature leading characters with unrealistic love interests, often played by extremely attractive women. In the case of Woody Allen and George Costanza, the characters often seem to attract stunningly beautiful women without any discernible effort. Reality doesn't work this way; even in movies, the love interest should be a more realistic character with many dimensions.
Overplayed Heroic Endurance
Item 2: Injured Heroes
When a hero gets injured in a TV show or movie, the portrayal is often exaggerated. A character shot with a gun continues to stand, walk, and even talk. In real life, injury typically results in significant impairment or unconsciousness. This level of detail in injuries can draw viewers out of their immersion, making the show or film feel less realistic.
Exaggerated Computer Hacking Scenes
Item 3: Skynet-like Hackers
When it comes to computer hackers, TV shows and movies often portray them using incredibly advanced technology, such as laser keyboards, data gloves, and voice recognition systems. These gadgets are hyper-realistic and expensive, making them unusable by the average computer user. Moreover, the portrayal of hackers as nerdy men or women with sophisticated skills is just not a realistic depiction of the field.
Unrealistic Plot Contrivances
Item 4: Easy Parking and Questioning
In cop shows, it's common to see protagonists park their car right in front of the destination, or to find the suspect at home during a daytime scene. In reality, neither of these scenarios would be possible without elaborate and obvious contrivances. This unrealistic plot device can quickly wear on a viewer’s suspension of disbelief.
Horror Film Trips and Tumbles
Item 5: The Cliffhanger Misstep
Another cliché that makes horror films feel less believable is the "trip over nothing" trope. In horror films, a character often stumbles and falls for no discernible reason, despite clear pathways. This gimmick is both unrealistic and frustrating for viewers, as it breaks the fourth wall and draws attention to the deliberately “scary” elements of the film.
Medical Inaccuracies
Item 6: Miraculous Medical Diagnoses
Medical scenarios in movies and TV shows are often simplified, leading to unrealistic diagnoses and treatment outcomes. A doctor can easily solve a complex medical mystery with minimal effort, which is far from reality. In actual medical practice, diagnosis and treatment involve meticulous examination, testing, and methodical decision-making. TV shows often gloss over these intricate processes, presenting the work of doctors in a much more glamorous light.
Manipulated Lab Tests
Item 7: Perfect Lab Results
Another annoying aspect is the portrayal of medical lab testing in TV shows. In real life, lab tests are performed using complex instruments that require precise measurements and calibration. The process is not straightforward, and there is always a margin of error unless everything is perfectly executed. Movies often show doctors performing lab tests that they could never realistically do, as well as speculating about erroneous test results or losing specimens, which would be highly unprofessional in a real-world setting.
Blatant Filmmaking Errors
Item 8: Inconsistent Lighting
Many scenes in TV shows and movies contain minor production errors that can ruin the immersive experience. For example, inconsistent lighting in the same scene can make a character appear overexposed or underexposed depending on how they move. Additionally, items like rings or watches that appear and disappear mid-scene can be a dead giveaway for the level of production quality.
Temporary Slang in Period Pieces
Item 9: Modern Slang in Historical Films
Finally, the occasional use of contemporary slang in period pieces can be jarring and distracting. This not only ruins the authenticity of the setting but also makes the dialogue feel out of place. Fans of historical drama value accuracy and authenticity, and the presence of modern vernacular can quickly draw viewers out of the narrative.
Conclusion
While movies and TV shows often take creative liberties to enhance storytelling and entertainment value, these elements can be frustrating for viewers who appreciate realism and accuracy. The portrayal of technology, medical procedures, and even simple plot devices can be exaggerated or misrepresented in ways that detract from the overall viewing experience. Understanding and recognizing these common elements can help enhance your enjoyment of the media you consume.