Why People Defend Movies They Love: Understanding Defensiveness in Criticism

Whenever someone watches a film or a show, they either connect with it deeply or feel disconnected. Those who feel a strong emotional bond with a movie or show are often highly defensive when critics harshly critique it. Conversely, those who criticize the work may dismiss it out of fear of facing truths that are uncomfortable, often labeling it as 'melodramatic' without delving into the underlying emotional impact.

Defense Mechanisms and Emotional Investment

People who become defensive when a movie they love is criticized often do so due to a strong emotional investment. They identify themselves with the characters or the main protagonist, feeling a personal connection to their struggles and triumphs. This emotional attachment makes them more susceptible to feeling attacked when faced with criticism. On the other hand, those who criticize often avoid the harsh realities depicted in films or shows, feeling immobilized by the emotions and experiences.

The Need for Comfort: A Reluctance to Face Hard Truths

Much of human behavior revolves around wanting to escape discomfort and seek comfort. Films and shows provide escapism, and the last thing many people want is to deal with heavy emotions or awkward realities. In my personal experience, I struggled with certain films because of their depressing themes, such as those centered around the life of Meena Kumari. It took me a long time to understand that not everyone craves the same types of experiences, just as not everyone enjoys the same kind of movies.

Proving Oneself Right: A Common Trait in Humans

Another significant factor contributing to defensiveness is the human tendency to prove oneself right. Many people hold a deep-seated belief or self-image that everything they do or love is superior. When someone criticizes their choices, it challenges this belief, leading to immediate defensive reactions. This tendency is further nuanced by the idea that many people perceive themselves as exceptional or outstanding; hence, any criticism might be seen as a personal attack on their status.

The Complexities of Contrarians and Defensive Behavior

There has been an observable increase in individuals who argue for the sake of argument, taking on opposing views purely out of rebellion or a desire to be controversial. This behavior can be distressing, especially if it leads to unnecessary conflict. Dealing with such contrarians often requires setting boundaries and understanding that such behavior may stem from personal insecurities or a need to assert oneself in a validating environment.

Unconscious Threats and Defensiveness

Defensiveness can also arise from the unconscious mind's perception of threats. People have strange and often irrational reactions to criticism. For instance, criticizing someone's choice of objects or tools can be perceived as attacking their identity. To the unconscious mind, such criticism is not just about the object but about the person. The challenge to an individual's approach to life or their self-image is seen as a significant threat. This fear of losing one's identity or fundamental understanding of the world often triggers a defensive response.

Conclusion: Balancing Defense and Open-mindedness

Understanding defensiveness in the context of movie criticism requires recognizing the emotional and psychological factors at play. By acknowledging and addressing these factors, individuals can better navigate their reactions to criticism and, ultimately, grow from the experience. It is essential to strive for maturity in appreciating film and TV content and encourage a healthy, balanced approach to criticism.