The purpose of this article is to discuss whether audience discomfort can be interpreted as an indicator of both ethical engagement and cultural reflection. This idea was inspired by the recent controversy surrounding the film 'Call Me By Your Name' at the Academy Awards. The film was nominated for Best Picture, but did not win any Oscars despite widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. It features a gay love story between two men, played by Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer, set against the backdrop of Italy in the early 1980s. The film has been praised for its nuanced depiction of gay desire and longing, as well as its sensual portrayal of intimate moments between the characters.
It has also been criticized for being too explicit in its sexual scenes, including one scene that involves masturbation. Some viewers have felt uncomfortable watching these scenes, which they interpret as a sign of societal resistance to homosexuality and eroticism.
One argument is that audience discomfort indicates ethical engagement because it forces viewers to confront their own biases and prejudices. When viewers feel uncomfortable with a character or situation, it can prompt them to reflect on why they are feeling this way and what their personal values are.
If a viewer feels uncomfortable with a gay relationship, they may need to consider why they find it difficult and question whether their discomfort stems from internalized homophobia or other factors. This kind of self-reflection can be valuable and lead to growth and understanding. Another perspective is that audience discomfort can indicate cultural reflection, as it can reveal how society views certain topics like sex and relationships. If a large number of people feel uncomfortable with a particular scene or topic, it could suggest that there is still widespread social disapproval of those things. It could also indicate that there is room for further dialogue and discussion about the subject matter.
Some argue that audience discomfort does not necessarily mean either ethical engagement or cultural reflection. Instead, it could simply be a reaction to aesthetic choices made by the filmmakers or actors. If a film is too graphic or explicit, audiences may simply be put off by it rather than engaged in an ethical discussion. Similarly, if a film challenges social norms, audiences may resist it out of fear or discomfort rather than engaging with its message. In fact, research has shown that viewers tend to avoid content that makes them uncomfortable, which suggests that discomfort alone cannot be used to measure engagement or reflection.
While audience discomfort can sometimes indicate both ethical engagement and cultural reflection, it is not always an accurate indicator of these qualities. Rather, it may reflect individual biases, preferences, and beliefs.
It can prompt important conversations about sexuality, intimacy, and relationship dynamics within our society.
Does audience discomfort indicate ethical engagement, cultural reflection, or societal resistance?
The degree of comfort experienced by an audience while watching a particular film can be influenced by various factors such as their personal values, beliefs, and experiences, cultural norms and expectations, and societal attitudes towards specific topics or themes.