Can Expectations Shape (or Inhibit) Enjoyment of a Film?

When you think about what a film will be like before seeing it, do those preconceived ideas affect your opinion of the film while you’re watching? I’ve often found that based on a single image or what little I’ve heard about it, my imagination goes wild and I’ll construct entire moods or plots, forming in my head a film with a very specific feel, tone, or storyline… which most of the time, turns out to be very different from the actual movie.

For instance, before I saw In the Mood For Love (2000), I would have described it as warm, melty, more affectionate or sweet. But instead, it was more elegant and crisp; more restrained and mature. The latter style suited the film better, and I loved it. But I often wonder what it would have looked like if it had been done in the way I initially expected.

It can be disappointing, because I often look forward to the version of the movie I’ve created in my head beforehand. But more often than not, I end up finding those hopes fulfilled in another movie instead. I’ve therefore learned to appreciate the film I’m watching—because if I can find a film that ends up being what I thought the former movie would be, that first movie just adds some variety to my life that it might not otherwise have.

For a while, I wondered if my expectations dictated my perception of certain movies. Was I forcing myself to see them through a certain lens in order to fulfill my expectations of it? But looking back, there are plenty of films I predicted I’d like, but didn’t (and conversely, there are movies I didn’t anticipate liking, but did).

However, there are times when enjoying a movie is a matter of choosing to put on a different lens. With certain movies, I have to be in a particular mindset to receive them the way they’re meant to be received. For instance, when I started watching Wings of Desire (1987) several months ago, it really threw me off. I was unprepared for the fact that the camera was capturing certain scenes through the characters’ eyes (think the Point of View episode in M*A*S*H). My immediate thought was “I can’t watch this right now - I need to see this at a time when I can properly process what’s going on.” It wasn’t that I didn’t like it - it just wasn’t the right time. That’s also not saying I’ll like it the next time I give it a try - but I don’t want the reason I dislike it to be because I just wasn’t in the mood for that particular style that one time.

And then there’s always this question: Is it better to look up the film and read more about it in order to understand it, or should I go into it cold and figure it out as I go along? It depends on the film. I usually like to go in cold, but other times, learning more can increase understanding of, or appreciation for, the movie(s). I’ve mentioned this before, but when I saw my first Jacques Tati movie, I didn’t even finish it because I didn’t like it. But after reading a Criterion essay about his films, I saw them differently - and loved them. Upon rewatching through this new lens, that first Tati film I initially disliked became one of my favorites of his.

I worried about this for a while. If I have to be told how to understand a certain type of comedy, is it truly funny? Is that the equivalent of having to explain the joke? But I eventually concluded that wasn’t the case - it was, again, simply about learning a new way of seeing. And once I was given the outline, I was able to run with it and notice things that weren’t explicitly pointed out in the essay.

In saying all of this, I don’t mean that it’s necessarily possible to like everything you watch simply by adopting a different mindset. There are still movies that, no matter how you slice it, I’m just plain not a fan of. But having a different mindset still helps me appreciate those films, or understand why someone else might enjoy them. That’s the beauty of cinema: There’s always something for everyone.

Thanks for coming along on this little ramble. If you have anything you'd like to add to this conversation, feel free to leave a comment. I'd love to know your thoughts!

Until next time... keep living vintage!

Becca