As someone who has spent countless hours huddled in dark theaters, eyes glued to the silver screen and heart pounding with anticipation, I wholeheartedly agree with this piece. The joy of moviegoing lies not just in the visual spectacle or the emotional journey, but also in the unexpected twist, the jaw-dropping climax that leaves you breathless and stunned. It’s the thrill of the unknown, the suspense of not knowing what’s going to happen next.
In the culture department of the Los Angeles Times during the 2010s, journalists had a quick way to refer to readers’ sensitivity towards spoilers. For instance, if they read a comment from a subscriber about it, one journalist might respond with “And Rosebud was just a sled,” which could prompt another to reply humorously, “And Bruce Willis was actually dead the whole time.
Those two examples, referring to the unexpected conclusions of “Citizen Kane” and “The Sixth Sense,” were used sarcastically as an exasperated response to a recurring issue. When a film’s ending is widely recognized, the sentiment implied is that there’s only so much restraint required from a reporter. Asking a journalist to bypass twist endings isn’t merely encroaching on their story; it’s disregarding the effort put into the work. If you were truly interested in the movie’s outcome, why didn’t you ever spare the 90 minutes of your time to watch it?
And yet despite the justified ennui over archaic reveals — just wait till you hear what happens to the Egyptians at the Red Sea! — this column comes to make an anti-spoiler case.
Not for a film that came out years ago. For a film based on a story that came out years ago.
Which, in these IP-larded days, is pretty much everything.
This Oscar season, the movie Wicked, following the suspenseful cliffhanger at the end of Part One, has sparked much anticipation and even some hand-covering apprehension among certain viewers whenever the topic of Part Two arises. (A topic that’s been generating quite a buzz on TikTok.) To those individuals, all we can advise is to maintain their silence. As for everyone else, it would be wise to refrain from discussing the movie’s conclusion. Keep quiet to prevent spoiling someone else’s upcoming viewing experience in November.
Indeed, it’s accurate: the show turned 20 and the book almost 30 years old. I understand your point about the originality of a film. After all, as creators often emphasize, each piece is unique – and this uniqueness should be respected, not overshadowed by overly chatty commentary like Galindas’. Universal Studios might be extending this project for an extended period, just like the Cowardly Lion’s tail. However, audiences ought to experience the new film without prior biases or expectations.
However, you suggest that it should be limited to the Emerald City. Yet, aren’t there countless gems this season that shine with a familiar glow?
2016 was a big year for me as a gamer, because that’s when I finally discovered the mind-blowing ending of Conclave. It’s also the year I found out what happened to Roz in The Wild Robot. For anyone who knows their music history, A Complete Unknown is as clear as day. That’s the year Bob Dylan played his iconic concert, which is a key part of that story. Oh, and did you know? 1965 was also when Frank Herbert published Dune, a book that hinted at the events of Dune: Part Two in 2024!
And then there’s September 5, whose stunning climax was first revealed at the Olympics … in 1972.
Spoilers? In such well-worn tales?
Yes.
Enjoying movies today often brings the thrill of novelty, as we reside in a period where nothing remains confidential and no news story escapes widespread dissemination. In this era, all artistic productions are analyzed and every contemporary event is discussed. Even delayed sports broadcasts – once a feasible prospect – have become obsolete like the single-wing offense. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to avoid knowing about a Chargers-Chiefs game’s outcome an hour after it takes place, or even minutes later. We now seem to know how everything concludes before we’ve even become aware of its beginning.
Yet there is an exception. With not much effort, we can still walk into a dark room with a giant screen and be utterly floored by something we didn’t see coming. It’s what makes new-release movies different from pretty much any cultural product out there (including streaming, which people watch on their own sweet schedule).
If you find yourself inclined to mention the finer points of movie endings that have long been public knowledge, this article advises: Hold back.
Don’t taunt your cousin who’s trying to avoid learning about the second half of Wicked.
Instead of making them struggle, let your partner enjoy their free time with the certainty they’ll catch up on Conclave this coming weekend.
For goodness sake, refrain from taunting your friend about the uncertain outcome of the hostages in the movie “September 5” – they’re already on edge. Instead, allow them to savor the final moments of suspense that life still holds. As for their education, feel free to offer gentle teasing if you wish.
Feel free to share your enthusiasm for classic films by telling everyone that Kevin Spacey was actually Keyser Söze, Tyler Durden wasn’t real and both Billy and Stu were Ghostface. Post it on social media or write it in the clouds if you want! If your friends haven’t seen these movies yet, that’s not your fault. You can also share your theories about Luke, Leia, and Darth Vader’s family history. But please keep quiet about the ending of any current movie to avoid spoiling it for them. This way, they can enjoy their cinematic experiences without being spoiled, and you won’t tarnish the love for movies in general forever.
“You can find this article in the December 13th edition of The Hollywood Reporter periodical. To get future issues, consider subscribing by clicking here.
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2024-12-14 22:25