I had a nice online conversation with an actor I had reviewed less than kindly today. He was very gracious and professional about it. As I said to him, if I start to fake or water down my reviews just because someone is a friend or colleague, then the review means nothing. This way, if I give you a good review, you'll know I mean that, too.
But the whole idea began rolling around in my head. The old "Who Watches the Watchmen" idea. With that in mind, I would like to re-examine me as reviewer.
For example, I made a point of saying that my wife laughed most of the way through...rather loudly I didn't say. I mentioned that I found many parts "laugh out loud funny". That was written as an audience member. But as I continued to read, I realized that much of the review was written as an actor/director. That is a dangerous trap to be in. I consciously try to be objective. I try to be fair. I try not to cut my throat with the people I'm reviewing. But somewhere in the cobwebbed passages of my labyrinthine brain, there are voices saying, "If only I'd directed this." and "If I were the actor, I would have..." There will be a faint odour of that from any reviewer.
Ultimately I am who I am. I try to be honest and true and tell my opinion (yes, only and opinion). I am flawed so my reviews are flawed. I'm smart so my reviews are generally good. Whether they match your taste and experience, only time and shared experience will tell.
To any and all I offend- this was not my purpose. To those I have enlightened- you're welcome. To those I have merely entertained- pass along this blog address and have a great life. Leave your comments below.
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