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ralanr t1_j248xu4 wrote

Reply to comment by atomicitalian in Why do Hollywood movies that criticize Hollywood itself or capitalism usually end up portraying it as awesome? by MentalDespairing

I’m definitely one of those people who look at cyberpunk cityscapes and think, “That’s awesome.” Despite it being utter hell to live in and growing more angry with how car centric the USA is.

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atomicitalian t1_j24r8m3 wrote

I think there's a difference between seeing a really fascinating setting and thinking "man I'd love to explore that" then like, looking at Henry Hill from Goodfellas or Tony from the Sopranos or Walter White and thinking "those guys are BADASS I want to be like them"

The former I think is a pretty natural reaction to the unknown and the mysterious, the latter is just not really understanding the characters as they're presented.

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ralanr t1_j24rotr wrote

The joy about stories is that audiences can disagree with the author’s original intent and find something different.

It can get annoying when the worst aspects are appraised. I remember reading the author of Fight Club hates it when people tell him Tyler is the character they appeal to the most.

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atomicitalian t1_j24sg7n wrote

I mean I don't disagree with that, but I think people can also just completely whiff "getting" a story/character.

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ralanr t1_j24sowq wrote

Oh hands down accurate. The incel community is a prime example of that, lol.

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ApocalypseSpokesman t1_j26hc3i wrote

I think people want to be Walter White more for the broad field of knowledge, quick thinking, incisive decision-making, self-sacrifice, and ability to carry out a task to its completion, and less for the willingness to break several laws.

Likewise people idolize Tyler Durden for his bold vision, charisma, adulation from peers, exciting exploits, and ability to have lots of awesome sex, and less for his blowing up stuff.

People's lives lack drama and excitement, and they feel admiration for a protagonist who can act swiftly and competently in a pinch.

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