Meaning:
This quote by Campbell Scott, a renowned actor, touches upon the subjectivity of art and individual perception. In essence, Scott is emphasizing that personal experiences and emotions greatly influence one's interpretation and appreciation of a movie, making it difficult for external reviews or opinions to significantly sway one's own feelings towards it. This notion speaks to the unique and personal nature of our relationship with art and how it resonates with us on an individual level.
The phrase "you're never gonna believe any of the reviews" suggests a skepticism towards the influence of critical reviews on one's personal perception of a movie. Scott seems to be implying that no matter how well or poorly a movie is reviewed, the ultimate impact it has on an individual is deeply personal and resistant to outside influence. This resistance to external influence speaks to the power of personal experience and emotional connection when it comes to consuming art.
The latter part of the quote, "the movie is to you what it is to you," further underscores the idea that each person's experience of a movie is inherently unique and shaped by their own individual perspective. This sentiment acknowledges the diversity of human experience and the myriad ways in which individuals can relate to and interpret a piece of art. It also highlights the futility of trying to impose a singular interpretation or evaluation of a movie onto others, as it is ultimately a personal and subjective experience.
The final statement, "No one's ever gonna sway you from what you feel about it," captures the unwavering nature of personal emotional connections to art. Scott seems to be asserting that external opinions or critiques will not alter one's deeply held feelings about a movie. This assertion speaks to the deeply personal and emotional nature of our engagement with art and how it can elicit strong, enduring responses that are resistant to outside influence.
In the context of film criticism and audience reception, Scott's quote challenges the notion of a universally objective standard for evaluating movies. It suggests that the impact of a movie on an individual is not solely determined by its technical or narrative qualities, but rather by the complex interplay of personal experiences, emotions, and individual perspectives. This aligns with the broader discourse on the subjectivity of art and the diverse ways in which people engage with and derive meaning from creative works.
In conclusion, Campbell Scott's quote eloquently captures the deeply personal and subjective nature of our relationship with art, particularly with regard to movies. It emphasizes the individuality of our experiences and emotions in shaping our perceptions of art, while also highlighting the limited influence that external opinions or critiques can have on these deeply held feelings. This quote serves as a reminder of the diversity of human experience and the deeply personal ways in which we engage with and interpret art.