Meaning: This quote by Joel Siegel, a well-known film critic, encapsulates a fundamental aspect of approaching the experience of watching a movie. Siegel suggests that he endeavors to enter a movie without any preconceived notions or expectations. He believes that having expectations can be unfair to the movie itself, as well as to the filmmakers and artists behind it. This approach is grounded in the idea that by letting go of expectations, one can engage with the film on its own terms, allowing for a more open and authentic experience.

When Siegel mentions that it's "not fair" to have expectations when going into a movie, he is highlighting the potential impact of preconceived notions on the viewing experience. Expectations can color our perception of a film, leading us to judge it based on how well it aligns with our preconceived ideas rather than evaluating it on its own merits. This can be detrimental to the overall enjoyment and understanding of the movie. By releasing these expectations, viewers can approach the film with a more neutral and receptive mindset, thereby giving it a fair chance to make an impression.

Siegel's perspective also underscores the idea that each film is a unique work of art, deserving of a fresh and unbiased assessment. When we bring expectations to a movie, we are essentially projecting our personal preferences, past experiences, and external influences onto the film before it has had the chance to speak for itself. This can limit our ability to fully appreciate the creativity, storytelling, and technical aspects that the filmmakers have put into their work. By entering a movie without expectations, we allow ourselves to be more attuned to the film's nuances and originality, enhancing our capacity to engage with it in a more meaningful way.

Furthermore, Siegel's approach speaks to the concept of mindfulness in movie-watching. By consciously letting go of expectations, viewers can cultivate a sense of presence and awareness during the viewing experience. This mindfulness allows for a deeper connection with the film, enabling viewers to immerse themselves in its narrative, themes, and emotions without the interference of preconceived judgments. In doing so, viewers can potentially discover new perspectives and insights that may have been overlooked if they had approached the movie with rigid expectations.

It's important to note that Siegel's stance does not dismiss the value of anticipation or excitement for a movie. Anticipation can add to the overall enjoyment of the movie-going experience. However, there is a distinction between healthy anticipation and rigid expectations. Healthy anticipation involves looking forward to the experience of watching a movie while remaining open to whatever it may offer, whereas rigid expectations involve predetermined notions about how the movie should be, which can hinder our ability to fully engage with it.

In conclusion, Joel Siegel's quote serves as a reminder of the benefits of approaching movies with an open mind and a willingness to let go of expectations. By doing so, viewers can create space for a more authentic and enriching interaction with the film, allowing its unique qualities to unfold and resonate. This mindset not only benefits the individual viewer but also honors the artistry and craftsmanship of the filmmakers, fostering a more equitable and appreciative relationship between the audience and the world of cinema.