In a perfect world, media criticism would be a fun exercise that connects like-minded people on the internet. Unfortunately, in this world, there is a lack of detachment from shows or films. This creates an extended sense of emotional energy, or as the kids call it, “stan culture.”
‘Stan’, a term coined by Eminem in his single of the same name, is a combination of the words “stalker” and “fan.” A stan is an unusually devoted fan who has more dedication than a regular supporter and borders on intolerably obsessed.
Stan culture creates unhealthy expectations and an overall uneasiness around debates for anyone on the opposite end of it. Some conversations stray, but they usually involve casting, character development, and chemistry.
Do They Have Chemistry?
When you bear witness to conversation amongst critics, you’ll notice the word chemistry being thrown around a lot. The word is commonly used, but rarely is there a definitive answer to what it is. It seems completely subjective, considering there is never an agreed upon decision regarding any fictional couple. However, it is possible to put into words when knowing what to look for.
Some popular examples would be Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley, Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn, and George Clooney and Julia Roberts. They each have something that cannot be taught: a natural connection that easily convinces an audience their relationship could exist beyond the screen. This is the general requirement to move past the chemistry test, but in some cases, it narrows down to the casting choices.
With these choices, what follows is the inevitable disapproval from fans, mostly due to fan casting.
Fans Are Hopeful Casting Directors
Every second after an adaptation is announced, the world waits on bated breath for the fandom’s reaction. With strong fanbases, the reaction is usually mixed, which is, again, due to an unhealthy attachment to characters and their stories. The most recent example would be Disney’s adaptation of Tangled and the casting of Rapunzel.
Enough time has passed since the release of the 2010 animated film for fans to choose the actress of their liking and get married to the idea. The casting of Rapunzel has been one-up for debate for years since the announcement of an adaptation. Several names were thrown around in fan casting, but one in particular was Avantika Vandanapu. Though the actress was only suggested by a fan, the idea sparked racist backlash toward the actress online.
The extreme reactions happen for several reasons. With a book series, most fans have a specific picture in their head as they read that they don’t want to give up. With animated characters, specifically ones from an individual’s childhood, the nostalgia keeps a fan focused on minor details. Unfortunately for them, the role of a casting director requires a true understanding of the industry and what the performance needs, and fan casting is essentially wishful thinking. A lot of requirements go into casting, more so than just looks. There is also a search for emotional investment and capability.
Whether you agree with a casting choice or not, depending on its importance to the story, the decision should be something easy to move past. However, the longer a conversation hangs, the stronger the responses are. This is the general rule for most online discourse and conversations surrounding media commentary.
Like Disney Says — Let it Go
A certain level of self-assuredness is required when participating in film and series commentary online, especially with an adaptation. We are far from the days when media criticism was simply categorized between “like” and “dislike.” What comes next is usually dependent on the extremity of the fans and their understanding of nuance, but it’s usually met with online harassment. When it comes to this, you should just relinquish your pride and opt out of the conversation.
What's Your Reaction?
