Media discovery

None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.

How this was put together

If you only read a few

Block or avoid 'Everything Wrong With' style videos on YouTube to prevent noticing plot holes or flubs in movies you enjoy.
Once you are aware of flubs, you won't be able to ignore them if you enjoy rewatching movies.
one person who lived it
If you love a specific visual style in a movie but can't pinpoint why, research the cinematographer's filmography to find similar-looking films.
Some films are enjoyable because of the cinematographer's unique style.
- Other films are enjoyable because of the director's unique style or the script.
one person who lived it
Accept that your taste in media evolves over time and do not cling rigidly to past preferences.
Experience with art and entertainment changes, making once-impressive works seem like nonsense later.
2 people, independently
If you enjoy a foreign film, anime, or Asian movie, search for other works by the same studio.
The studio's other work is rarely beaten by American movies in this context.
one person who lived it
Focus on writers and directors over actors when deciding what to watch.
Talented actors may join poor projects for money, while skilled creators often choose their projects carefully.
one person who lived it

Check Rotten Tomatoes audience scores to gauge how much viewers who actually wanted to watch a film enjoyed it.
Audience scores reflect viewer enjoyment rather than Hollywood production merit, which may not correlate with your personal enjoyment.
one person who lived it
Ignore 'average clochws' and stick with high scores from people, communities, or niches targeted to your specific interests.
This solves the problem better than ignoring high ratings entirely.
one person who lived it
Check both a critic's positive and negative reviews to gauge their usefulness.
Checking only bad reviews might reveal general negativity or biases rather than taste alignment.
one person who lived it
Check out the cinematographer Roger Deakins for movies with amazing cinematography.
His name is synonymous with high-quality visuals.
one person who lived it

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Cultivate security in your personality and preferences so that valid criticism does not alter your opinions on things you enjoy.
one person who lived it