Good vs. Likable (Caturday Question)

Good Writing is the Best, and Cheapest, Special Effect

The point here is that good vs. likeable is a false choice. You like what you like, right? And nobody can tell you otherwise. Also, there’s no inherent reason why pornographic films should have worse writing than any other kind of entertainment. I seem to recall Robin Williams making this exact point in the early aughts.

Big Cat, Little Cat

But still, this is a bit of a bete noire of mine. People say “It’s good” without saying what kind of good. Martin Scorcese was quite correct when he said that Marvel movies are basically the cinematic equivalent of theme-park rides. Mind, he did not say they were bad; he just said that’s what they are.

That doesn’t have to be a bad thing. People like roller coasters. And people like Marvel Movies. But you can’t really dispute the point. And no, bringing up your favorite Marvel Movie doesn’t constitute a refutation of the argument. Not even if it made you cry. I’ve cried on roller coasters. Because of the wind-resistance stinging my eyes, I’ll grant you. But still. The people who write Hollywood blockbusters have got their tearjerking skills down to as much of a science as the people who construct rollercoasters. So I still don’t see that there’s a difference. And again. These are factual distinctions. But certainly not moral ones.

How Do we Talk about what “Good vs. Likable” even Means?

It is true that what you like is subjective. It’s also true that when you talk about what you like it’s hard to avoid using language that implies ethical judgment. I think that’s just because a lot of the words we use in artistic judgment we also use in ethical judgment.

If I call a piece “light” or “shallow” “fluffy” that might mean it’s ideal for me to watch when I’m in a foul mood. Or it’s ideal for me to watch when I’m doing chores I hate. And I need to do those chores. So in a sense, those “fluffy” TV shows and audiobooks are the most important pieces of art in my life.

That is… until I start feeling depressed and I have to listen to something a little more substantial to get myself out of my funk.

I would say that I used to equate “light” and “serious” with moral values; not just with artistic ones. I don’t anymore. Or, leastwise, I try not to. Maybe I’m learning wisdom in my old age.

Description

Three identical panels, side-by-side. In each, a large orange cat with orange stripes sits side-by-side with a small grey cat with grey stripes. The large orange looks down beatifically at the small grey, while the grey looks off into the distance as if frustrated by something.

Panel 1

Big Cat: I really like this new show.

Little Cat: Oh yeah? Is the writing good?

Panel 2

Big Cat: It’s not the best. But the characters are so charismatic that–.

Little Cat: Oh. So it’s like porn?

Panel 3

Big Cat: Well I wouldn’t…

Little Cat: But without the fun parts.