Taron Egerton reveals he didn’t read any reviews for Netflix's 'Apex,' marking a first in his career as he addresses the complexities of film criticism.
In simple terms, Taron Egerton revealed in a recent interview that he did not read any reviews for his Netflix thriller, 'Apex.' This admission, made during his appearance on the 'Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard' podcast, marks a significant departure from his usual approach to film releases, making it a notable moment in his career.
Egerton, who stars in the action-packed film alongside Charlize Theron, explained that this is the first time he has intentionally chosen to ignore critics. He expressed his awareness of the various perspectives that influence reviews and stated, "Everybody's coming from their own subjective experience. Everybody has an agenda." His candid remarks shed light on the often subjective nature of film critiques, emphasizing how personal biases can influence professional opinions.
During the podcast episode, Shepard highlighted how many critics had overlooked the directing talent showcased in 'Apex.' He argued that critics should acknowledge the craftsmanship involved in filmmaking, even if the final product isn’t to their personal liking. Egerton resonated with Shepard's frustrations, noting that as an actor, it feels taboo to engage with critical evaluations, stating, "It's like you should pretend it's not happening."
Egerton's perspective reflects a growing trend among actors to distance themselves from reviews, especially in an era where online scoring and instant critiques dominate film discussions. He described how he successfully managed to avoid the temptation to read any critiques, which he characterized as liberating. "I didn’t read one film critique. It’s the first time in my entire career that I’ve done that," he shared.
The complexities surrounding critical reviews have long been debated in the film industry. As Egerton noted, the integrity of reviews can be compromised by the nature of online consumption and sensationalism. He points out that fair and balanced assessments often lack the engagement that makes them appealing to a wider audience. Instead, he suggested, reviews often cater to clickbait headlines rather than thoughtful critiques, which could mislead audiences about a film’s quality or artistic merit.
This raises significant questions about how actors, filmmakers, and audiences interact with film critiques. If actors like Egerton are choosing to disengage from reviews, how might that impact the way films are marketed or received? Will future projects see a shift in promotion strategies, with actors focusing solely on the art of storytelling rather than public perception?
Despite Egerton’s non-engagement with critical reviews, 'Apex,' which debuted on Netflix on April 24, has garnered a mix of praise and criticism. Some viewers have applauded Theron’s physical performance, noting her raw athleticism as a highlight of the film. Yet, the movie faced its set of challenges in critical reception. Many reviews have pointed to elements that didn't resonate with certain audiences, leading to discussions similar to those raised by Egerton and Shepard.
Given this divide, Egerton's admission about skipping reviews might resonate with actors and viewers alike, possibly encouraging a culture where personal experiences with films take precedence over external evaluations. In a universe filled with diverse opinions, the significance of personal enjoyment and interpretation can overshadow a critic's assessment.
Taron Egerton's choice to forgo reading reviews for 'Apex' emphasizes a broader conversation around film criticism and its influence on audience interpretation. By prioritizing personal sentiment over public opinion, he encourages both actors and fans to seek out their own enjoyable experiences in cinema, independent of the sometimes polarizing nature of reviews. As such, this could represent a shift in how upcoming films are approached, both in terms of marketing and audience engagement moving forward.
For those interested in exploring related topics, check out Wagner Moura Reflects on COVID Isolation with Netflix’s 'The Last House' or Exploring Netflix’s The Last House: Themes, Characters, and Clues.
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