Matt Smith’s take on trigger warnings: A deeper dive into storytelling
The actor’s perspective on modern media
Matt Smith, known for his compelling roles in series like “House of the Dragon,” recently shared his thoughts on the growing trend of trigger warnings in media. He expressed concerns that these warnings might be diluting the impact of storytelling, suggesting that audiences are being prepped too much on what to expect and how to feel.
“The point of my recent acting choices is to tell morally difficult stories, especially in today’s world,” Smith remarked. “It’s okay to feel uncomfortable or provoked while engaging with art, but I worry that everything is being dialed down. We’re telling audiences they’re going to be scared before they’ve even watched something.”
The essence of storytelling
Smith’s reflections bring to light a crucial aspect of storytelling: the element of surprise and emotional engagement. He argues that being shocked, surprised, or stirred is an integral part of the experience. Over-policing stories and being afraid to present them due to the current climate is, in his view, a disservice to the art form.
A trip down memory lane
Recalling his youth, Smith shared memories of visiting a local video shop and encountering provocative films like “Slither,” “Basic Instinct,” and “Disclosure.” He admitted to watching these films at a very young age, including “Friday the 13th” at the age of nine, which he humorously noted, “absolutely ruined me.”
The rise of trigger warnings
Trigger warnings have become increasingly prevalent in media, often appearing before movies or TV episodes that contain graphic content, such as depictions of sexual assault or self-harm. These warnings go beyond typical parental guidelines, offering more specific alerts about the content.
For instance, AMC recently made headlines by warning viewers that Martin Scorsese’s 1990 mob epic “Goodfellas” contained “cultural stereotypes that are inconsistent with today’s standards of inclusion and tolerance.”
The debate over spoilers
The debate over trigger warnings also touches on the issue of spoilers. Some argue that these warnings can inadvertently spoil plot points for viewers. Examples include Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer,” which preemptively warned of a shocking assault scene, and Apple TV+’s “Severance,” which tipped viewers off to an episode cliffhanger by revealing a depiction of self-harm. Similarly, “Better Call Saul” on the international streamer Stan foreshadowed a major character death with a suicide hotline number.
Personal reflections for enthusiasts
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, this discussion opens up a broader conversation about the balance between protecting viewers and preserving the integrity of storytelling. As someone who has been deeply moved by unexpected plot twists and emotionally charged scenes, I find myself torn. On one hand, I understand the need to protect vulnerable viewers from potentially distressing content. On the other hand, I cherish the raw, unfiltered experience of being taken by surprise.
Exploring further
For those interested in exploring the films and series mentioned, here are some direct links to their trailers and information pages:
- House of the Dragon
- Slither
- Basic Instinct
- Disclosure
- Friday the 13th
- Goodfellas
- Baby Reindeer
- Severance
- Better Call Saul
A nuanced perspective
Ultimately, the conversation around trigger warnings is complex and multifaceted. It requires a nuanced approach that considers both the emotional well-being of viewers and the artistic integrity of the creators. As we navigate this evolving landscape, it’s essential to keep the dialogue open and inclusive, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.
For those who wish to delve deeper into Matt Smith’s thoughts and experiences, his full profile is available on The Times of London’s website.