Movie fans are forgiving, but screenwriters should hold themselves to high standards and avoid the need for forgiveness.
Who said hindsight is 20/20? It doesn't really matter, they were right. Most people look back at situations and become aware of undercurrents they missed at the time. Astute moviegoers often find flaws in films upon the first viewing. Are movies with slipups less enjoyable?
What Makes a Flaw Superficial or Detrimental?
Screenwriter, David Koepp (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull), believes "[a]udiences will forgive or even overlook lapses in continuity and logic as long as the story is engaging." People forgive much larger transgressions in life; movie snafus aren't important.
Never let it be said moviegoers are stupid. Writers who take on projects thinking they can bluff their way through, underestimate audiences. If a character is killed in one scene then shows up in the next like nothing happened, someone will notice. Of course, zombie movies are an exception to the rule; dead people are essential to the plot.
Setting is important. A story set in and around the Empire State Building shouldn't be filmed at the Taj Mahal. Good writers and directors know they must pay attention to details to convince the audience making the journey is worthwhile.
Film fans easily lose themselves in good movies, but interest is lost if they're forced to decipher the undecipherable. Plot points and sub-plots are important to the overall success of a movie, but if the main plot isn't defined, the story becomes a series of nonsensical events.
How Forgiving Are Movie Fans?
According to IMDB, there are quite a few continuity errors and revealing mistakes in 'Ghost Busters.' When debris begins to rain down on streets below one would expect a large chunk of concrete or stone to smash anything in its path. In this film, it bounces off a wooden police barricade. Viewers might notice this flaw, but the plot and characters are strong. Bouncing stones become inconsequential.
In 2007s blockbuster, 'Transformers', Shia LaBeouf can't get wardrobe straight. The audience witnesses him put on a hooded sweatshirt before action swings to other characters. When the camera returns to him, the garment is slung over his shoulder. Action away from his character draws attention, but when returned to LaBeouf, he's again wearing the hoodie. Either it's a continuity issue or this character is extremely conscious of his appearance and can't decide which look is better.
These two examples prove minor instances are easily forgiven. Done well, action, story and characters allow suspension of disbelief. However, those same flaws could kill a movie. If the writing is mediocre and the acting doesn't convince the viewer the characters are sincere, a stone bouncing off wood or wardrobe flaws become the nails in the coffin.
Whose Responsibility Is It?
There are many things happening at the same time during filming of a movie. It's difficult to control everything and often the minor details are overlooked. In the end, it's the screenwriter's responsibility to create a believable and interesting story. It's a balancing act where every plot detail needs a purpose; if it doesn't move the story along in some way, leave it out.
Films are a form of escape for many, a way to put reality on hold for a while. To do this one must suspend disbelief. If we can't, we disengage from the action. More often than not, a film loses favor for much larger reasons than wardrobe or special effects. Poor writing is to blame.
