Exploring the Divide: Why Some Disapprove of 'The Last Jedi' Yet Remain Faithful to Rian Johnson

The cultural divide over 'The Last Jedi' has been a topic of heated debate among fans of Star Wars. While some vehemently denounce the film as a departure from the beloved franchise, others hold director Rian Johnson in high regard, believing in his abilities as a director. This article aims to explore the psychological underpinnings of this divide and why the criticism of 'The Last Jedi' does not automatically translate to a dismissal of Johnson's talent.

The Psychology Behind Fan Reactions

Critical human psychology plays a significant role in how individuals perceive and react to new information, especially when it involves popular cultural phenomena like 'Star Wars.' When presented with multiple opposing arguments or viewpoints, people tend to show a strong bias towards the perspective they were initially introduced to. This phenomenon is often referred to as anchoring bias. Once a viewpoint or opinion is formed, it can be resistant to change without substantial evidence or compelling arguments.

One of the reasons why 'The Last Jedi' has faced such intense scrutiny is the very nature of the Star Wars franchise itself. For fans deeply rooted in the legacy of George Lucas and later episodic installments, the idea of a significant departure from the established style and themes can be overwhelmingly upsetting. This emotional attachment to the franchise makes any perceived deviance from the norm more apparent and intolerable.

Analysing Rian Johnson's Precedent and Reputation

Before 'The Last Jedi,' Rian Johnson already had a reputation as a talented filmmaker, known for films like 'Brick,' 'Looper,' and 'Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi.' Does his previous work in other genres, such as crime and action, suggest that 'The Last Jedi' was an outlier? While this question is valid, it doesn’t necessarily diminish his overall directorial skills. It is worth noting that master directors often have a broad range of genres and styles in which they are competent, and 'The Last Jedi' should be viewed within that context.

Many fans who disliked 'The Last Jedi' might not have closely associated the film with Johnson's prior works. For some, the disappointment stems from the idea that a film with such a promising start (the first movie of the new trilogy, 'The Force Awakens') had been allowed to veer off the rails despite his involvement as the director. This perception is deeply rooted in a belief that 'The Last Jedi' was a missed opportunity, rather than a representation of Johnson's complete range as a filmmaker.

The Critics vs. Rian Johnson's Talents

Critics often argue that 'The Last Jedi' is a poorly constructed piece of work, with a weak plot and a disjointed narrative. The film is criticized for failing to understand the core elements that make 'Star Wars' special, and for not delivering the emotional resonance that fans have come to expect. However, is it fair to dismiss Rian Johnson’s abilities based on this one film?

While 'The Last Jedi' is undeniably flawed, it is critical to recognize that critical reception is subjective and based on personal tastes. A directorial choice that works for one genre does not automatically transfer to another. Rian Johnson's background in crime and action may not have prepared him for the specific storytelling demands of the 'Star Wars' universe. Similarly, someone highly skilled in psychological thrillers may not excel in epic space opera.

Moreover, fan criticism of the film is not an indictment of Johnson's overall skills as a director. The term 'quality' in filmmaking can be overwhelmingly subjective. Just because a director excels in one area does not mean they will excel in another, especially when the expectations and storytelling demands of the projects are very different.

Conclusion

The divide between fans who disapprove of 'The Last Jedi' and those who still hold Rian Johnson in high regard is a complex one rooted in anchoring bias and the psychological investment fans have in beloved franchises. While the film itself received criticism, it is important to separate that criticism from a broader evaluation of the director's abilities. Rian Johnson's talents as a filmmaker extend beyond 'The Last Jedi,' and it is unfair to dismiss his directorial skills based on this one controversial work. The key to understanding this divide lies in recognizing the subjective nature of both critical reception and personal preferences.

Ultimately, 'The Last Jedi' represents a moment of divergence in the Star Wars legacy, and it is natural for fans to have different opinions. The strength of a director's overall portfolio, and not a single film, should be the measure of their talent and capability in the future.