The Dillon Empire: Simon Dillon on Substack

The Dillon Empire: Simon Dillon on Substack

Share this post

The Dillon Empire: Simon Dillon on Substack
The Dillon Empire: Simon Dillon on Substack
Are Films That Criticise the Audience Effective?

Are Films That Criticise the Audience Effective?

Is it wise to wag a finger at the viewer?

Simon Dillon's avatar
Simon Dillon
Apr 22, 2025
∙ Paid
3

Share this post

The Dillon Empire: Simon Dillon on Substack
The Dillon Empire: Simon Dillon on Substack
Are Films That Criticise the Audience Effective?
2
1
Share
Photo by Daniel Guerra on Unsplash

My views on preachy storytelling of any kind are well-documented. A story is not a sermon, or a political speech, and should not be approached as such. Sermonising, specifying, or editorialising has the effect of turning off the very people the artist is trying to reach. What’s more, if you’re a contrarian like me, it will likely turn you against the film (or book, play, TV series, etc), even if you agree with the message. That’s why I often bristle when rubbing up against films by Ken Loach or Spike Lee. Such films are often well-acted and directed, and it isn’t that I necessarily disagree with what they are trying to say (though I sometimes take vehement issue with Loach’s politics), but I can’t abide having a finger wagged in my face.

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to The Dillon Empire: Simon Dillon on Substack to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Simon Dillon
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share