Finding Positivity in Discouraging Comments

Rather than being internally frustrated I wanted to be productive about some discouraging comments I received.
Amendment to what I said:
I think saying evil people discourage and good people encourage was unproductive and far too broad. I don’t believe in good/evil people in such a basic sense. I should’ve said encouraging is an act of good and discouraging is an act of evil.
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I love movies

[@shoocharu]

"Don't say "it can't be done" to the person doing it". Lovely video, man! I agree big time!

[@NathanLathroum]

Hey, you’re that one guy!

[@StatchanaReborn]

Eyy, schooch! I see you like some quality content as well!

[@Laki2]

Soup appearance!?

[@contrillo_]

Drowning in Potential is my favorite film of 2022 so far. A huge studio could never produce anything that could make me feel comparable emotions. Drowning in Potential (and the films of yourself and other independent developers) emphasize and depict those emotions which are so much deeper and nuanced than "happy" "sad", etc. Thank you for your work, Joel. The first review in this video was a really 1 ply thought. (still excited for the upcoming Oppenheimer movie though)

[@mdogg094]

@Likemybutton cannot believe you chose to leave THIS post on THIS video

[@lunchbox3124]

@Likemybutton careful criticizing Joel here. People really don’t understand a large portion of the population doesn’t like independent film even if we like Joel’s other work.

[@jeremygillespie5482]

@Likemybutton I like your humor.

[@BozalliCopter]

@Likemybutton I think it just depends on the kind of films you like. I loved Drowning in Potential, but I can understand that other people might not, if they like a different style. In terms of the specific things you mentioned, personally I'd say that the plot is a fairly loose, gentle one, but it's there. I definitely don't agree about character progression - we don't see a massive transformation or pivot from the characters, but we definitely see them start to grow apart, and the frustration overboil, and the pain they have in trying to get to where they are trying to go. For me, that simmering, low-level angst was very very relatable, and memorable for me. I've seen a good few Mexican and Argentinian films that have a not dissimilar approach in terms of story and characters, so I don't agree that it's quite as strange as you seem to be saying. But it absolutely depends on what you are into as a viewer. I and many other people massively enjoyed Drowning in Potential, and others, like Pretend you love me

[@aul8819]

@Likemybutton You said it, you're putting the whole of art into your own box and it doesn't all fit. You've recognized that within yourself, so that's really good.

[@Abyssno1dad]

“…promote people to follow things they can never actually accomplish.” Honestly sounds like a skill issue to me

[@JamieRogersSites]

god forbid anyone have hopes and dreams

[@c0ttage]

yeaaaah it really came off as a self report than a fair trial criticism

[@chaselovedad]

"Skill diff + cope + ratio + no movie"

[@micahraney732]

Imagine literally everybody having a camera, a computer, and internet access in their pocket

[@Kirbywonder2468]

its really surprising how many people still fail to recognize how subjective art is. i feel like these commenters are surprised that people have interests where the primary motivation is a creative outlet to make passion projects rather than earn money! obviously people need money, but if you monetize all your hobbies, you wont have hobbies for very long. it's a toxic mindset to both be in and project onto others

[@andrewdeneve7274]

Iirc there was a famous artist who recovered a broken urinal/toilet from a damaged bathroom and labeled it as an artistic piece. I always think of this when people try to argue that something “is not art”. I believe mostly anything can be used to convey an artists’ message. And the message is what’s most important, not whether it was created on KZbin or by a massive production team.

[@Woodsaras]

Its not that subjective though

[@cesandman727]

@@Woodsaras Isn’t it? Explain your thinking here a little.

[@Woodsaras]

@@cesandman727 I'm not here to school the uneducated. It took me 6 years in the university and then +10 years in practice. Not gonna waste my time craming stuff into a youtube comment just to please some random defensive commenter who has preconcieved notions (about the subject he has zero idea about) and he likes to parror around. I've seen plenty of yall on the internet. Waste of time.

[@user-oz2pd9ye6z]

Lol

[@BeBackWhenever]

thank you for always encouraging creators to create and ignore discouragement!

[@NathanTRousseau]

I really appreciated this and needed it. I’ve been getting very discouraged this week with the numbers game. It’s so hard to break that mindset, but I can FEEL that mindset tying back both my hands creatively. Creating is something I have NEEDED to do since childhood. It’s sad that I’ve allowed myself let it become so money and audience driven. Trying to get back to that place of freedom again. I’m a polisher, I think I always will be, but I want to be allowed to polish things in the way my ADHD mind thinks it needs to be, not the “industry standard” that will get me the most GLOOOORY. Thank you for your encouragement, Joel. I’m gonna get right back to my project right now.

[@seagulldreams]

Subbed and excited to check out your films man. Keep going 💪

[@ihcobob]

Please make more videos on these kinds of topics! I've been really enjoying your takes on stuff so far, and I value the insights you have, would love to hear more.

[@mightymeatymech]

In conjunction with talking to my therapist who has an artist as a child and definitely understands my Insecurities specific to creating, I've been slowly watching through these videos. Slowly, because they kind of touch me in ways I am not prepared for lol. And I need time to really process what you say. Cause you have such a beautiful perspective on art. I am so happy you shared these thoughts. Everyone SHOULD BE encouraged to create, we don't need to be massively funded by angel investors to make the things we love. We don't need to be 'good'. Lately I've realized 'good' on a larger scale kind of correlates to how many resources were thrown at a project. If we are proud of our work (and it's not abhorrently hurtful to others), isn't that enough? But I'm currently struggling with that because for me personally, it is not enough. That's a personal problem though, and I fucking bet every artist at every skill level feels that tbh. I've met people who were... A million times more talented than me, and they'll go 'uwu I'm a lil nervous I think this MASTERPIECE sucks' lmao. This is just how creatives operate, unfortunately. And on the flip side, we (the Audience) need to be able to appreciate more indie projects. More encouragement, less discouragement. If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all type beat. No indie director is gonna make the next avengers, and that's kind of the point of going to different filmmakers for different films? I feel like I had to detox myself from watching films and shows produced by major studios because I started to notice I could not appreciate indie and amateur art as much as I really wanted to. Too freaking critical about like, small details that truly don't matter to the story. Just because I was used to watching stuff that went through 100+ edits by five different teams before it was deemed watchable lol. This long, u prolly won't read, I'm just glad there's someone out here who really wants to encourage other baby artists. We need that. We need community and empathy and compassion amongst artists. 🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@mightymeatymech]

This is literally the longest youtube comment I've ever written I am going to go dissolve in shame at my own vulnerability now 🥰

[@SofaPop.]

Man you’re just making me even more excited for the next Oscar’s. I’m thinking of making a meta film about the making of my last Oscar film

[@thekevinfoster]

I think Joel has helped me realize the importance of intrinsic motivation behind my projects. Too much pressure builds when everything is coming from an outside place like fame or money. Sure some can do it, but it often seems to end with people realizing that their motivation was wrong all along. Hope everyone has a nice day. Trying to add some positivity to all of my comments. (Edit): somehow I took the You’re Already a Filmmaker video in the complete wrong way. I think it just showed how entrenched I was in the industry mindset that I couldn’t even see the pathway forward. Luckily I rewatched later and I seem to be on a better creative track now.

[@smallbrain4997]

This is very inspiring. I wanna make feature films someday but I was for years stuck in a mindset that it had to be a studio production or at least something with a big crew. But watching your videos, made me realize that you just need to try it out and Inside also helped me realize that you didn't even need a crew at all. Helped me realize is that as long as you try you can make a really good or interesting short film or even feature film. (Btw I still want to make a studio film someday, at least to try it out :) )

[@goatgoat0]

I'd like to return this Lunch Box. Anything that comes out of it is super salty.

[@lunchbox3124]

No refunds

[@DerykMarks]

Hey Joel you've been such a big inspiration to me and my friends! Wanted to say thanks!

[@bryceshockley7206]

Been watching you for years, Joel, and this channel has been amazing to dive deeper into your awesome film mind. It's been really encouraging and makes me want to make more content again!

[@peterboueiri5034]

watched a lot of your shorts and clicked on this video out of curiosity to see the talent behind them and I have to say Joel it is a delight to hear you speak about Film this way. Thanks for all the great content and entertainment .

[@NeorecnamorceN]

Hey, having a hater like that, who takes the time to write such a long winded comment really just shows you've made it. And it's safe to say that the moral of the story is that the real skeletons were inside us all along.

[@lunchbox3124]

I like Joel I’m not a hater. You can disagree with someone’s stances on movies and art without hating them.

[@supremeghost7950]

@@lunchbox3124 Yup, that's what people nowadays fail to see. You don't have to agree with someone elses point of view or opinion, but at least accept it and leave it with that. Answering your comment with basically "no u" is just childish to be honest. Even though I disagreed with your comment I still respect and accept it as your opinion and that's it. It was far away from a hate comment, a little bit salty maybe, but I've read far more insulting comments than this critical one. Tl;dr: Don't know what the fuss is all about.

[@lunchbox3124]

@@supremeghost7950 I do like what Joel has done by showing my comment and kind of dissecting it. He has opened a discussion where people have agreed or disagreed with me civilly. I think we need more discussion between two opposing opinions that don’t get heated. People need to learn to accept others opinions and try to understand them, and if they can’t, just let it go and move on.

[@supremeghost7950]

@@lunchbox3124 Well, that's the problem.People will get into a discussion, yes, but when they see, that the opposing front isn't changing his mind to their own, they get salty and back away. Nowadays It just transmorphed into "my opinion is the only true one, every one elses isn't" and leave the discussion with your emotions taking over instead of just accepting the other ones point of view.

[@lunchbox3124]

@@supremeghost7950 very true. I wish we could get to a point were an opinion could be swayed based on logic and facts but once someone has their mind made up now they never even try to see another viewpoint.

[@sss-tw3jh]

Pretend that you love me is my absolute favorite.

[@ezert_13]

Sending this to all my artist friends so they will never forget to be *INSANEO STYLE*

[@implosion321]

Omfg starting at 8:30 - 10:05 ... Joel YES GO OFF KING omfg I feel my body has been put through a spiritual blender of goosebumps and radically beautiful truths. That doesn't make any sense. Tysm and I hope you know what I mean

[@xeno4162]

Really appreciate these videos, the idea of 'artistic blueprints' for Films or how they should be perceived definitely needed a mention. Another thing that is usually thrown around is how comedy or satire make the Film less artistic, they aren't taken that seriously and just considered goofy fun. Take Funny games for example, same goes for Four Lions. What do you think?

[@octowaff]

Thanks for keeping it real! Your content is changing the game.

[@JetFalco]

I envy your unique experience-based confidence, man.

[@muyusoff]

Hey Joel I've been wanting to make videos for the longest time but I've always been impeded by self-doubt and fear. I'm so glad I came across your stuff - when I first saw your videos I was like shit this is my kind of content; if this guy, so authentic and all, can make it, surely anyone can with enough effort (and you've consistently expressed this kind of messaging). I've finally put out some new videos recently and you're right, it really helps me sleep at night :) Keep doing good work, Joel!!

[@2.06am]

you are such a thoughtful man. Thank you for this discussion.

[@doompastrydawnofanewb]

Thanks for the insightful video, Joel. I've been quietly watching your videos for a long while now and I always find your positivity refreshing. I've struggled with following my dreams and putting myself out there for my entire adult life. As much as I like to just say that it doesn't affect me, it creates cracks in my psyche and confidence and has prevented me from taking those leaps, which I believe, truly would have led me to my own definition of success if only I had persevered. Deep down, there is a part of me that screams "you still have time. Don't waste it!" It's so hard to let that part of me take the wheel and keep it for any sustained amount of time. What I'm trying to say is that I have mad respect for you, brother. Keep on with yo' badass self.

[@bigbeanburrito7459]

Also I have to tell you that seeing your passion for filmmaking has inspired me to follow my own passions. Because of you I’m currently in the process of making my own video game! I was always afraid to start this project out of fear for thinking “it’s not going to be as good as all these high budget AAA titles.” But seeing you in your element, making these great videos on KZbin has inspired me. Thanks for everything you do man!

[@cithoreal8356]

Really great stuff, your attitude and wisdom leaves me feeling good and inspired to keep pursuing my ideas

[@ethanclark4116]

Great things come from people who think outside the box

[@hspinnovators5516]

That's the thing Joel....if he were making the films himself he would be so respectful towards the level of craft, dedication, expansion etc. people who are doing it and get the challenge and life in it get it. Plus in 100 years, your work will keep growing. No one will care about CGI in 100 years, at least I believe.

[@LookADistarction]

I’m very grateful I came across this video. Thank you.

[@aaaaaaaaa3170]

I made my first serious venture into filmmaking this year by taking a production class at a community college. I had already been watching your films long before that and your encouragement was one of the things that lit a fire under my ass to get up and actually go make something. After I took that class, I see why you're so passionate about positivity and encouragement. The professor I had was a pretentious dickhead who would give us so many needless constraints on our projects so that we'd "be more creative". Doesn't sound too bad on the surface, but I was actually seeing a lot of people making really cool and interesting films, but getting penalized because they didn't adhere to his stupid requirements like having only diagetic credits or only instrumental music with at least four edits. I could go on and on about how much that class sucked (even though I still learned a lot and made friends), but I saw so many creative people get discouraged because our professor was exactly the kind of close-minded person you describe. I got the impression he was acting like some sort of gatekeeper for Hollywood. I think because we're living in a time where filmmaking is easier and more accessible than ever, a lot of "professionals" feel threatened by that, like "I went to USC film school, and I'm a professional - how can you lump me into the same category as someone who makes KZbin videos with their iPhone???" For some people, being a professional filmmaker is their identity, so they probably feel like what you're saying is attacking their identity. But they shouldn't look at it that way! There is no right or wrong way to make a film, just different ways. Some people work in the industry, some people work independently. Some people use fancy equipment, some people don't. At the end of the day, we're all making art, it's self-expression, people should be able to make whatever they want however they want.

[@AlexanderBennettVideo]

Thanks Joel. Your definition of success hit very timely for me. I’m about to shoot a zero budget feature with my wife on our holiday and it helps take off the pressure. Internally if we can just make art, that is success. P.s. just watched ‘Drowning in potential’ it was fantastic. I still find it hard to believed it was improv over two weeks

[@heathmontcentral5279]

Love you dude

[@gumbyno5808]

Yours and Trent's Letterboxd inspires me to check out so many movies I would not have even been aware of otherwise. Keep doing you, let's enjoy movies without letting the negativity get to us

[@andyv8624]

Reminds me of my friend Tyler. He’s just a guy with a camera, but he’s passionate about every film project he works on and he makes some really great stuff, even without a budget. When I met him he was filming live music shows and a web series, now he gets hired to make promos for local events and music videos for local bands, so he’s able to fund larger documentary-style projects.

[@TheNoMoreGamer]

Honestly, I would take these “school project, or KZbin movie” insults as complements. It’s what you’re aiming for, the barrier to entry is low, anyone can see it and anyone can participate, it’s the most widely accessible thing someone with the drive to create it can make. It reminds me of an interview I saw with the guys behind the Gorillaz. They got called a kids band as an insult and their response was “that’s the greatest thing anyone could have called us” because it reached the widest and most creative and bright eyed audience possible.

[@Duterasemis]

Very encouraging. I've always been afraid to really commit to any sort of art for fear of how much the criticism will hurt. But seeing just how stupid these comments can get, and how you let them slide off of you like water off a duck's back is inspiring.

[@severithsfavs]

Ask them if “Clerks” is a movie. Then refer to your projects as “Movie Films”. They’ll be too flabbergasted to respond.

[@Volker_A4]

I love how you think Joel. I'm definitely gonna save this one for when I need it.

[@emectar1773]

I hope the negativity isn't getting to you as you get a larger and larger audience. Everything you put out is so lovely and unique! I'm probably way too worried for your sake, but I know I'm drawn to the negative no matter how small compared to the positive. Anyways, just want to say I love what you do and your whole nature in all of this, and I hope you don't absorb too much of this misplaced hostility.

[@lululu123]

this kind of comment is my worst nightmare, thank you for addressing them and speak your thoughts about those things

[@travisherman7831]

Art. That's the big thing these critics are forgetting.

[@Dorkus64]

You are an inspiration Joel! I hope you have a great week :)

[@Assault_corgi]

Joel, I think you definitely need to hear this. Your form of Cinema is absolutely amazing. Its different its hilarious its truthful, Its hyperbole. I love your videos. I love how you screenwrite it or adlib the events. Do not take the negative without the positive and do not believe that most people do not understand. I barely have any knowledge of cinema but I am actually now taking classes (part of my AS degree). Please dont ever give up and dont ever think that your work is never good enough some of your videos are definitely going to be KZbin Classics like the RPG guy amazing work and you are the first person Ive ever seen use a style like that! Amazing story telling and lots of hard work you can tell. You seem like a really smart genuine man and I hope one day I get to meet you face to face and shake your hand. Your humor is spot on with mine and maybe even one day we could be friends. Much love -The Assault Corgi.

[@tobyooneill922]

Hey bud I needed this today Thank you

[@t_chak]

This is pretty inspiring

[@elliebrooks5762]

Joel, your take on movies and film literally changed how I view films and movies. It's literally the opposite of pretentious. Thank you for sharing your views on art, because it's nice to see someone embrace something besides the Hollywood polish and talk up what the average person can do. I love it!!

[@Kugelschrei]

Its probably easier to find positivity in positive comments

[@klutzkoady4996]

I really love your perspective

[@moosecannibal8224]

I feel like that first guy unironically likes Morbius.

[@mr.bitsbyte4664]

I really like videos like this because it's clear you're not disturbed by the comment at all, because you know it's false and there's no reason to get upset about it. You calmly address and talk to the audience about it rather than trying to confront the OP who clearly has no interest in what you do.

[@kinetic-cybernetic]

Joel I have watched your videos and like them, but hearing you talk seriously brings something different. You are making some points that might cure a music anhedonia case I've been going through. Thanks.

[@chiccodivers]

One of my favorite quotes ever is from Streetlight Manifesto's re-recording of their mother band's first album, in the closing song "1234 1234", "Whatever you want to call it, it'll piss people off, And that, at the end of the day, is all that really matters; We're going to keep doing what we do whether or not a single record is sold."

[@CinnamonToastKing]

This video is amazing! I don't need to say more then what you can learn/understand watching this.

[@DWillumz]

I genuinely enjoy all of the videos he makes, sad that people don’t appreciate the creativity he has

[@vickisnemeth7474]

Good advice!

[@Archangel125]

If you are truly being yourself it should be divisive. Be bold, be yourself, stand out, be an individual. You'll know you're doing it right if you have haters and rejection. Otherwise youre just keeping your true self in the cage of fearing what other people think, and you ultimately end up being the one who is rejecting yourself. Which is a negative feedback loop that can lead to depression. Joel is doing it right.

[@schnoz2372]

They need to feel that way, need to be in denial so that they have more of an excuse as to why they haven’t done jack!

[@Hannah-vt6uw]

I have found your videos inspiring and refreshing.

[@lulucool45]

when i was 15, i thought almost exactly like this commenter does. i can't imagine making it to adulthood with such a small, miserable mindset. keep making art, we love it!

[@regicidalnut]

You keep doing you, Joel! Seems like a lot of the talk of pretentious views is coming from those trying to gatekeep film making behind multimillion dollar budgets. Opinions are inherently biased.

[@willfullyinformed]

I feel like you should turn LunchBox's comment into a funny film or skit itself. About an overly/overtly pretentious person/boss-man who carries his lunchbox everywhere he goes telling people they can't make films without millions of dollars or giant budgets with all of these rules, beauty filters, and unreasonable expectations. Turning comments like this into content would be hilarious to see knowing the context. Side note, I'm sorry you have to deal with actual definition pretentious people like this, tis life as you said and to be expected. Love how you handle it! Cheers Joel

[@DroTalks]

A wealthy person is the person that makes a living doing what they love!

[@Tailmonsterfriend]

Is that a Chekhov's cat structure? Will we see a cat before the third act?

[@VenatorXVenator]

Dang don’t know if you still peel through these comments, but the singer from my favorite band, The Strokes, said in an interview something along the lines of, “I’m lucky to be successful commercially, but I hate that people equate commercial success to how good or bad art is.” Reinforces my beliefs when my favorite musician and KZbinr have the same opinions.

[@SocksWithSandals]

Good for you, Joel. Keep going.

[@graybeardgolf]

You're like the Auguste Gusteau of filmmaking. I love it.

[@Elessar0wind]

Well Said!

[@Stahlvanten]

Joel, read them for entertainment. And hurray for me to have found this little gem of a channel.

[@carterpatterson1988]

Joel you're fucking awesome

[@zaneberry]

My childhood best friend started with things in common and then veered off from eachother infinitely. He said things to me in 2013 like “if it’s not on the top 40 it’s not worth listening to” and “no one will ever care about somebody named kendrick Lamar” Really sad how people interface with art

[@spamspaz]

Lunchbox should stay in his lane of making sure I can eat my leftovers from my desk.

[@sammypercy388]

I loved the podcast argument scene between you and Dax in Drowning in Potential, it was so human. And I loved the wifi password scene. Btw nobody talks about this but you BROUGHT DAX BACK to the mainstream comedy scene because you were a fan.. I'll always appreciate that, and I always thought he could be a star. He shines in your videos. Final note is movie studios WASTE a lot of money, just like big gaming studios do. They often make a profit by manipulating the market, and spend too much on nonsense, but as soon as someone small comes up with a good idea they'll throw millions of dollars at you just so they can own it and use it to manipulate the mass again. Honestly, this is like saying mcdonalds in the only food. Home cooked meals and strong families are the source of good food and recipes. Do a little bit of research and you'll find that most major filmmakers and special effects people and writers had VERY humble beginnings. That's where they made their name.

[@JonSpink]

I've watched some fantastic short films from you. I subscribed for a reason. I'm yet to give you one penny. I would feel like a heel for criticizing anything you've done even if I could think of any. Keep being you, I can see nothing but success for you.

[@terrabnadia1793]

I’ve always loved movies and filmmaking but never have the time to do anything. Thus my notes app on my phone is full of weird movie ideas and scripts

[@DefDec]

to be fair. ive watched home made youtube movies far more in the pasdt two years then i have been to the theater/ rented anything.

[@circamagoo]

all very well put 👍👍

[@imbored4615]

I feel like the main point of disconnect between you and those comments is how it can sound like you imply that big budget movies are automatically less artistic. That makes them become over protective and saying the opposite, which is just as wrong as what they think you are saying Btw, it would be intersting to know what are those obstacles that makes it near impossible for someone Starting from zero to become a big budget director. I fancied the idea of going into that field and I wonder why it would have been a mistake

[@danielthehuman107]

I actually love that the fan base is smaller for this channel, it feels like right before Joel blew up again. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but there’s something about a tighter community focused entirely on art that is very fun to be a part of!

[@JeroenHoningh]

What i like the most of this video is that you sit next to a blanc canvas. That image speaks for it self and sends the perfect message. Everybody can and will start with a blanc canvas and some tools to make some art or express yourself. Some may find it beautiful what you create, some might want to scream and puke because of what they see. But in the end it doesn't matter if you feel good about what you made.

[@navy_blu5239]

It boggles my mind how people will see the current state of the film industry and how a vast majority of movies that get heavily advertised are usually reused IP’s and think “yep. this is what movie is supposed to be.” People like you give me hope in a world where big studios only care about what’s gonna print the most money.

[@PaulSprangersCityLimits]

DON'T WAIT. CREATE

[@hamzarehmankhattak]

Joel if you're reading this please don't stop . You didn't come all this way just so that some low level KZbin comments make you feel worthless. Plz continue what you're doing and stay blessed.

[@FloatingOer]

If a single or a few non-professional people can make a good videogame then a single or a few non-professional people can make a good movie.

[@kodoy]

this video came at a good time, just watched another very neat video on an adjacent topic going over criticism in video games. i think these videos are important, if anything, to show how much people get lost in the trap of industry worship and reviewing movies (or art rather) on a capitalist/numeric metric instead of just personal enjoyment and meaning. i love big bombastic movies but pretending that there is an objective method of rating (good vfx, consistent characters, good camerawork? 8/10) is just silly. we don't really empathize and resonate with art in that robotic way but the way we overconsume entertainment and opinions nowadays sometimes makes us think of ourselves as cynical, apathetic critics. i'm guilty of that sometimes too. that's why people like you and indie game devs/filmmakers reassuring people that there is no "correct" way to consume movies and that you should just enjoy watching (and making!) them is so important. it's not so much that we shouldn't talk about what we love or hate, but that we should focus on the personal, what feeling the film/game evokes, what it means to us, and leave the "feature checklist" for the back of the box. lunchbox type dudes who seem to have an idea of what is objectively good or not are not only usually very subjective themselves (though they don't realize their learned standards) but, more importantly, have the most boring of opinions and lifeless conversations about art. ppl like joel (and many others) plus everyone in their audiences are helping move the discourse past all that AND helping me find enjoyment in things i had previously tuned out. so i'm grateful for it :)

[@sampsonraysimon]

It's all art. Art is subjective.

[@Not2Shoddy]

Amazes me that even after massive studios with hundred million dollar budgets put out dozens of objectively bad movies every year, people still clamor to defend them saying that high budget films are the only ones that can be good

[@sturgeeon8682]

Bars🔥🔥🔥

[@oatmanbecauseilikeoatmeal]

ur the best man.

[@allanc_me763]

This is one of the problems specially when youre just starting stuff... people expect you to be as perfect as those who already made it.

[@Perniciles]

I feel like people get defensive when they identify with their interests and likes, and when those interests and likes give them self worth because of some inherent quality they ascribe to it. They're not defending studio movies, they're defending their own "good taste". They think something is special about the things they like, therefore they too are special, and anybody saying differently is threatening their own specialness. I love a lot of studio movies but I really like a lot of your movies or other independent productions as well... at the end the day the only thing that really matters to me is whether I connected with the art and that it spoke to me, it doesn't matter how it was made. The emotions the art makes us feel are real and can't just be dismissed. I think it's a worthwile endeavour to try and break up your own preconceived notions and mental boxes and be open for experiences whereever they happen to come from, because otherwise you will miss out on a lot.

[@davidsixtwo]

Zero dislikes on this video. Point taken.

[@EssentiallyH3]

You rock Joel

[@mdogg094]

Joel, your discussions about creativity always inspire me to get back to work on my projects. I am not interested in personally making movies but I’ve been writing songs and essays for years and you help me see the inherent value in creation for oneself.

[@joeltalksaboutmovies]

I'm really happy I could provide you that motivation, whatever it is that you create it's worth doing so, especially for your own sake. Wish you the best with the music and essays!

[@pokemon1895]

"You can't do that!" -"I literally just did that." Sounds like something from one of your skits, lol. I'm really, really glad you stuck it out, and it's pretty inspiring, honestly.

[@bigstupidgrin]

Everybody knows REAL film aficionados aren’t writing negative comments. They’re busy watching Morbius for the millionth time.

[@joeltalksaboutmovies]

I have Morbius on loop on my Google Glass for this exact reason

[@ClubbingSealCub]

@@joeltalksaboutmovies a true morbhead

[@TheMuppetKid]

*Morbillionth

[@gnovila]

Will copy paste this here: Morbius truly has to be one of the films released in 2022 so far. Jared Leto did a job playing Morbius and the action was in the film. The film has storytelling and the CGI was animated. The side characters were along with morbius and the villain was a bad guy. The jokes were sentences. This film really is one of the films of all time, if not the last decade.

[@glitchedoom]

It's Joel'in time

[@rotationalbox588]

Crazy that some of us are still saying “this is the only way to make art” in current year

[@iGame3D]

Laughs in A.I.

[@Doncr4nk]

"Success is so much more personal than that." Really needed that. Thanks Joel. You're a great artist and seem like a great person. Keep up the great work.

[@Syriven]

Same. I rephrased and wrote down what felt key to me: "Real success is not as simple as numbers or money... There is a deeper success than this, and that's what we crave."

[@Delaterius]

Your ideas are catered toward what you like, you monster.

[@DeepDarkBoys]

I believe a major contributing factor to these walls people throw up is the unfortunate realities of the film industry. Those who desperately want to become an important cog in the studio machine go through absolute hell to get there. I worked in the industry here in Toronto for the better part of a decade, and boy. Those ladders are grueling. Chances are you'll be working with unlikeable, shrewd and difficult personalities. You'll be watching nepotism rear its ugly head as the nephews of producers are suddenly your boss, despite having zero experience. You'll be throwing out people's trash while they stare you down, getting yelled at by superiors in front of everyone just for some vague, superficial point to be made. People get fired just because producers see them sitting down for 10 seconds. And once you're on the Union track for the department you want to get into, you're giving up 95% of your personal life and working with people who are primarily jaded, jagged and unsociable. It's a toxic, competitive and unhappy place. SOMETIMES, haha.. I don't mean to speak for the industry as a whole. I have friends who love it, but my personal experience was grim. But anyways, my point is.. Take somebody who is committed to that life, and is perhaps 15 years deep, sacrificing it all in the hopes of one day getting to operate a camera on a Hallmark Christmas movie. They're divorced, they haven't slept in 3 years, and they're experiencing hard-coded Stockholm Syndrome with the coke-addled remnants of the 80s scene who boss them around month to month. When THAT person comes across someone like you, Joel, who is perfectly happy, incredibly successful, and doing things 100% their own way? Well.. Yeah, haha. I can see why they'd be obnoxious or dismissive at times. Personally, I view you as a beacon of light. Every time you post, I feel better about the path I'm on. I feel wonderfully inspired and less afraid. You're not putting anyone in danger by empowering them to follow their artistic passions and create things. The definition of filmmaking has always been quite subjective, and in the age of KZbin the lines are more blurred than ever. Especially when you consider that Big Hollywood itself appears to be going the way of the Dodo anyway. Trite tentpole superhero regurgitation takes up 90% of the Summer Blockbuster charts, and Streaming services are collapsing on themselves. If anything, the most impressive films coming out these days are independent productions, which are typically labors of love, and are spawned by groups of people like you and your friends who hone their crafts in their own way, on their own time. They evolve, and they create great things that change the way we view the industry. You're one of those people, man. You're going to create great things. As you just said, "dismiss them with grace". Or as my Grandpa used to say - Don't let the bastards get ya down.

[@joeltalksaboutmovies]

Absolutely wonderful comment, you put it better than I managed. I deeply empathize with people stuck in that machine, same as any other system built on using and abusing people's dwindling hope. I'm glad you're feeling better now.

[@DeepDarkBoys]

@@joeltalksaboutmovies I'm doing just fine! Thanks Joel for all that you do.

[@worldweary5750]

@@DeepDarkBoys He is truly a Joel shaped beacon of light.

[@jhonviel7381]

gay

[@TheSmeagol630]

You're so right. Because of those traits, I've had more fun writing and shooting passion projects with friends in a couple days than being a grip for the entire shooting schedule of a feature.