How controversial is the theme? Certain themes are more polarizing than others. The more controversial a theme, the smaller the audience (possibly). By audience, an artist should not consider people who will consume content solely to mock it. The real goal of a theme is to get people to intellectually contemplate what the creator has to say. Being controversial isn't the same thing as creating Theme!
This is the easiest way for Theme not to turn an audience off: don't write controversial themes. One is not likely to offend audiences by suggesting hard work and determination help build character. Almost everyone loves the Rocky movie, and the few that don’t aren’t likely turned off because of its themes. Sure, certain stances do have a built-in audience. Some Christian movies often sell because they are Christian, not because they are quality--vice versa with both conservative and liberal pundit lit. Perhaps, speaking to those who already agree with the artist is his or her goal. No one goes to a Michael Moore or Dinesh D'souza documentary expected a balanced perspective.
Yet, by avoiding controversy, a work may lose appeal. Often, people are drawn to controversy. Plus, maybe what an artist wants to say is controversial. Perhaps they’re not only out to gain radical attention. Should they always be forced to hold their tongues? Why speak to a safe audience alone? How can anyone change the world that way? So, what can a writer do to get others to contemplate more provocative themes? Making the the other elements compelling, will go a long way in carrying themes. Still Theme shouldn’t be an eggshell in an omelette. My next two questions help answer this.
How clear is the Theme? Now, I am not advocating the an artist be sneaky, manipulative, or underhanded with themes, but by being in-your-face blatant the work may turn people away before they've had the chance to hear. A shut-down audience is not a contemplative audience. So, in turn a creator might try to be a bit more ambiguous with themes, especially when they are more controversial. There are various ways to accomplish this, perspective, allusion, allegory, subtle references, etc. 1984 is a good example, a clear theme-centric work. There is a reason why polar thematic opposites love the work. Some see anti-big-government jabs and pro-capitalism comments. Others hear freedom of expression hummings and anti-tradition whispers. Sure, 1984 carries this overarching themes Americans love to embrace, but it is the subtleties that cause both Liberal and Conservative spectral opposites to embrace it. Yet, this is also the danger in being too ambiguous. Instead of getting an audience to contemplate themes, an artist may simply reinforce opposing views.
How complex is the Theme? Worldviews are riddled with human-reasoned fallacies. To acknowledge that of one’s own view is the pinnacle of honesty. And, honesty is the purpose of compelling art. So, one way to counter shut-down mentality when an audience engages with a work is to acknowledge the opposition's understanding and admit one’s own weaknesses. To say, "I see why you think that way." I get so frustrated when I read a simple-themed works that turn my perspective into a straw-man while making its own case a superman. If an artist wants to convince the opposition, he or she should do not to do the same. Of course, just because people acknowledge weakness, doesn't mean they’re wrong. Or, that it shouldn’t be said. As I work out expressing my themes, I try to consider the opposing view. I ask how they would respond to the work had the view been my own. On the other hand, if a creator dwells too long on certain complexities, the work can confuse your audience. Send those who agree into despair. Or, may incidentally reinforce the opposition.
Are the themes consistent? There are a lot of books and movies that feel as if they need to tack on some morals. Exploitation films are particularly bad. Everyone knows certain movies draw crowds largely because of their sexual and gory content. Some movies say, “Yeah, that’s who we are.” (I’m still not a fan of those movies.) Others, tack on an insincere message akin to saying, “Oh, yeah, we just showed you glorified images of naked woman… But treating woman like objects is bad.”
Then there are those works that simply have confused themes. Within them they will have contradictory messages. I.e. Home Alone 2. The movie at one points suggests people don’t need a lot of stuff, just love… A sweet message. Then, “Oh, by the way, because Keven realized that was all he needed, we’re going to give him and his family a bunch of stuff!! Yay!”
Then there are those works that simply have confused themes. Within them they will have contradictory messages. I.e. Home Alone 2. The movie at one points suggests people don’t need a lot of stuff, just love… A sweet message. Then, “Oh, by the way, because Keven realized that was all he needed, we’re going to give him and his family a bunch of stuff!! Yay!”
Themes can be a tricky lot to work with. Many don't bother with them at all, and even that is a theme in of itself. Others strive to be controversial but lack a complex understanding of certain nuances. Or, they simply believe because their art is beautiful and entertaining, the broad audience will be magically transformed to their way of thinking. Some think they're being provocative, but are in fact recycling years of the same themes that general audiences have already accepted. Others bury themselves in nuances and symbolism creating an ambiguous message that can be interpreted anyway a reader sees fit--which may be their goal. I do love some movies that could be interpreted in various ways. Ultimately, I like my entertainment to ask, "What do I want my audience to think about?" And, "How can I best get them to think about it?" That’s compelling.
Next post: Spectacle.
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