Filmmaker Taika Waititi recently took to social media to vocalize his disapproval of film critics, labeling them as "irrelevant" and "sad lost souls" following the less-than-favorable reviews for his latest movie, "Klara and the Sun." His Instagram post showcased the film's audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes, which stands at a notable 78%, starkly juxtaposed against a meager 28% critic rating. This marks the lowest critical reception for the director, known for "Jojo Rabbit." Waititi, emphasizing his disinterest in professional critiques for the past 15 years, declared his preference for public opinion over that of those he perceives as failed artists turned critics.
Waititi's Stance on Film Criticism and Public Opinion
In a recent social media post, acclaimed director Taika Waititi expressed strong disapproval of film critics, labeling them as "irrelevant" and "sad lost souls." This came in response to the poor critical reception of his latest film, "Klara and the Sun," which garnered a mere 28% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, marking a career low for Waititi. However, he highlighted the film's 78% audience score, indicating a significant divergence between professional critics and general viewers.
Waititi's declaration that he hasn't engaged with film reviews for the past 15 years underscores his long-standing skepticism towards professional criticism. He asserts that his focus remains on the feedback from the general public, whom he refers to as "the people." By dismissing critics as individuals who failed to achieve their own artistic aspirations, Waititi frames their negative evaluations as a manifestation of unfulfilled dreams, rather than objective assessments. This perspective suggests a fundamental belief that the artistic merit of a film should be judged by its audience, not by a specialized group of commentators. This sentiment echoes through his pointed remarks about critics of "Jojo Rabbit," reinforcing his view that their opinions are out of touch and ultimately negligible.
"Klara and the Sun": Box Office Struggles and Cast Reactions
Despite Taika Waititi's defense, "Klara and the Sun" faced significant challenges at the box office during its opening weekend, debuting at a disappointing No. 15. The film generated only $720,000 across 880 locations, leading Sony to reduce its theatrical distribution. Critics widely panned the movie, describing it as a "calamitous" and "strained, whimsical comedy that's ruinous," which contributed to its struggle to attract audiences.
The film's leading actress, Jenna Ortega, who portrays the titular android, also shared her personal approach to movie reviews. In a "Vogue" interview, Ortega revealed her deliberate avoidance of critical feedback, stating that reading reviews would likely induce "a psychosis of some sort." She further mentioned her disinterest in box office figures, explaining that she prefers to detach from the commercial success metrics of her projects to prevent her work from becoming solely a "numbers thing." "Klara and the Sun" is an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's 2021 novel, set in a dystopian future, where an antiquated companion android, played by Ortega, strives to forge a bond with her new owner, a young girl named Josie who suffers from an illness.
