Part 7/14:
A specific critique is the overuse of 'explanation scenes'—characters endlessly discussing their motivations or backstory, draining suspense and immersion. The speakers advocate for more subtle storytelling that respects the audience’s intelligence and allows imagination to do the work.
The Decline of Stakes and Consequences
Another cornerstone of their critique is the loss of real stakes. In Predator, characters meet genuine end or at least face real danger. Each death feels earned, with the audience aware of the consequences. In Predator, even Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character faces vulnerability, a testament to the film’s grim tone.