What Does Rotten Tomatoes Mean

What Does Rotten Tomatoes Mean? A Deep Dive into the World of Film Criticism

Rotten Tomatoes. The name conjures up images of decaying produce, but in the world of cinema, it signifies something quite different—though perhaps equally pungent in its impact. For moviegoers, it's become a ubiquitous source of information, a seemingly simple indicator of a film's quality. But what does Rotten Tomatoes actually mean? This article will delve into the intricacies of the site's rating system, its influence on the film industry, its criticisms, and its overall relevance in today's movie landscape.

Understanding the Rotten Tomatoes Score: More Than Just a Percentage

Rotten Tomatoes (RT) isn't simply a place where people offer their opinions; it's an aggregator of professional film critic reviews. The site assigns a "Tomatometer" score, a percentage representing the proportion of positive reviews from a select group of critics. A score of 60% means 60% of the critics surveyed gave the film a positive review. This is often displayed prominently alongside a "Critics Consensus," a short summary of the critical response. In addition to the Tomatometer, RT also features an "Audience Score," reflecting the ratings given by regular moviegoers.

Key Aspects of the Tomatometer:

• Critic Selection: The selection process for critics is a key factor. Rotten Tomatoes employs a team that identifies and curates a list of professional film critics from various publications and sources. The goal is to include a diverse range of perspectives, although the selection process itself has been subject to criticism (more on this later).
• Positive vs. Negative: A review is generally classified as either "positive" or "negative" based on the critic's overall assessment. There's a level of subjectivity here, and the categorization may not always align perfectly with a reader's interpretation of the review itself.
• Weighting of Reviews: All reviews included in the Tomatometer are generally given equal weight. A review from a small, independent publication carries the same significance as one from a major newspaper like The New York Times. This is a point of contention, as some argue that the prominence and authority of the publication should influence the weighting.

Beyond the Numbers: The Influence of Rotten Tomatoes

The Rotten Tomatoes score, especially the Tomatometer, carries significant weight in the film industry. It influences:

• Marketing and Promotion: Studios often prominently display a high Tomatometer score in trailers, posters, and other marketing materials. A "Certified Fresh" designation (generally signifying a score of 75% or higher) is considered a significant marketing asset.
• Box Office Performance: While correlation doesn't equal causation, studies have suggested a link between a higher Tomatometer score and better box office performance, particularly for smaller, independent films that rely more heavily on critical acclaim.
• Awards Season: Rotten Tomatoes scores can indirectly influence awards considerations. Films with high scores often attract greater attention from award voters and industry professionals.
• Streaming Service Algorithm: The score also affects the ranking of movies on various streaming platforms and plays a part in their recommended lists. A movie with a high Rotten Tomatoes score has a better chance of getting higher visibility.

Criticisms and Limitations of the Rotten Tomatoes System

Despite its widespread influence, Rotten Tomatoes isn't without its detractors. Several criticisms have been leveled against the platform:

• Subjectivity and Bias: The classification of reviews as positive or negative involves inherent subjectivity. Different critics have different tastes and priorities, leading to discrepancies in ratings. Moreover, there have been allegations of bias, with suggestions that the platform is more favorable to certain types of films or directors.
• Critic Selection Process: The process by which critics are selected and included in the Tomatometer remains somewhat opaque. Critics argue that the selection doesn't always represent the full breadth and diversity of critical opinion, favoring established voices over newer or more diverse ones.
• Over-Reliance on Aggregate Scores: Critics and moviegoers alike have cautioned against placing undue emphasis on a single numerical score. A film with a 70% Tomatometer might still be an enjoyable experience for some viewers, and a film with a 90% score might not appeal to everyone. The scores are not a substitute for critical thinking and individual judgment.
• Gaming the System: Some suggest that studios might try to manipulate the system, focusing on influencing critics who are more likely to give positive reviews. This is highly unethical, but remains a legitimate concern given the platform's considerable impact.
• The Audience Score Issue: While the Audience Score aims to provide a counterpoint to critical opinion, it too is subject to manipulation, with the potential for review-bombing (organized efforts to flood the site with negative or positive reviews based on unrelated issues).

The Audience Score: A Different Perspective

The Audience Score provides a view from the general public, offering a contrast to the more refined judgment of professional critics. However, this score also presents its own set of complexities:

• Susceptibility to Manipulation: The Audience Score is more susceptible to manipulation and review bombing than the Tomatometer. The ease of submitting a review without verification opens it to organized campaigns that aim to artificially inflate or deflate a movie's score.
• Lack of Standardization: Unlike professional critics, audience members aren't subject to the same standards or expectations. Their reviews can range widely in quality and may not be based on informed film analysis.
• Representation Issues: The Audience Score may not always accurately represent the diversity of audience opinion, influenced by factors like demographics, access to the platform, and the tendency of particular groups to express their opinions more vocally.

How to Use Rotten Tomatoes Effectively

Rotten Tomatoes can be a helpful tool, but it's crucial to use it judiciously:

• Consider the Context: Don't simply rely on the percentage score. Read the Critics Consensus and some individual reviews to get a better understanding of the critical response. Pay attention to the range of opinions and the reasons critics gave for their ratings.
• Compare with Other Sources: Don't limit yourself to Rotten Tomatoes. Consult other review sites, read articles from reputable film critics, and consider the opinions of friends and fellow moviegoers.
• Focus on Your Own Preferences: Ultimately, the best way to determine whether a movie is for you is to consider your own taste and preferences. A movie with a high score might still not align with your personal interests.
• Recognize Limitations: Keep in mind that Rotten Tomatoes is an aggregate of opinions, not an objective measure of quality. Treat the scores as one data point among many, not the ultimate arbiter of a film's worth.

The Future of Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes has undeniably become a dominant force in the film industry, influencing marketing, distribution, and critical discourse. However, its reliance on a simple percentage, vulnerabilities to manipulation, and criticisms related to bias and representation suggest the need for constant evaluation and improvement. The platform's future will likely depend on its ability to address these concerns and continue to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of film criticism and audience engagement. This might include refining the critic selection process, enhancing mechanisms against review-bombing, and providing more context and transparency about its rating system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What does "Certified Fresh" mean on Rotten Tomatoes? A "Certified Fresh" designation typically indicates a Tomatometer score of 75% or higher, based on a minimum number of reviews from the site's approved critics.

• What does the "Audience Score" represent? The Audience Score reflects the ratings given by the general public, as opposed to professional critics.

• Is Rotten Tomatoes a reliable source of information? Rotten Tomatoes can be a helpful tool, but it's important to use it critically, considering its limitations and comparing it with other sources of information. It's an aggregate of opinions, not a definitive judgment of quality.

• Can I trust the Audience Score? The Audience Score is more susceptible to manipulation than the Tomatometer score. It should be considered with caution and in conjunction with other sources of information.

• How is a review classified as "positive" or "negative"? Rotten Tomatoes uses its editorial team to categorize reviews based on the overall sentiment expressed by the critic. There's a level of subjectivity involved in this process.

• Why should I care about Rotten Tomatoes? Whether or not you "should" care about Rotten Tomatoes is a personal decision. While its influence on the film industry is undeniable, it is important to use it critically, understanding its strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to see a movie should rest on your own interests and preferences.

Conclusion: Navigating the World of Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes, with its Tomatometer and Audience Score, has become a powerful and influential force in the world of film. Its simple percentage system provides a seemingly easy way to gauge critical and audience reception, yet its impact stretches far beyond a simple number. Understanding the complexities of its scoring system, its influence on the industry, and its inherent limitations is crucial for navigating the world of film criticism effectively. By approaching Rotten Tomatoes with a critical eye and supplementing its information with other sources, viewers can make more informed choices about which films they choose to watch, appreciating the diverse landscape of cinematic expression beyond a single, often-debated, numerical rating.