What is your definition of a "True Fan" regarding movies?

[kylor]

I stumbled on this and thought it could make for interesting discussion, especially in terms of movies.

What, Exactly, is a “True Fan”?

“True fan” is a term we all to often hear these days, be it in reference to enthusiasts of sports, wrestling, comics, movies, or video games. It’s always seems to be the same arguments. If you didn’t like this movie, you’re not a “true fan.” If you don’t watch this show, you’re not a “true fan.” If you didn’t read the book in addition to seeing the movie, you’re not a “true fan.” I could go on, but we have all heard them. This raises the question: what defines a “true fan”?

I love anime, but many times I have been accused of not being a “true fan” because I didn’t watch Sword Art Online, Fairy Tail or other popular anime. But the truth is, I just don’t like those shows. I gave them both a shot, but they weren’t for me. I don’t believe this stops me from being a “true fan,” particularly as I gave them a fair chance, but just because I’m not a fan of some aspect of the genre, someone somewhere will always tell me I’m not a “true fan.”

Most recently, I was discussing Harry Potter with someone and they said I couldn’t be a “true fan” if I didn’t read the books. I love the Harry Potter movies; I watch them all once a year around Christmastime. I don’t understand how my not reading the books makes a difference. Why does that mean I’m not a “true fan”? Shouldn’t my loving the movies and universe should be all that matters?

It’s ridiculous to suggest that just because you didn’t enjoy one particular film or delve into one specific aspect of the franchise you can’t be counted as a “true fan.” We live in a very subjective world now, and your inexperience with — or distaste for — any one thing doesn’t justify denying you the label of “true fan.” I think if you enjoy something, that alone should make you a “true fan.” Whether you know the whole backstory or the most recent details is irrelevant.

I’m tired of this stigma we are placing on each other. We should support other fans of the things we like, not degrade them by denying them the label of “true fan.” It’s getting out of control. I’m a fan of many things, including comics, wrestling, movies, games, sports and anime. If I see movie a different way than some — or even most — of the fanbase, does that make me not a” true fan,” even though I enjoy the subject matter? So can you please tell me what a “true fan” is, because I really want to know!

https://www.geeksandgamers.com/what-...is-a-true-fan/

[jess1581]

If you have a passion for it, regardless of your taste, or how often you go to the cinema or even watch movies. You have a specific enthusiastic passion and interest in cinema, then I'd say that makes you true.

[Zivouhr]

Agreed that people can be discerning, selective true fans of something, and don't have to ingest every single piece of related merchandise or movie or TV show to prove it. Nothing has to be proven to anyone as a matter of fact if they feel they're a true fan of something they enjoy.

[Jay H.]

If you like a movie enough to watch it more than once, you are a fan. This "true" rubbish is exactly that.

[jess1581]

Originally Posted by Jay H.

If you like a movie enough to watch it more than once, you are a fan. This "true" rubbish is exactly that.

I also hate "casual fan". Just because I don't go to cons wearing Spock ears with a bowl cut and federation garb doesn't make me a casual Star Trek fan... I love Star Trek... period.

You're a fan of something or you're not.

[Patricier21]

Being able to Critique something that they love, and not let overall reactions From others sway them away and have them be impressionable and specious Towards them, unlike my cousin, who had one point had Kick—Ass As His favourite movie, Kept literally saying up until the last minute that he and his friend were getting ready to go and see The second one, saying “it’s not going to happen” towards not seeing it, and then only to say after the fact “I think I watched it online” and “We were thinking about going to see it“, Not as competently as he was before, All supposedly because of reviews, when it didn’t even get That bad reviews, and he actually liked man of steel which didn’t get that much higher score etc. then Kick-Ass 2 Did. So much for that being your favourite movie!

[steel_breeze]

I think it's 100% determined by however each individual sees themself. If someone calls themself a fan of something: boom, they're a fan. If they declare themself a "casual fan": boom, that's true too. I'm a huge-and-true fan of Star Wars, even though I only really love the live action feature films. I consider myself a "casual fan" of Star Trek even though I've seen and enjoyed all original and Next Generation episodes and own all original-cast movies... but it's much less a part of me than, say, Star Wars. But that's entirely my definitions for myself; I would never question others on how they see themselves as "fans".

[Doctor Jack]

Here’s an idea…don’t care if people think you’re a “true fan” or not. Like what you like and if someone says anything against it, ignore them and move on with your life.

[Phillip c. Niethe]

Etymologically, a Fan (aside from the device that stirs up wind) is one who is stirred up, inspired, aroused to internal or external movement, one who is enthusiastic… so really there are no casual fans or super fans, Just fans in general that are emotionally connected, attached, or moved by a specific form or structure of art so seeing, hearing, or being involved with any specific aspect of that art inspires a relational connection and affects the “fan” with a positive or pleasurable number of sensations, emotions, or memories… even if you only see or experience said art once or as many times possible. That’s my two cents lol

[wonderer99]

It feels like a lot of film fans these days are only fans of tearing things apart. Movie lovers used to not let things like ilogic, bad acting, jump scares, political incorectness, cheesybdialogue etc come in the way of enjoyment. Now it feels like people set out to find fault with what they watch, seemingly taking more enjoyment at tearing something down than getting lost in a film. Half the 80s classics wouldn't stand a chance today. I define myself as a film fan because I get excited for new movies, follow their productions and generally love turning down the lights as the studio logos appear.

[unberechenbar]

I think it's subjective, and honestly it shouldn't matter outside of the individual whether they are seen as a "true fan" or not.

[The Sovereign]

Big fan, huge fan, occasional fan, casual fan, fan club member, true fan etc. - it’s all meaningless. Use it however you like and shrug off anyone who challenges it. It’s yours. But remember that it’s also not a credential of any value whatsoever, and gives you no special leverage or consideration over others. The internet has made that confusing for some.

[prkchopexpress]

i think when people say “true fan” what they may mean is “long time fan.” as opposed to “new fan.”

but who knows, since something this simple was not an idea they were able to convey.

someone mentioned critique, and i really think that is lost in a life cases. too many times people just decide to like something for whatever arbitrary reason.

now i know not every one wants to critique a work, and that’s fine. there is no rule that says you have to.

[edmonddantes]

Ive met people with thousands of blurays and DVDs that I wouldn't consider a true fan, because they simply amass movies that never watch. You can watch hundreds of videos on YT of people showing their big collections prefacing almost every title with "I havent seen it yet but...."

One of my best friends only has a couple of VHS and DVD, and yet loves movies more than anyone I've ever met, to me hes a true fan.

so, like most things in life, its all about passion and love, thats what makes you a true fan. hunger to find out more about something, day dreaming about it.

You can instantly tell if a person loves their hobby or if hes a hoarder. If they want to talk about it, they're inquisitive and want to gain knowledge about it, they're true fans.

Like I said, its all about having your heart on it or not.

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by edmonddantes

You can instantly tell if a person loves their hobby or if hes a hoarder.

One can be both.

As to this business of what is a "true" fan, I let people define themselves.

[starsteam]

Your passion. You don't have to consume everything, have a large collection, have the best editions, or know every bit of trivia. You just have to love it to your own extent. Don't let others gatekeep what it means to be a fan of something.

Originally Posted by wonderer99

It feels like a lot of film fans these days are only fans of tearing things apart. Movie lovers used to not let things like ilogic, bad acting, jump scares, political incorectness, cheesybdialogue etc come in the way of enjoyment. Now it feels like people set out to find fault with what they watch, seemingly taking more enjoyment at tearing something down than getting lost in a film. Half the 80s classics wouldn't stand a chance today. I define myself as a film fan because I get excited for new movies, follow their productions and generally love turning down the lights as the studio logos appear.

That's how I feel about the Jurassic films. Have been a fan, always will be. People tearing down the latest sequels won't dry my passion for the franchise.

[edmonddantes]

Originally Posted by Vilya

One can be both.

As to this business of what is a "true" fan, I let people define themselves.

no, hoarder by definition is someone who doesnt enjoy collecting anymore, its simply a compulsion, a disease.

[Jay H.]

Originally Posted by edmonddantes

no, hoarder by definition is someone who doesnt enjoy collecting anymore, its simply a compulsion, a disease.

Although I don't disagree with what you are saying, I think you might be posting on the wrong website.

[-JKR-]

IMO it's all about emotions. Take that and interpret it as you will.

[moreorless]

That definition really seems to be the difference between enjoying something for what it is and buying into a culture of uncritical partisan "fandom" around a certain franchise/genre.