Apparently, actor Ryan Reynolds–star of the movie Green Lantern–had never watched the movie until a few weeks ago. After finally watching it, he tweeted about the experience, and one particular line stood out to me:
“Hundreds of incredible crew and cast members did amazing work — and while it’s not perfect, it ain’t a tragedy.”
I really, really like that he not only acknowledge the hundreds of people who brought Green Lantern to life, but also reminded the rest of us that most things are the product of far more than just one person.
I think that’s really important to keep in mind, especially in the current social media climate. Earlier this year, I watched an entire company almost go out of business because of one person–while I think people were absolutely justified in speaking up about that person, I was bewildered that those people couldn’t seem to spare a thought for the 20 employees who would lose their jobs if that organization folded. 20 people with lives and families and bills to pay. They’re worth our thoughts and words too.
I watched an absolutely terrible movie a few months ago. I certainly could have written about it on this blog. If I were a movie reviewer, it would be my responsibility to do that. But I’m not. I’m just a person who watches movies, and I know that a lot of people used their talents to bring that movie to life. It’s not the sound editor’s job that the script wasn’t good. It’s not the boom mic’s responsibility to cut a unnecessary scene from beginning of the movie. It’s not the fault of many stuntmen and women that the final scene is confusing. They did their job, and it just so happened that the movie wasn’t good. I’m not going to publicly tear apart the creation of so many people.
Anyway, I’m not trying to get in the way of anyone’s freedom of expression. I just appreciate what Ryan Reynolds said, and I hope that we do a better job of remembering that most things are the product of a lot of people, not just one person.*
*One caveat to consider is when people sign up for (or stay with) the organization despite knowing how terrible they are.