Everyone should consider using the discretionary movie application, 'Letterboxd'. - Everyone should consider using the less-known movie app, "Letterboxd" for their cinema needs.
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In the world of social media, a new platform has emerged that caters to film enthusiasts and Gen Z alike - Letterboxd. This app combines film watching with social media-style interaction, making film discussion more accessible and interactive for younger audiences.
Unlike traditional film criticism, which is often formal or academic, Letterboxd emphasises user-generated content and peer interaction. Users can track films they watch, write and share short reviews, create lists, and engage with others who have similar tastes. The app functions as a kind of culturally-social tarot, showcasing one's film preferences to potential friends.
Film taste becomes the currency of self-presentation on Letterboxd. Upon opening the app, users are asked for their four favourite films, known as the "Top Four." Stars like Charli XCX, for instance, have recently made the app popular, having watched over 1200 films on the platform. Charli XC posts, ranging from sprawling analyses to pointed one-liners, offer a glimpse into her film preferences and even her personal life. For example, she wrote that she watched "To Die For" after partying in Las Vegas for 48 hours, and cried twice while watching "Bridget Jones," commenting "I had SO my period."
Letterboxd's popularity among Gen Z also stems from cultural factors specific to the generation, such as a preference for social media-like platforms where sharing and community connection are valued. The app serves as a place for spontaneous thoughts, fandom, and real discussions. It values reading and writing, marking it as a counter-trend to the never-ending video stream on TikTok and Instagram.
| Aspect | Letterboxd | Traditional Film Criticism | |----------------------------|--------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Audience | Primarily Gen Z and film enthusiasts globally | Broader audience but often professional or academic readers | | Content Style | Short user reviews, ratings, lists, social feeds | Detailed essays, professional reviews, critiques | | Social Interaction | Heavy social features: followers, comments, sharing | Limited or no social interaction on review platforms | | Accessibility | Open to anyone; low barrier to share opinions | Usually requires expertise or professional credentials | | Tone and Approach | Casual, diverse, often informal and personal | Analytical, formal, sometimes jargon-heavy | | Focus | Community, sharing, discovery through peers | Objective analysis, industry standards, critical theory |
Letterboxd offers inspiration to those who are lost in the endless streaming service offerings. It's not just film criticism, but also a social game. The use of Letterboxd creates a sense of intimacy, as boundaries between stars and fans, humor and stance, personality and performance blur. The app is currently gaining significant traction, becoming a digital space for Gen Z.
In essence, Letterboxd appeals to Gen Z by blending film watching with social media-style interaction and accessible, user-driven film commentary, contrasting with the authoritative, professional tone of traditional film criticism.
I'm not going to be able to keep up with my growing list of films on Letterboxd, considering the endless stream of entertainment and technology at my disposal. Despite the informal and personal approach, I find myself drawn to this lifestyle platform, where I can share my film preferences and engage with others who appreciate cinema as much as I do.
