Is Rotten Tomatoes Biased Against Joker?

The question of whether Rotten Tomatoes is biased against films like Joker is a recurring theme in the ever-evolving world of movie reviews. Rotten Tomatoes, an online movie review aggregation website, operates on a simple yet effective principle: it reports the critical consensus without taking editorial stances.

Understanding Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes does not serve as an editorial outlet, but rather as an aggregator of movie reviews. Critics from around the English-speaking world submit their opinions, and Rotten Tomatoes compiles these reviews into a consensus score. This score does not represent the website's stance, but a reflection of critical opinion.

Joker: A Critical Overview

When it comes to Joker, the stats speak for themselves. Out of 434 professional film critics, 68 reviewed the film positively, giving it an average rating of 7.28/10. The Critics Consensus reads: “Joker gives its infamous central character a chillingly plausible origin story that serves as a brilliant showcase for its star — and a dark evolution for comics-inspired cinema.”

It's crucial to understand that these reviews represent the collective opinion of critics, not necessarily Rotten Tomatoes' stance. This consensus indicates a generally positive reception to the film, pointing towards its success in telling its story and performances.

Is Rotten Tomatoes Biased?

The idea of a biased Rotten Tomatoes is a red herring. The site's purpose is not to pass judgment or offer opinions, but to report on the marketplace of critical opinion. Critics can be influenced by personal biases, just as any human being can, but Rotten Tomatoes does not control or amplify these biases.

Critics Consensus: An Objective Indicator

The Critics Consensus, a summary of the most common themes found in the reviews, is an objective indicator of those opinions. For Joker, the consensus emphasizes the film's strong storytelling and its star's performance, rather than any negative aspects.

If anything, one could argue that Rotten Tomatoes would be biased for a film that garners such a positive consensus. The site's bias, if there is one, would more likely favor films that receive high praise and positive reviews.

Conclusion: The Role of Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes serves as a valuable tool for understanding public opinion regarding film reviews. It aggregates and reports on the critical consensus without editorial bias. For a film like Joker, the numerous positive reviews and consensus on the film's strengths affirm its critical reception, rather than suggest any bias against it.

Understanding the function of Rotten Tomatoes is key to making the most of the site's resources. By recognizing that it is a neutral aggregator, one can better appreciate the wealth of opinions and insights it provides.