In film criticism, we often talk about tension, drama, and conflict. But there is a lighter, yet equally powerful force in cinema:
: The ultimate study in toxic enthusiasm. The pursuit of greatness in jazz drumming becomes a visceral, bloody battle. enthusiasm movie
Why do we find high-energy protagonists so compelling? Psychology suggests that enthusiasm is socially contagious. When we watch a character like Howard Ratner in Uncut Gems —despite his flaws—we are swept up in his frantic pursuit because his "internal engine" never stops. In film criticism, we often talk about tension,
Dziga Vertov
At its core, an enthusiasm movie is characterized by a protagonist who possesses a "singular focus." Whether they are chasing a dream, a person, or a specific goal, their enthusiasm borders on the fanatical. This energy dictates the film's technical construction, often featuring: Why do we find high-energy protagonists so compelling