It Insists Upon Itself Meaning, "It insists upon itself" is a phrase that is often used to describe films, TV shows, or other forms, General, it-insists-upon-itself-meaning, Timnesia
"It insists upon itself" is a phrase that is often used to describe films, TV shows, or other forms of media that are overly self-important or pretentious. The phrase was popularized by the film critic Roger Ebert, who used it to describe the 2004 film "Crash," which he felt was a manipulative and heavy-handed attempt to tackle issues of race and prejudice.
But what does the phrase actually mean, and why is it used to describe certain forms of media? At its core, "it insists upon itself" is a criticism of works that are overly self-aware or self-conscious. These works often seem to be trying too hard to make a point or to be taken seriously, and as a result, they can come across as forced or artificial.
One reason why this phenomenon is so common in media is that creators often feel pressure to make their work stand out in a crowded marketplace. In order to get noticed, they may try to be more provocative or controversial than is necessary, or they may try to tackle complex issues without fully understanding them. This can lead to works that are more concerned with appearing intelligent or meaningful than with actually being so.
Another reason why works can "insist upon themselves" is that they may be trying to appeal to a particular audience or demographic. For example, a film about the struggles of young artists in New York City may be aimed at a hip, urban audience, and as a result, it may include a lot of references to art, music, and culture in order to seem more relevant. However, if these references feel forced or unnecessary, they can detract from the overall impact of the film.
Ultimately, the phrase "it insists upon itself" is a warning to creators to be mindful of their own biases and assumptions when creating works of art. It reminds us that the best art is often that which is sincere, honest, and unpretentious, and that trying too hard to be something you're not can be a recipe for disaster. By being aware of our own tendencies to "insist upon ourselves," we can create works that are more authentic, more engaging, and more impactful.