1. Superficiality: Holden perceives movies as superficial and inauthentic. He believes they present an idealized and distorted version of reality, offering unrealistic portrayals of life and relationships. Holden feels that people who immerse themselves in movies are drawn to this superficiality and lose touch with the genuine and meaningful aspects of life.
2. Phony Characters: Holden criticizes the characters portrayed in movies for being artificial and lacking depth. He views these characters as one-dimensional and lacking the complexity and authenticity of real people. Holden believes that moviegoers get caught up in the superficial charm of these characters without recognizing their lack of substance.
3. Audience Passivity: Holden finds it frustrating that people allow themselves to be passively entertained by movies. He believes that true engagement with art and life requires active participation and critical thinking, not mindless consumption of prepackaged content. Holden feels that moviegoers succumb to the allure of passive entertainment and lose the ability to form their own opinions and experiences.
4. Loss of Individuality: Holden worries that frequent movie-watching can lead to a loss of individual identity. He fears that people become influenced by the values, beliefs, and behaviors depicted in movies, losing their own unique perspectives and personalities. Holden believes that this conformity stifles creativity and personal growth.
5. Escapism: Holden views movies as a form of escapism, a means of avoiding the complexities and challenges of real life. He believes that people escape into the world of movies to avoid facing their own problems or dealing with the hardships of daily existence. Holden considers this escapist tendency as harmful, as it prevents individuals from confronting and addressing their personal struggles.
Through his criticisms of movies and moviegoers, Holden expresses his disillusionment with society's values and cultural norms. His negative attitude reflects his yearning for authenticity, genuine human connection, and a deeper understanding of life beyond the superficiality and artifice he perceives in movies.