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I note that the BFI Screenonline entry for Tinker Tailor Solider Spy claims that "its Cold War aspects date it".
The serial isn't bloody set in 2021.
The serial isn't bloody set in 2021.
“Cold war drama dated because it’s about the cold war” is certainly a take.
I've talked a lot about my dislike about the word "dated" on here, and I really should write something proper about it.
My biggest issue: it can mean so many different things, that the writer would be better off just explaining exactly what they mean instead of using the word.
My biggest issue: it can mean so many different things, that the writer would be better off just explaining exactly what they mean instead of using the word.
If there's racist or sexist material which would make plenty feel uncomfortable, say that. If you feel too much of the historical context is now lost in order for people to understand the work, say that. (Though I think many underestimate the audience on that latter point.)
And if you're simply confused because a piece of work was obviously made and set in the past, rather than today... then stop writing about things, you're just wasting everybody's time.
And if you're simply using the word to dismiss an entire medium- audience sitcom, or traditionally animated films - then you can also stop writing, as that's absurdly pointless too.
The other thing: use of the word "dated" often obscures other, more interesting points.
For instance, fine, call Croft's sitcoms dated if you really have to. But isn't the more useful discussion in how BBC One doesn't have enough comedy right now?
For instance, fine, call Croft's sitcoms dated if you really have to. But isn't the more useful discussion in how BBC One doesn't have enough comedy right now?
This isn't *always* the case, but sometimes the implicit argument behind the word "dated" is: "but of course, we've fixed all that now".
We usually haven't done anything of the sort.
We usually haven't done anything of the sort.
Moreover, when we criticise current television, we criticise it on its own merits. When we criticise old television, we throw around the word "dated".
Is an old TV show not allowed to work or not work on its own merits, rather than always bringing in the passage of time?
Is an old TV show not allowed to work or not work on its own merits, rather than always bringing in the passage of time?
I'm actually asking for *stronger* crit of old shows here, not weaker. The word "dated" is not only inexplicit, but can also hide a multitude of sins.
Poke and analyse, don't hide behind cliches.
Poke and analyse, don't hide behind cliches.
I always struggle to explain what I mean with all this, because the argument isn't straightforward, and the word is used in a lot of different ways.
But the above is about the best attempt I've made at explaining why the word makes my teeth grind.
But the above is about the best attempt I've made at explaining why the word makes my teeth grind.
On the whole, I think you're usually best at trying to criticise something when you engage with it on its own terms.
The word "dated" puts you at arms length, holding your nose.
The word "dated" puts you at arms length, holding your nose.
"Actually, Minister, you can't be at arm's length and ho-"
"Thank you, Bernard."
"Thank you, Bernard."
Final word for now: so much art is simply about human behaviour. And I'm not sure the basics of human behaviour change as quickly as some seem to think.
Something doesn't need to represent exactly what's outside your living room window in order to be applicable to your life.
Something doesn't need to represent exactly what's outside your living room window in order to be applicable to your life.
(I do mean that as a general point. Don't mistake that for me claiming you should be happy if *nothing* is made right now which reflects you, or your life.)
