You shouldn't be turning on subtitles when you're watching movies
Summary
A straphanger rails against subtitles with the passion of a film purist: they disrespect the cinematographer's craft, forcing viewers to stare at "the lower 5% of the screen" instead of soaking in those perfect beach shots someone spent years training to capture. Kareem pushes back hard. He's pro-subtitles all the way, insisting that once you become a "subtitle head," you don't even notice them anymore. They provide comfort, catch every word, and work just fine for serious cinema like Phantom Thread, not just Love Island. The rider isn't buying it, suggesting subtitle users are just compensating for poor listening skills or TikTok-fried attention spans. "People who use subtitles don't even read books," he claims, arguing viewers should "lock in" and feel part of the film instead of breaking the fourth wall. Kareem's verdict? Throw those "mfers on.
Full Transcript
So, what's your take? Unless you have a hearing impediment or you don't speak the language, you shouldn't be turning on subtitles when you're watching movies.
100% disagree. I love subtitles in movies.
You're a filmmaker. Yeah. You spend what, days, months, years putting together a piece that you really are proud of. You get that perfect shot on the beach, perfect timing, all for somebody to go into a theater or they're at their home watching on Netflix and they're looking at the lower 5% of the screen the entire time.
No, no, no, no. There's once you become a subtitle head, you don't even see them. But then why have them on?
They provide comfort. They're complimentary to the film. You get every single word.
People will say that, but they're not watching incredibly interesting shows. It's like Love Island US that you're watching.
I'm watching Phantom Thread with the subtitles.
The listening comprehension is not there for most people.
That's hot. This is a hot take. I love subtitles. I'm pro subtitles.
From my experience, all the people who I know who use subtitles don't even read books. So, that's their way of getting it in.
What is that? Oh, maybe this is bad because I'm used to reading because of TikTok and Instagram.
Exactly. Short form content, I understand. It's quick.
Well, maybe now I want it in the movies. Maybe I like it.
You just got to look and listen and understand what's going on.
So, you think the subtitles are a distraction?
I think so. Yeah. From the cinematography aspect of it. Some DP spent years of their life training to get that perfect shot and then you're just reading on the bottom.
What about the script? Yeah. What about the stamp?
But you listen to a script. You—you can read the script on the side. You listen to the script.
Sometimes I bring the script with me. I mean, if you want to read along, that's one thing. But I think if you're just going to be going sitting on Netflix and watching something, you should lock in. Be present in the moment. Feel like you're—you're a part of the film. See yourself in the film. Instead, you feel very fourth wall seeing everything from the outside.
I encourage you to throw those mfers on. It's really nice.
No.