Do You Like Depressing Stories?
Why do I ask such a strange question?
Well, you might know that I’m currently reading Revolutionary Road–and, if the movie is any indication, this will be one of the more depressing reads on the list to this point.
I’ve seen comments before on this blog, like “I didn’t like that book because it was too depressing.” But the more I read through the list, the more I realize that if I can qualify a book as “depressing,” that’s a good indication it’s probably a well-written, excellent novel. That simply means the author is doing his or her job, evoking strong emotions in me as the reader.
That’s one of the main reasons that I really appreciated a book like Rabbit, Run. It’s definitely not a pick-me-up, but Updike wrote the characters so well and really sucked you into their plights.
Revolutionary Road is the same way. I’m over halfway through with the book, and it’s not an uplifting story, much like the movie. As a film, Revolutionary Road is absolutely one of the most depressing stories I’ve ever watched on the big screen.
But should I dislike the movie because it made me depressed? Can I not appreciate the effectiveness of the screenwriter and author in bringing those emotions out of me?
If you are depressed after leaving a film or finishing a book, doesn’t that mean it was just as powerful, in a different way, than a story you would classify as uplifting or inspiring?
Take a look at the trailer for Revolutionary Road. Yeah, even the trailer is depressing. No action-packed, super hero, romantic love story plotlines in this one.
What are your thoughts on depressing stories? Can you appreciate them even if you don’t like them?
I’ve never read or seen this one, but I am one of those people who dislikes reading/watching sad things (see my review of The Time Traveler’s Wife, for example). It’s just a personal preference, though – when I read, I like to be entertained, which to me does not mean sobbing my eyes out or being depressed for weeks afterwards.
However, while the fact of something being sad/depressing diminishes the value of a story for me personally, I can recognize that it doesn’t diminish its value as a piece of art. For a completely unrelated example, I’ve seen the movie The Sixth Sense probably about three times. I’ve never really liked it, but that doesn’t mean I don’t see its value as a work of film, because I do. It’s just not my type of movie. And from what you’ve written here, it seems like Revolutionary Road won’t be my type of book/movie, either!
And you know (sorry for the long response) I’m actually mostly okay with things being depressing if the book is already in a genre I enjoy (thrillers, dystopian, etc) – Brave New World ended up being pretty depressing. But it was a depressing world…and, most importantly, I think, one that is not, nor has ever been, real. But when depressing “entertainment” starts to cross over into real life territory, talking about things that already have happened or could happen, that’s when I dislike it. Does that make sense?
That makes sense, and I can understand what you’re saying. I guess I’m kind of in both camps. I don’t like “feeling” depressed, but I won’t let that stop me from experiencing the story.
I have a lot of trouble with depressing stories. As I read RR, I am racing through gorgeous prose at breakneck speed slowing only when things lighten up a bit. My husband, a psychotherapist, loves depressing books. It’s his talent, I’m sure.
But in truth, I am loving this book for the light it shines on that moment in time when Ozzie-and- Harriet lifestyle was failing and nobody was seeing that yet. The counter-culture of the late 60s was sparked by this book (just as the women’s movement was by Betty Friedan’s Feminine Mystique at the exact same time). Fascinating!
I love depressing stories because I tend to find them more real and realistic than the stories what we generally categorize as uplifting and inspiring. I think depressing could be inspiring too. It sometimes makes you appreciate the meaning in your life more. After finishing the Corecctions for example, a novel that many disregard as a depressing book full of unlikable characters, I thought I apreciated the complicated human nature more than before. We are complicated and that makes life better. Plus, I genuienly think the Corrections is an uplifting story in some ways. As for the Revolutionary Road, -I only watched the movie btw- I loved it too. Because the conflict and emotions were so strong I thought I could explode. Real art makes you feel alive and I don’t care if it is not about shiny things.
The conflict and emotions are indeed strong! Love your quote…”Real art makes you feel alive.” That’s good.
There are some amazing funny books out there too, though. Stella Gibbons’ Cold Comfort Farm, for example, is great and very life affirming. When I edited a literary ezine, I used to get a lot of ‘serious’ stories in from aspiring writers and they were often not very good. Unless a writer is very skilful, there can be a fine line between ‘depressing’ and ‘dull’…
“Can I not appreciate the effectiveness of the screenwriter and author in bringing those emotions out of me?” Great point. I’ve never thought of it that way before. I’ll try to keep this in mind when I come across a movie or book I deem “depressing” and see how that changes my overall view of it.
For me, it still make me feel depressed, which isn’t super fun, but I can at least recognize that the author did his or her job.
I personally don’t feel satisfied after reading a book unless it’s been an emotional rollercoaster. I don’t hate happy endings but I tend to find them twee and unrealistic. I’m fine with happiness as long as it’s not loaded with sugar and spice and all things nice. I tend to go for books where the characters go through hell. I get more out of it somehow. Mabe I’m morbid? However, I wouldn’t read a book where one shitty thing after another happened and there didn’t appear to be light at the end of the tunnel. A fine balance of iight and dark is more satisfying. I like books where the bad experiences of the characters serves some purpose and isn’t just there for sensations sake.
I agree. A balance of good and bad is preferable. To me, that’s why A Clockwork Orange seemed so gratuitously violent without the last chapter.
I avoid depressing books like the plague. Since I’m currently going through a depressive episode, have those emotions stirred up, especially if it’s well-written and evokes a strong reaction, makes me even more depressed. I love depressing stories, but for my own sanity I’ve stayed away from them.
I’m actually okay with depressing books. I think it comes from the way that I through myself completely into a book or a movie. My ability to suspend reality is emotionally draining whether it’s a happy up-beat book or a depressing book. There’s a quote I have scribbled in one of my many notebooks about having finished a book you should have lived every life and felt every emotion of the characters and thankfully even in the most poorly written novels I can throw myself into their world.
I think I agree with you. I’d rather be depressed by a book than unmoved by it. I did see the movie “Revolutionary Road”, and thought it was a little more depressing than it needed to be. But, it didn’t really bother me or in any way reduce the quality of the movie.
That said, when I recommend books to someone, I always make it a point to mention if it is downbeat or not….not all people appreciate them.
Yes! People are always confused when I purposefully watch movies that make me cry. Atonement, one of my favorite books and movies of all time. The story, characters, writing (and in the movie, acting and cinematography) are all brilliant. But I cry every time. My husband and friends never want to watch it, so it’s one I watch alone (or read the book every few years). Same with The Time Traveler’s Wife (the book, not the movie.) I read it every fall. I always cry – it’s a heartbreaking story – but it’s one of my favorites of all time.
For some reason I LIKE depressing stories, half of the books I’ve read is always so depressing, it’s not that I like crying or anything but I kinda think that depressing stories are more interesting. (In my opinion) It’s like if it’s depressing it makes me want to keep reading it, you know? I’m not sure why. But either way, I wouldn’t say I like really happy books either, because I don’t really read a lot of books with happy endings or where the characters are so happy and such. But, sometimes I think the books I read are depressing because they’re romance books. But who knows.. Hahaha.
I found the trailer powerful and truthful more than depressing.
As someone who suffers from depression, sometimes it has taken a depressing novel or movie to express what I am feeling and validate it.
Jodi
The reason I stumbled upon this in the first place is because I am writing a story for class about a girl who wants to commit suicide but then realizes that the closer she gets to the idea of dying the more alive she feels. It becomes an addiction, to the point where she lives only to feel the sensation of dying. I’m really trying to make it interesting and wanted a general consensus of how it would be received. I really appreciate your opinion on depressing books and movies. Sure, I like funny/happy movies but there is a lack of depth in my reaction that I do get from depressing stories. I think it creates a more uncomfortable state of mind, which really makes you think.
If you like Revolutionary Road, you may also like Blue Valentine. The simple story of falling in and out of love but it hits so true that it’s almost unbearable to watch.
The funny thing about this comment is that if you ever met me, you’d be so confused. My favorite color is pink, I smile all the time, I love people and affection. I adore connection. I squeal over babies and puppies. I am, for the most part, a genuinely optimistic person that just happens to indulge in stories opposite of my nature.