"I think people in Hollywood are afraid of sentiment because they think audiences will reject it"

Leonard Maltin’s observation shines a light on the prevailing attitudes within Hollywood toward sentimentality in film. The notion of sentiment, which refers to the open display of emotion and heartfelt sincerity, often gets sidelined in contemporary cinema. Filmmakers and studios may shy away from stories with pronounced emotional content because of a widespread industry belief: audiences are thought to prefer irony, cynicism, or spectacle over overt feelings. There is a lingering perception that sentiment, especially when expressed too plainly or directly, risks being labeled as corny, manipulative, or lacking sophistication. Those involved in the creative process worry about being seen as unsophisticated or out of touch with modern tastes if they present stories that are too earnest.

This fear likely stems from changing cultural attitudes. Modern filmgoers are often imagined to be skeptical of anything that seems designed to elicit tears or tug at the heartstrings. Hollywood, which relies heavily on market research and box office trends, sometimes makes the assumption that subtlety, ambiguity, and emotional restraint are more relatable to a contemporary audience. As a result, filmmakers may moderate the warmth and vulnerability in their stories, opting for humor, detachment, or spectacle instead.

However, Maltin’s point implicitly challenges the accuracy of this assumption. Sentiment has always held a vital place in storytelling, and some of the most beloved films in history, think of classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or more recent hits like “The Pursuit of Happyness”, have moved audiences with genuine, unabashed emotion. When sentiment is authentic and rooted in well-drawn characters and situations, it resonates broadly, regardless of trends. The instinct to avoid sentiment at all costs may actually do a disservice to artistic expression and audience experience, depriving viewers of meaningful emotional connection. Maltin’s remark encourages filmmakers to reconsider their prejudices and trust that audiences still value sincere emotion in cinema.