I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor Chapter 479 Discussion

First I would like to give appreciation for the translator in this work. It was easy to read and visualize the story. Gaps in the story were properly filled and left open. There wasn't a time where I questioned or was confused due to poor translations. I felt confident while reading there wasn't any context that I missed unless it was intended.

I would say this novel is above average, not the best just good enough to enjoy reading from time to time.

The Criticisms:

One thing that I think the story did okay in is the Multiple Viewpoints. In the story different viewpoints gave emphasis on an achievement the MC had. Which isn't a bad thing, it only becomes a problem when the viewpoint pans from person to person all saying basically the same things (which this story did quite a bit). Which is sometimes annoying.

I believe the best way to go about this is to show the viewpoint of a character that actually matters for future story progression (this story did do this at several points). Then show the thoughts of other characters as they meet the main character (again the story does do this at several points). Overall I think the story did 'Okay' in this aspect. Not bad but also not great.

Another minor criticism is the patriotism in the story. In general patriotism in stories isn't a bad aspect, and this is more of a personal critique. Patriotism in stories become somewhat awkward when it vilifies or mocks other nations. It doesn't happen often and only occurs maybe like 2 or 3 times within the story, so this really is a small criticism.

Spoiler

For example, stating that the level of acting in Japan is subpar or lacking. I'm not a huge fan of movies so I don't know anything about the level of acting in Japan. But as of right now this just seems cringe to say.

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One major flaw of this novel is the lack of challenge, or at least the challenge felt by the reader. This story presents the MC's challenge as something that could be solved or ignored - Example in the Spoiler.

Spoiler

MC getting tired from the shooting of the Drama or movie, solved by resting in the blackspace. Any potential controversy surrounding the MC just gets solved within the next 2 chapters by the characters around the him.

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The MC and reader never feels any sort of actual tension. So there really isn't a build-up for anything. In its most simplified form it's a cycle of acting well, getting good results, getting praised, repeat. With some variation, but none so significant to disturb the cycle.

Overall Notes:

The story does a good job in helping the reader visualize the story, it's easy to imagine what is happening and it doesn't feel off. There aren't any moments where a poor narrative would pull you off from your immersion.

The story feels complete in the sense that there aren't any felt gaps. In the sense that would throw you off wondering what is happening now in the story.

The novel serves well as a 'feel good novel', the MC basically just cruises through story relatively easily, so for readers looking for a relaxing type of story, this isn't a bad choice.

4 stars for this novel feels good to me.

Edit: As of 7/12/2024

I had read ahead with the MTL and I feel it is appropriate to change my rating to 3 Stars.

First, the novel continues the cycle of acting well and getting good results without any difficulties. There is a fine line for content before it becomes overdone and just downright boring to read over and over again. This Novel went over that line, by a long shot. I still stand by the statement that this isn't too bad of a 'Feel good novel', but there needs to be more substance: a rival/competitor, someone who knew about the MC's powers, something, anything at all would've made it better.

Second, I had initially assumed that an explanation to the MC's ability would come up as I was reading through the MTL. But I was wrong, nothing. No info. Perhaps I had glossed over it while going through the MTL, maybe misinterpreted some lines that actually explained it I don't know. However it is disappointing.

The story doesn't feel complete. There are plot holes that are gaping open and missed opportunities among introduced characters. I had yet to read the final chapter since I couldn't find MTL version of it anywhere. Even if everything is explained in that final chapter. It would mean that the ending would be rushed, thoughtless, and honestly a waste of potential.

Spoiler

Plot holes: Where did the MC get his ability from? What did the shaman mean when they said the MC is possessed? What is the identity of the MC's ability, who is voicing the system, why did he of all people get this ability?

Missed opportunities/Weird Openers: Besides the initial information that the MC was blackout drunk on the day he got his abilities, without expanding on how, or why, or where, or who, or what gave him the abilities.

The introduction of the shaman character and their daughter without, any real interaction with them. Seriously these characters were the closest we got to discerning anything about the MC's ability, yet they were discarded.

The introduction of the potential rival/competitor character. There was a new character that was introduced for the production of Beneficial Evil. The 2nd Choi Nana work. This character was apparently the exact opposite to MC and possessed great talent for acting. A chance for a rival/competitor/potential villain, nope. This character was thrown out and became an afterthought after the filming of 'Beneficial Evil'. In fact, I don't even remember this character being mentioned during the filming of 'Beneficial Evil'.

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Truthfully for the story alone, I will give this novel 2 stars, but I will give it 3 stars solely for the translator's work. It was disappointing.