Yueming LI (Michael) [3036260462]
The article illustrates the speaker’s habits, leading to a discussion of cinema. The author describes that the word “cinema” makes him think of the architecture instead of the film content on show. This highlights the importance of place, space, and setting of the cinema, it is crucial in capturing and captivating the audience. By showing the film in a dark setting, the film becomes the only visible thing, eliminating any distracting visuals and enabling the audience to concentrate on the film.
Furthermore, the author compares how different settings affect the perception of film content, using the example of a home setting. Even though the resolution and sound system could be similar or even better than that in a cinema, the experience is entirely different. There may be noises from neighbors and distracting lights from other devices in the room. Besides visuals, our other senses, such as tactile and auditory factors, also influence the experience. When viewing the film on familiar furniture, one can easily become too comfortable and detach themselves from the film, eventually separating themselves from it.
The cinema offers a unique and psychologically safe setting because we are often familiar with the cinema’s layout. However, due to the absence of light and sound other than that from the film, we feel unfamiliar visually. Therefore, we can focus and include ourselves into the film.
You respond on the significance of the setting, particularly the experience of familiarity and unfamiliarity in different settings. You mentioned that a familiar furniture/ layout is a “detachment” for the viewers from the film and, at the same time, “psychologically safe.” Could you please clarify these two feelings and how they impact the film-watching experience? To clarify, you could explain in different settings to compare.