Before reading Roland Barthes’ article, I have never realized such detailed influences on audiences’ impressions and spirit from the cinema. Barthes’ description of the visual effects, sounds, lights, environment, and all these miracles of the ingenuity of movie theatre is figurative, with subtle words, reminding me of the feeling in cinema. The stimulation created by the sudden lights off and the first sound emitted is undeniable, the romantic atmosphere due to the reflection on faces from the screen brings excitation as well. Although he wrote about his fascination with films and theatres, the title is named ‘Leaving the movie theatre’.

Continue readingReading Response: Roland Barthes

This article from Roland Barthes talks a lot about the meaning behind the lighting and equipment in cinema. I think there must be a reason for every placement and presentation. For example, the darkness of the cinema allows the imagination to run wild and the audience to become more engaged by relaxing in the chair. At the same time, the images of a film can make us concentrate more on the scene. In the cinema, no matter how far away we sit, we can’t help but get closer to the screen because the image draws us in and catches our

Continue readingReading Response: Roland Barthes

Benjamin’s writing introduced me to the idea of technological reproduction and allowed me to connect such concepts to the status quo. Technological reproduction allows artworks to be spread and made accessible easily. For instance, digital copies of a physical or ancient painting, or simply a photograph, as people across borders can reach out to these media anywhere, anytime. artworks and the idea of art are popularized, but as they become more accessible to the public, it also makes them fall victim to commercialization. This reminds me of NFTs, which can be understood as a collection of pricey digital icons nowadays.

Continue readingReading Response: Walter Benjamin

Barthes’ piece of reading serves as an epiphany to me.  Watching a movie in a movie theatre makes me feel immersed, possibly due to the dark lighting and an almost ceremonious atmosphere, allowing me to better immerse myself in the massive projection on the screen. The technology inside also plays a significant role in ensuring a realistic and enjoyable experience, like 360 reality audio, 3D effects, or even 4D elements. To me, going to the cinema seems more thrilling than watching a film elsewhere. Maybe I have long been infatuated with the idea of watching it in the theatre, more

Continue readingReading Response: Roland Barthes

Personally, I can relate to the dazed and confused feeling Roland Barthes describes after watching the movie and leaving the theatre. Yet, the shift in our focus toward movies throughout time has changed our viewing experience as well. In the past, going to the movies was our major form of entertainment. But, today, it serves as only a small part of our day. Movies do not imprint a lasting impression on us as much as before. Especially with technological advancement, it has enhanced, yet robbed our cinematic viewing experience. Being able to watch movies “on the go” with Netflix or

Continue readingReading Response: Roland Barthes