We all have certain patterns when it comes to watching films. Some enjoy going to the cinema to watch the latest premieres, while others prefer staying at home, ordering food, and watching in comfort under a blanket. But why do we choose these places, and what makes our viewing experience more fulfilling?
Roland Barthes discusses the hypnotic effect of cinema on viewers. He argues that the intimacy created by the darkness of the cinema enhances our perception of the film. We feel hidden and sensorily vulnerable in the dark, fully immersing ourselves in the movie on the screen – the only source of light in the room. Barthes describes his experience vividly, prompting us to question if our own experiences have been as profound as his.
The author compares watching a film at home on television to a traditional family gathering around a hearth. The familiar surroundings offer comfort and lack the eroticism and intimacy of the cinema setting. However, not everyone may agree with this comparison. In a cinema, you are surrounded by strangers, while at home, you may be alone or with people you know. Have you ever been distracted by someone crunching popcorn or irritatingly coughing loudly during a silent moment in a film? Is that really intimate?
Nonetheless, cinema has its advantages – the traditional screen size and immersive Dolby audio offer a wider, more cinematic experience. However, whether it is hypnotic and leaves a lasting effect is subjective and largely dependent on each individual’s experience, which is also influenced by the film itself. As there is no magical formula for watching a film, it is our individual journey to explore and delve into ourselves to comprehend where and how we get the desired cinematic experience.
I appreciate your discussion about different movie-watching experiences, from going to the cinema to watching at home, and its hypnotic effect on viewers. However, questions about the distraction and intimacy of movie theaters in later sections remain unanswered. Writing a response also demands that you be able to answer the queries it poses through your understanding and reading.