The text reminds me of my own experience watching movies in the cinema. The realistic image technology and sound effect provide me with an immersive movie-watching experience ( except for some noise from other audiences). Therefore, the contrast between watching and leaving the theatre is giant and I would be still immersed in the plot. Due to the realistic image content and film production, it may make the audience feel that the movie plot is happening in a trance.
In the article, the author provides a new thought and consideration about the function of a movie theatre for me. The darkness, the big screen and the beam of light with arranged sound are used to play the movie for the audience through high-tech approaches. The engagement of innovative technology indeed improves the watching experience. However, it should be doubted whether the ‘immersive experience’ is a kind of hypnosis. In the theatre as a public entertainment venue, people may accept the hypnotic-like viewing experience subconsciously rather than questioning how the venue and the atmosphere work to affect us.
Watching movies is common entertainment, but this is the first time to consider the function of the movie theatre and how the engagement of new technology changes the experience.
GuDian, Ella 3036103066
Your response shows a good understanding of Barthes’ text. I appreciate your description and reflections on the hypnotic qualities of watching a movie in a theatre and how the setting creates an immersive experience.