Research Analysis
I have come to realise the significance of the gaze in movies through my personal journaling. In the television series One Day, for example, a character's face is framed in a way that looks like a Kodak image to evoke sentiments of longing. These scenes recur frequently to create a sense of passion and desire. You get a sense of immersion in the show because of the point-of-view images .In my research I found that the gaze was an effective way of guiding my attention and shaping how I interacted with the programme. I noticed that I engage more with emotionally evocative films. My research revealed that the romantic dramas I observed framed their characters' feelings in a way that was almost dreamlike, which made it easier to relate to the characters and get lost in the narrative.
In films such as a beautiful mind (2001) by Ron Howard, narrative perspective, composition, and framing effectively convey the main character John Nash's internal struggles and external realities. The film uses a third person perspective that delves into the nuances and intricacies of Nash’s life and subjective experiences whilst also creating empathy for his condition as well as those close to him. Creative framing such as point of view images, lets you explore Nash’s world but also blurs the line between truth and delusion. This film captures the feeling of emotional turmoil, fear and mental health well. Shifts in the composition symbolise his fragile mental state. I felt a strong connection to this film as it was one that resonated deeply with me. The subject matter and the deterioration of Nash’s mental health mirrored that of my own and the way in which they told the story from both an outside perspective as well as a first-person perspective allows you to empathise and relate to the character’s experience.
I found it interesting to find in my research that historical and social contexts shape how we view films (Rocket, 2024). I noticed through my own self-reflection that I was able to connect with certain characters when I could emotionally resonate with their stories. I felt most strongly connected to stories where the characters values, traditions and background were similar to my own. I noticed that I felt a strong connection to films where the characters went through particular hardships, I think pain and suffering is universal and so these kinds of storylines are always resonant. But it was interesting to find that cultural factors, such as norms, values, and traditions, shape viewers' interpretations of film content and our emotional responses to cinematic narratives (Tan, 2018).
In my research I found that social factors like gender, race, class, and identity intersect with cultural dynamics to shape how we perceive and respond to films (Barthold et al., 2022). I have noticed that when trying to view films and tv series based on other cultures, I don’t feel as connected because my own experiences are often far different, and I can’t resonate as much with the experiences and identities.
Throughout my research I found that I engaged more with characters whose personalities, motivations and relationships were similar to my own. I noticed a strong sense of engagement when characters had similar struggles or victories that were comparable to my own making it easier to identify with the characters and plot. Shows such as six feet under resonated deeply with me due to my own personal experiences contemplating death and the afterlife. The show was supposed follow an eclectic family working in a funeral home. The show talks philosophically about death and the prospect of an afterlife, but it does it in a comical yet macabre way. This show was quite dark and contemplative, I resonated deeply with the character’s own experiences of disillusionment and trying to find meaning in life and this show instigated my journey to finding meaning in life and my religion.
I noticed that my moods often dictated how connected I was to a film. On days where my anhedonia was strong, I was less able to connect with stories and the sensory elements in films. I found myself getting distracted and lost in a different train of thought, making me lose interest in the film and disconnect from the storyline altogether. That said the films that were emotionally evocative and involved storylines and experiences similar to mine, were able to distract and engage me. I noted that my moods were often the predictor of my thoughts on the movie and in my research, I found that personality traits and cultural background affected viewers' preferences, interpretations, and emotional responses to films which would explain why I felt so connected to some films and not others.
I noticed that editing affects the rhythm, timing, and order of scenes, which in turn affected how I interacted both emotionally and cognitively with the story. Scenes where there were rapid cuts and montages heightened emotional responses and increased my immersion in the film
I started to understand what the research meant by viewers as active participants in film. Throughout my own reflective research I was able to decipher symbolic language, visual cues and metaphors that gave the film meaning. I noticed changes in my attention, memory and comprehension when watching different films. I felt a strong connect with films where the experiences mirrored my own, often certain scenes made me feel quite contemplative and reflective and transported me back to similar experiences I’ve had in my life. In my research I found that viewers engage with audiovisual components such as music, sound effects, and dialogue to amplify emotional impact, set the tone, and shape viewers' emotional reactions to the story. The sound track for ‘one day’ was deeply resonant and evoked a sense of familiarity and nostalgia that reminded me of my time at university. I realised through these reflections that the soundtracks are more powerful when you resonate with the music or it’s music that reminds you of certain experiences.
Throughout my reflective research I found that emotions have a large influence on how we engage with and experience films. I noticed that the more connected I was to a character, the more invested I was in their journeys and experiences which helped to create empathy and resonate with their stories. I noticed that the less likeable the characters were, the less engaged I was with the storylines. It was clear that film's visual and technical elements, such as aesthetics, cinematography, and performances, are key in influencing how I felt. The more captivating the visuals, acting and sound were, the stronger the emotional resonance.
What I noticed throughout my reflective journalling is that storytelling elements shaped my attention, understanding and emotional connection with the films. Whilst watching the tv series ‘one day’ I noticed that they had managed to stretch out a film to a 14 episode long series, initially, I wondered how they would do this when the film was only an hour and a half, but they really cleverly developed the plot to build up suspense, interest and resolution. They intimately portrayed each characters lives, experiences and difficulties in such a profound way that immersed you in the world of the characters. The cinematography, camera angles, editing and soundtrack evoked cognitive and emotional responses helping me to deeply connect with the narrative. The storyline was deeply captivating and moving and had me contemplating my own experiences.
I noted how I was physically engaging with films, I noted gestural responses to scenes that evoked specific feelings such as fear, tension and shock. Much of the time during horror movies I tend to cover my eyes and this was noted to be a gestural response to the stimuli. I noted for some movies changed my mood and affect. If the film had an emotional score I often displayed emotional and physical immersion. This kinesthetic empathy allowed me to physically experience the sensations and movements depicted on screen, blurring the boundaries between fiction and reality. The Emotional engagement was more intense when I wasn’t experiencing anhedonia. On the days I wasn’t taking my medication, I felt more connected to life, more productive and more interested and engaged and this diffused into my viewing sessions. I noted that off my medication I was more emotional and neurotic but able to fully resonate and connect with storylines. On the other hand when my anhedonia was present I felt a strong sense of disconnection with the films and the storylines. I noted that specific genres were the most emotionally resonant. Genres such as sci-fi and fantasy didn’t resonate with me.
Through my research I found that physical expression experienced during embodied motor spectatorship is evidenced by changes in heart rate, sweating, or breathing patterns which emphasises emotional engagement with the cinematic narrative (Rutherford, n.d.) Although I didn’t document these changes scientifically, I did notice a change in how I was feeling. For a lot of the more emotionally resonant dramas I felt immersed in the characters stories which shaped my sensory experience.
The influence of social and cultural backgrounds came up as a significant factor shaping my perception and interpretations of film. According to my research, gender is a major factor in how consumers choose movies, interpret characters, and interact with on-screen depictions. It also illustrates the interplay of gender and power in cinematic narrative (Kumar et al., 2022).
My research showed that race affects how many people percieve movies because it changes how they experience, think about, and understand movies. The way race is portrayed in movies affects how racial minorities feel emotionally connected and like they belong, which in turn affects how they relate to the characters and stories on screen. When ethnic minorities watch popular movies, stereotypes and clichés can make it hard for them to connect with the story and characters, which could make them feel misrepresented or alienated. Racial dynamics in society also affect how people think critically about what they see in movies, which in turn leads to conversations about power dynamics, social inequality, and how different cultures are portrayed.
I like how diverse the casting was for ‘one day’ and how it was a better representation of what it is truly like to be British. In contrast, the original film One Day had an all-white cast and was very English. It was great to watch an Indian girl perform the prominent female role.
My research findings showed that social class affects people's tastes and interpretations of films, which in turn defines their cinema viewing experiences. (Cressey, 1938) The way individuals interpret and value cinematic content is also influenced by their educational background and cultural views. Individuals with greater socioeconomic position typically possess a more profound comprehension of film history, aesthetics, and critical analysis. As a result, social status has a significant influence on how consumers watch films and how they interpret them. This was evident in my experience with watching films. I noticed I had a stronger connection with storylines with middle class characters, that said I do have a strong connection to film makers such as Shane meadows and Andrea Arnold, despite not growing up in a working class environment I did spend some time out of work where I struggled with finances and mental health and these experiences made these films more resonant.
Certain sounds and gripping movie soundtracks have a profound emotional impact on me when I watch movies, greatly enhancing my whole cinematic experience. These audio components, in my opinion, arouse powerful feelings, bring back memories, and draw me deeper into the story that is being portrayed on screen. For instance, a powerful orchestral score might heighten the tension, excitement, or melancholy that permeates a key scene. Similar to this, well-known soundtracks from well-loved movies bring back fond memories and take me back to when I first saw those films, creating a strong bond with the plot and characters. This resonance with movie soundtracks and scores, in my opinion, is directly related to viewing since it emphasises how auditory stimuli can influence our perceptions, feelings, and interaction with cinematic stories. These sounds enhance my sensory experience and strengthen my bond with the storytelling process by acting as emotional cues that direct how I understand the movie.
When it comes to watching films, the impact of emotions is crucial as it shapes viewers' reactions and level of engagement with the stories on screen. As viewers, we are deeply influenced by the audiovisual elements that appear on screen. The combination of music, images, and narrative techniques elicits a range of emotions and experiences. The way we experience and understand a movie is greatly influenced by our emotional reactions. These reactions also shape our perception of the movie's themes, characters, and story. Emotional connection to the narrative is enhanced through the use of affect, which creates suspense, empathy, and a strong resonance with the events depicted. In the end, affect enhances the cinematic experience, transforming watching films into an intimate and emotional interaction. I noticed a wide range of emotions in my notebook, ranging from fear to grief to delight, which made me reflect on the power of films to manipulate our feelings and influence our behaviour.(Barthold et al., 2022)
In my personal experience with anhedonia and film spectatorship, I've found that while certain films fail to resonate with me, others deeply connect with my emotions and experiences. Despite struggling with anhedonia, I've discovered that films with emotionally evocative narratives or themes of hardship tend to engage me more profoundly. Interestingly, my level of engagement often correlates with the film's soundtrack, as I find myself more immersed in stories when the music is familiar or resonates with past experiences. These soundtracks evoke nostalgic memories and create a sense of comfort, drawing me into the cinematic world despite my condition. Additionally, I've learned to tackle my anhedonia by focusing on sensory experiences, such as exploring innovative design elements, experimenting with creative projects, and immersing myself in music. These sensory experences help alleviate feelings of detachment and enhance my overall enjoyment of the film-watching experience. While anhedonia may present challenges in connecting with certain genres, I've discovered strategies to navigate this condition and find moments of genuine connection and resonance in the world of cinema.
References
Rocket, S. (2024). Understanding the impact of historical, social, and cultural contexts on films – GCSE Moving Image Arts CCEA Revision. [online] Study Rocket. Available at: https://studyrocket.co.uk/revision/gcse-moving-image-arts-ccea/critical-analysis/understanding-the-impact-of-historical-social-and-cultural-contexts-on-film#:~:text=Understanding%20Historical%20Context&text=This%20can%20heavily%20influence%20various [Accessed 2 Mar. 2024].
Tan, E.S. (2018). A psychology of the film. Palgrave Communications, [online] 4(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-018-0111-y.
Barthold, C., Krawczyk, V., Berti, M. and Priola, V. (2022). Intersectionality on screen. A coloniality perspective to understand popular culture representations of intersecting oppressions at work. Gender, Work & Organization. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.12886.
Rutherford, A. (n.d.). Cinema and Embodied Affect – Senses of Cinema. [online] Available at: https://www.sensesofcinema.com/2003/feature-articles/embodied_affect/.
Kumar, A.M., Goh, J.Y.Q., Tan, T.H.H. and Siew, C.S.Q. (2022). Gender Stereotypes in Hollywood Movies and Their Evolution over Time: Insights from Network Analysis. Big Data and Cognitive Computing, [online] 6(2), p.50. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/bdcc6020050.
Cressey, P.G. (1938). The Motion Picture Experience as Modified by Social Background and Personality. American Sociological Review, 3(4), p.516. doi:https://doi.org/10.2307/2083899.
Barthold, C., Krawczyk, V., Berti, M. and Priola, V. (2022). Intersectionality on screen. A coloniality perspective to understand popular culture representations of intersecting oppressions at work. Gender, Work & Organization. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.12886