These last few weeks I’ve been hit by the crushing weight of emotional blunting. My tablets have been a godsend in so many ways but the vacuousness and emptiness I feel as a result can be quite debilitating. As a result I have found it hard keeping up with the course, much of the time I don’t have the words to say and struggle to express myself.
The feeling can be somewhat described as a feeling akin to having heavy weights weighing you down and a blankness that you feel to your core. The energy and motivation just isn’t there at the moment.
These last few weeks I’ve been piecing together my critical report. I handed in my draft this week and I had some useful feedback about how to improve my work. I had previously designed my report and I had added in lots of decorative elements to make it look aesthetically pleasing. I was advised by Dan to simplify it and make it look more professional, I found this was quite a difficult task as I felt that In doing so it was losing a lot of my personality. I was also told that I was trying to cover too many topics In a small amount of time and space. In my critical report I covered various genres and referenced a wide range of films. Although this seemed like the logical way to go, from Dan’s perspective it was too crowded and didn’t provide the depth that they were looking for. In the end I decided instead of covering lots of different films, I would focus on one show Baby Reindeer (2024) I thought this was apt for my report as the show is fairly new and there hasn’t been much information or debate on this topic. I wanted to delve into what it was about this show that I found so engaging. I would say that this has been one of my favorites of this year. Although the storyline is quite dark, it touches on so many complex topics like sexual abuse, sexuality and the human psyche in such a profound way that io had to include it in my report. I do feel that I wasn’t able to cover enough about the show in the limited space I had. I found it quite difficult trying to focus solely on one show when I felt that I had spent weeks journalling various films of different genres. I felt I was omitting a lot of the personal research that I had done. That said I think it was a good idea to focus on the shows that I found unsettling as my research into anhedonia treatments was focused on the horror genre.
I’ve found myself feeling a bit lost throughout this module. I don’t feel we’ve had as much guidance or direction as the previous ones. Writing my report was so different to the previous dissertations I’ve written. With this one we had creative freedom to explore topics of interest to us whereas in my previous degrees we were given a topic and then had to research it. I do feel that I’m a lot more suited to design and I’m definitely more passionate about this course than I have been for my previous ones. What I also like about this course is that for some of our work , we can use a conversational approach to writing which I much prefer to use than professional and academic writing. I did find the written part of the critical report quite difficult as I was trying t use an autoethnographic style in my writing but Dan advised that I should approach it in a more objective way more like an academic paper, I’m not sure I achieved this in in the end!
It's a quite a strange feeling that we are nearing the end of the course. I feel like I’ve developed myself quite a lot over the last few years. I feel that this project although I’ve felt quite directionless at times, it has been my favorite so far. I’ve been able to delve into the world of film and its technical elements that engage the viewer.
Scriptwriting
This week, I had an eye-opening realization: scriptwriting is much more challenging than I ever imagined. As someone who frequently works with screenwriters in my freelance work—creating movie pitch decks—I’ve always been on the border of the screenwriting process. But until recently, I hadn't fully appreciated just how difficult writing a compelling script truly is.
Scriptwriting, it might seem straightforward at first glance but It's not just about putting words on a page; it's about crafting a narrative that will come alive on screen. The dialogue, pacing, and visual cues must all work together smoothly to create a vivid, engaging story that resonates with an audience.
In my work, I’ve seen firsthand how much effort my clients, many of whom are seasoned screenwriters, put into their scripts. They often use incredibly descriptive language, not just to tell a story, but to lure the audience into the world they’ve created. Every line of dialogue is meticulously crafted to evoke a specific emotion or reaction. It’s a delicate balancing act that requires both creativity and precision.
Working on movie pitch decks has given me a unique perspective on the scriptwriting process. A pitch deck is essentially a visual version of a script—it’s a tool used to sell the story to potential producers, investors, or studio executives. It needs to capture the essence of the script in a way that’s both visually appealing and emotionally impactful.
When I create my decks, I rely heavily on the language of the script. The vivid descriptions, the carefully chosen words—they’re my guide in selecting images, colors, and layouts that align with the script’s tone and style. I find that a well-written script makes my job easier because it’s clear what the writer is trying to convey.
Here’s an animated example from one of my pitch decks. Through this work, I've had the opportunity to explore the film industry and gain insights into the craft of screenwriting.
My recent realization came when I tried my hand at scriptwriting myself for this project. I thought it would be a fun way to better understand the work my clients do. But what I found was that it’s far from easy. The challenge of protraying complex emotions and intricate plotlines into dialogue and stage directions was daunting. I spent hours on what I thought would be a simple scene, only to find that it lacked the depth and nuance I was aiming for.
It was a humbling experience, and it gave me a newfound respect for the writers I work with. Their ability to create such vivid, engaging stories with words is nothing short of remarkable. It’s not just about being creative; it’s about understanding the technicalities of storytelling, the dialogue, and the importance of every detail, no matter how small.
It’s easy to overlook the complexity of the work that goes into writing a script, especially when you’re only involved in the visual aspects of the film industry. But now, I have a greater understanding of the effort and skill required to create a script that can truly capture an audience’s imagination .That said my script writing left much to be desired!
Having dedicated a significant amount of time to studying films and shows, particularly for this project. I've observed an intriguing pattern: the most powerful stories often have lines and quotes that linger in your mind well beyond the end of the movie. These lines have a profound impact, prompting you to ponder, introspect, and potentially shift your perspective on the world.
The TV series Six Feet Under (2001), for example. This show effortlessly combines entertainment with profound philosophical exploration. It fearlessly tackles challenging subjects such as the afterlife, death, and the pursuit of a meaningful existence. It immediately delves into these themes, utilising sharp dialogue and memorable quotes to stimulate thought and self-reflection.
Each episode of Six Feet Under invites viewers to contemplate life's profound questions. The characters' contemplations on mortality and our existence frequently left me with a mix of fascination and unease, prompting me to reflect on my own convictions and lifestyle choices. The show's thought-provoking nature is what makes it so captivating.
Well, we're all wounded. We carry our wounds around with us through life, and eventually they kill us. Things happen that leave a mark in space, in time. In us.
— Brenda Chenowith (six feet under (2001)
Then there's American Beauty, a film that had a profound impact on my outlook on life. American Beauty taught me to appreciate the life I have instead of constantly yearning for more, as it delves into suburban life and the pursuit of happiness. It's a film that inspires viewers to appreciate the beauty in everyday life, to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.
The film's most memorable lines frequently centre on this theme, serving as a reminder that genuine happiness stems not from material wealth or societal status, but from a profound appreciation of the ordinary, everyday moments. It's a message that holds great significance in a world that often encourages us to constantly strive for more, accomplish more, and become more.
The film's most memorable lines frequently centre on this theme, serving as a reminder that genuine happiness stems not from material wealth or societal status, but from a profound appreciation of the ordinary, everyday moments. It's a message that holds great significance in a world that often encourages us to constantly strive for more, accomplish more, and become more.
Remember those posters that said, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life"? Well, that's true of every day except one, the day you die.
Shows such as Black Mirror (2011) and Baby Reindeer (2024) offer a unique perspective on life and the human condition. Black Mirror is famous for its dark and dystopian portrayal of modern society, often shedding light on how technology can manipulate our understanding of reality and our connections with others. Every episode serves as a reminder, prompting us to ponder the path our world is taking and the moral consequences of our technological progress.
Baby Reindeer (2024) provides a deeply intimate and unfiltered exploration of life. This story offers a profound examination of life, delving into the depths of introspection and exploring the intricate dynamics of human relationships. It delves into themes of obsession and power, providing a thought-provoking narrative. It explores the darker aspects of human nature, which can be unsettling, but it's also thought-provoking, making you confront uncomfortable truths about yourself and the world.
All these films and shows share a common theme: they explore life and the complexities of the human condition. These stories serve a greater purpose than mere entertainment. They compel you to think introspectively and contemplate your lives, decisions, and convictions by reflecting society's realities. These narratives encourage us to reflect on the essence of humanity, whether by delving into the mysteries of death and the afterlife, as seen in Six Feet Under, or by scrutinising the imperfections of modern society, as depicted in Black Mirror.
Baby Reindeer (2024) provides a deeply intimate and unfiltered exploration of life. This story offers a profound examination of life, delving into the depths of introspection and exploring the intricate dynamics of human relationships. It delves into themes of obsession and power, providing a thought-provoking narrative. It explores the darker aspects of human nature, which can be unsettling, but it's also thought-provoking, making you confront uncomfortable truths about yourself and the world.
All these films and shows share a common theme: they explore life and the complexities of the human condition. These stories serve a greater purpose than mere entertainment. They compel you to think introspectively and contemplate your lives, decisions, and convictions by reflecting society's realities. These narratives encourage us to reflect on the essence of humanity, whether by delving into the mysteries of death and the afterlife, as seen in Six Feet Under, or by scrutinising the imperfections of modern society, as depicted in Black Mirror.
Memorable lines and quotes are incredibly important in this process. They are the tools writers utilise to condense intricate concepts into something easily understandable yet deeply meaningful. These are the moments that stay with us, the lines we often find ourselves repeating when we're pondering our own existential dilemmas.
As I delve into my studies and immerse myself in these films and shows, I'm finding a growing attraction to those that push me to ponder life on a deeper level. The ones that leave me pondering instead of offering clear-direct answers, that encourage self-reflection instead of providing straightforward solutions. These stories leave a profound impact, shaping not only my perception of film and television, but also my understanding of life itself.
In a fast-paced world filled with endless information and distractions, these captivating stories provide a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and truly appreciate the depth and wonder of the human experience. These stories serve as a gentle reminder that life is often more complex than it appears.
As I delve into my studies and immerse myself in these films and shows, I'm finding a growing attraction to those that push me to ponder life on a deeper level. The ones that leave me pondering instead of offering clear-direct answers, that encourage self-reflection instead of providing straightforward solutions. These stories leave a profound impact, shaping not only my perception of film and television, but also my understanding of life itself.
In a fast-paced world filled with endless information and distractions, these captivating stories provide a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and truly appreciate the depth and wonder of the human experience. These stories serve as a gentle reminder that life is often more complex than it appears.
Immersive experiences
I've been learning more about immersive experiences this week, especially how they might help those who are struggling with mental health issues. Immersive experiences, which completely occupy the senses and arouse emotions, have demonstrated potential in therapeutic settings, providing a unique means of addressing problems such as anxiety, depression, and even anhedonia. (Brunt, 2022)
We are profoundly affected by our sensory experiences on an emotional and mental level. Immersive environments can establish a strong, instantaneous connection to the present moment by evoking a variety of senses, including sight, hearing, touch, smell, and even taste. This sensory involvement can be calming for those dealing with mental health issues, assisting in the reduction of anxiety, depression, and dissociative emotions. (Li et al., 2023)
When we use all of our senses, we break free from our negative thought patterns and internal monologues, which makes us more aware of our environment. People who suffer from mental illnesses like depression or anxiety, when the mind frequently wanders to the past or the future instead of the present, may find this very helpful. Through the promotion of a sense of peace and presence, mindfulness—which is enhanced by sensory experiences—has been demonstrated to lessen the symptoms of several illnesses. Anon, (2022).
Immersive experiences create surroundings that are not simply engaging but also encompassing, which elevates sensory engagement to a new level. immersive virtual reality (VR) environments, interactive art pieces, or even escape rooms with a theme. These encounters aim to completely submerge individuals in an alternate environment, frequently engaging their sensations and emotions in ways that conventional therapy might not. (Hadavi et al., 2022)
Immersive experiences provide mental health patients with a respite from the sometimes too harsh realities of daily living. They can offer a secure setting for dealing with anxieties, rewiring mental processes, and exploring feelings. Virtual reality (VR) has been used therapeutically to treat illnesses like PTSD and phobias by exposing patients to triggering circumstances progressively in a safe, immersive environment. anhedonia, which is characterised by a loss of interest in or enjoyment from life, may be treated using the same ideas. (Anon, 2023)
It's interesting that it seems that the horror genre might have a big impact on this healing ability. Using horror as a therapy for mental health problems may seem counterintuitive, but individuals who suffer from anhedonia may benefit from the experience's extreme intensity.
When we use all of our senses, we break free from our negative thought patterns and internal monologues, which makes us more aware of our environment. People who suffer from mental illnesses like depression or anxiety, when the mind frequently wanders to the past or the future instead of the present, may find this very helpful. Through the promotion of a sense of peace and presence, mindfulness—which is enhanced by sensory experiences—has been demonstrated to lessen the symptoms of several illnesses. Anon, (2022).
Immersive experiences create surroundings that are not simply engaging but also encompassing, which elevates sensory engagement to a new level. immersive virtual reality (VR) environments, interactive art pieces, or even escape rooms with a theme. These encounters aim to completely submerge individuals in an alternate environment, frequently engaging their sensations and emotions in ways that conventional therapy might not. (Hadavi et al., 2022)
Immersive experiences provide mental health patients with a respite from the sometimes too harsh realities of daily living. They can offer a secure setting for dealing with anxieties, rewiring mental processes, and exploring feelings. Virtual reality (VR) has been used therapeutically to treat illnesses like PTSD and phobias by exposing patients to triggering circumstances progressively in a safe, immersive environment. anhedonia, which is characterised by a loss of interest in or enjoyment from life, may be treated using the same ideas. (Anon, 2023)
It's interesting that it seems that the horror genre might have a big impact on this healing ability. Using horror as a therapy for mental health problems may seem counterintuitive, but individuals who suffer from anhedonia may benefit from the experience's extreme intensity.
Experiences with horror, whether in the form of immersive haunted houses, virtual reality, or movies, cause powerful emotional and physical reactions. The emotional numbness of anhedonia can be overcome by the terror, suspense, and rush of adrenaline that occur with horror. Horror pushes the threshold of comfort and makes people feel something, whether it's excitement, dread, or relief when it's finished. The flat affect and emotional detachment of anhedonia can be effectively countered by this emotional outburst.
Furthermore, horror frequently makes people hyperaware of their surroundings. People are drawn out of their emotional numbness by the abrupt jump shocks, spooky soundscapes, and unpleasant imagery that keep the brain active and aware. These sensory experiences are amplified in an immersive environment, which increases their effectiveness in shattering the apathy that is anhedonia.
Addressing anhedonia and other mental health concerns could potentially be achieved through the combination of immersive experiences and therapeutic terror. These encounters help individuals reconnect with their emotions and the world around them by engaging their senses and eliciting strong emotional responses. This strategy seeks to enhance traditional therapy by incorporating innovative techniques that evoke the senses.
Exploring the concept further this week, I've come to realise the immense, untapped potential of immersive experiences in mental health treatment. These encounters, whether through engaging the senses or evoking emotions, offer a new path to healing for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. As our understanding and research of the mind expands, finding ways to fully engage it, whether through pleasure, anxiety, or a combination of both, could be crucial in developing more profound and powerful therapies.
References
Anon, (2023). Immersive technology assists with treatment for PTSD - VA News. [online] Available at: https://news.va.gov/124160/immersive-technology-assists-treatment-for-ptsd/.
Anon, (2022). Immersive Experiences Offer Respite from Life’s Stressors. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonian.com/2022/12/15/immersive-experiences-are-having-a-moment-their-cathartic-nature-may-be-why/.
Brunt, H. (2022). The Psychology behind Immersive Experiences. [online] Imagineerium. Available at: https://www.imagineerium.co.uk/post/the-psychology-behind-immersive-experiences.
Li, H., Ding, Y., Zhao, B., Xu, Y. and Wei, W. (2023). Effects of immersion in a simulated natural environment on stress reduction and emotional arousal: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, [online] 13. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1058177.
Hadavi, S., Kennedy, K.G., Mariotti, G. and DeSouza, J.F.X. (2022). VisualEars: How an immersive art exhibit impacts mood during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.910767.