Steven Spielberg, the American filmmaker, once said (Travis, 2021) that he believed American cinema would never die
Background:
Steven Spielberg, the American filmmaker, once said (Travis, 2021) that he believed American cinema would never die:
In a movie theatre, you watch movies with the significant others in your life, but also in the company of strangers… We’ve become a community, alike in heart and spirit, or at any rate alike in having shared for a couple of hours a powerful experience… Art asks us to be aware of the particular and the universal, both at once. And that’s why, of all the things that have the potential to unite us, none is more powerful than the communal experience of the arts. (para. 3)
At the start of the 20th century, “motion pictures” were first viewed with kinetoscopes. To watch one, viewers would lean over the top of a closed cabinet and peer into a viewfinder. Our textbook says movie makers quickly realized films would be more profitable if they were projected for many viewers at the same time. When film was taken out of the box and projected onto large screens, it opened the medium to become the industry it is today. Now, the technology has gone full circle, with virtually any movie available for streaming on your phone or tablet.
What are some of the key differences that you have experienced in listening to or watching TV or a movie in isolation on a phone or tablet, watching or streaming TV on a large screen, perhaps with family and friends at home or attending a movie with a crowd of strangers?
Compare three movies or three television shows or episodes of a television show that you have watched in the last year. How did you watch them? In what ways did these movies/shows reflect current concerns, trends, or attitudes? Include the specific titles of the movies or TV shows/episodes in your response.
Audiences are becoming increasingly fragmented as a result of competition from cable, satellite, and streaming. What are the potential social implications of this trend?
Sample Answer
Comparing Solo and Group Viewing
The shift from traditional cinema to streaming platforms has significantly altered my media consumption habits. While I still enjoy the occasional theatrical experience, I find myself increasingly turning to streaming services for convenience and flexibility.
- Solo Viewing: Watching alone allows for complete control over the viewing experience, pausing, rewinding, or fast-forwarding as needed. It also provides a sense of privacy and the freedom to express emotions without judgment.
- Group Viewing: Watching with others creates a shared experience, fostering connection and discussion. It can enhance enjoyment, especially for emotionally impactful content.