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?

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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.

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Recent Media Consumption

  • “The Last of Us” (HBO): This critically acclaimed series, watched on HBO Max, explores themes of love, loss, and survival in a post-apocalyptic world. It reflects current concerns about climate change, societal collapse, and the human condition.  
  • “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (Film): This mind-bending film, watched in a theater, delves into themes of identity, purpose, and the multiverse. It reflects contemporary anxieties about the overwhelming nature of existence and the search for meaning.
  • “Severance” (Apple TV+): This psychological thriller, watched on Apple TV+, explores the implications of a technology that separates employees’ memories of their work and personal lives. It raises questions about the nature of consciousness and the impact of technology on human identity.  

Fragmentation of Audiences

The increasing number of streaming platforms and cable channels has led to the fragmentation of audiences. While this offers viewers a wider range of choices, it can also create echo chambers and limit exposure to diverse perspectives. This trend has potential social implications, including:  

  • Polarization: As people consume content that aligns with their existing beliefs, they may become more polarized and less open to different viewpoints.
  • Loss of Shared Cultural Experiences: The fragmentation of audiences can erode shared cultural experiences, making it difficult to find common ground and foster a sense of unity.  
  • Decline in Traditional Media: The decline of traditional media, such as newspapers and broadcast television, can have negative consequences for journalism and civic engagement.  

In conclusion, the evolution of media consumption has had a profound impact on our society. While the digital age offers unprecedented access to information and entertainment, it is essential to be mindful of the potential consequences of fragmentation and the importance of consuming diverse content.

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