Hindustan Times
Why do you see a film?
I know it sounds like a strange question – I can almost hear everyone say, of course we know why we watch films.
But the reason I’m asking is this: I have many friends who say they watch films for entertainment. They want to laugh. They want to come out of the theatre feeling good. They want to see drama, action, comedy, romance, spectacle, glamour.
They don’t want to see films that are sad, depressing, heavy, disturbing, violent, gory.
Their view is that there’s enough stress in their lives, that newspapers and TV news channels are anyway full of depressing, disquieting reports and stories; so when they go to see a movie, they want to relax/have a good time. They don’t want to come out feeling even more depressed.
I think that’s fair. I remember a story we’d done in Brunch on how to beat the blues and a well known psychiatrist suggested – in all seriousness – that watching Govinda comedies was a great way to feel smiley-smiley again. (So never knock Govinda films!)
But what about films that are dark, depressing, unsettling – but really good? Wouldn’t it be a pity not to see such films?
The answer has to be yes. But watching them is not easy. To give just two personal examples (though of course there are many, many more). When I saw Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, the film just blew my mind. But I found it profoundly disturbing and I don’t think I can ever see it again. Just remembering those scenes of the boat going down the river, coming closer and closer to Kurtz’s insane jungle kingdom, gives me an eerie feeling.
I resisted seeing Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par for the longest time because I thought it would be a weepy-weepy film and I don’t like movies where you end up crying all the time. When I finally did see it, I loved it. Yes, I did feel tearful (how can you not?) at some points in the film, but because it’s quite an optimistic, positive film, I didn’t leave the hall feeling heavy-hearted.
Much of it, I guess, also depends on your mood.
Sometimes you just want to have fun. You don’t want to see anything that will tax your emotions or your mind.
Sometimes you know you’re going to see a powerful film and you’re prepared for it.
Sometimes you go in not knowing what the film will be like and it socks you between the eyes. You come out, unsettled and uncomfortable, but glad that you saw it.
Sometimes you’re reluctant to see a film because it doesn’t sound like the kind of movie you enjoy. But when you see it, you end up liking it. Or vice versa.
I’m squeamish about films with graphic violence. And I’m not wild about films which make you cry a lot. I try and avoid both. But I seldom succeed. I always end up watching them.
That’s because I really, really like watching movies. Film as entertainment, film as timepass, film as art, film as social comment – I’m happy to see all of them (my first love of course remains Hindi films). I’m okay with bad movies too – I’ll crib endlessly afterwards, but I’ll still see them.
But not everyone is a lunatic like me. Most people – like the friends I mentioned – see films only for entertainment. And I can see their point totally.
But are they missing out on something?
(10 votes, average: 4.6 out of 5)
Loading ...Posted by Poonam Saxena on Monday, November 30, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Filed under Bollywood · Tagged action, Apocalypse Now, comedy, film, glamour, Govinda comedies, rama, romance, spectacle, Taare Zameen Par
I see every film for the experience which it has to offer me.
I think you sum it up best - film as timepass, film as art, film as social comment - to me, the experience itself is the entertainment.
So in spite of not being a huge movie buff, I have no problems watching everything from films like Citizen Kane to the latest gore-fests like Hostel and Saw and enjoying them for what they are.
PS: Have you seen Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto? Another of those violent, disturbing, yet awesome movies!
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poonam saxena Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 11:36 am
No, haven’t seen Apocalypto, Pranav. That’s the big grouse of my life — considering how obsessed I am with films, I don’t get to see half the films i want to.
But you’re right — every film is a different experience and you have to embrace it for what it is. You saw Saw (eeww)?
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Nitin Joshi Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 11:44 am
@pranav:
true about apocalypto…very raw and very gory..infact mel gibson is famous for gore..remember the passion of the christ?
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Pranav Dixit Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Heh…yeah,,,I saw Saw….all six of them, in fact. It’s like this on-going soap opera…one episode every year….I watch it mostly for the awesome plotline.
@Nitin
Yeah, Passion of the Christ was pretty gory!
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Sharat Reply:
December 4th, 2009 at 2:56 am
Try Cannibal Holocaust dude. You will forget Saws and Hostels and Apocalyptos.
Pranav Dixit Reply:
December 4th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
@Sharat
I have seen Cannibal Holocaust. It’s disgusting!
well,i would yes……movies are basically depictions of us (barring ofcourse the ones with actors flying three wheelers n actresses jerking on meadows with hands on their waist)…so when i see a serious sad movie,1st thing-i become aware of a problem (i didnt know what the muslims went through at fbi detention centres in usa post 9/11 till i saw new york)…2nd- i feel more for people ….i understand more (now when i see or come across old lonely couplse deserted by their children,i know they are pained beyond compare,whether they say it or not…thanks to baghban) …3rd - i dentify with people…i know that others too face the same set of emotions at a given situation…(watch rang de basanti…..u will know…our entire generation is frustrated ..)….
i personally prefer serious movies…but also catch up with the others once in a while…..hv focussed on only hindi movies coz i guess,our industry has started makin some truly sensible stuff…….n yes,i do like govinda stuff…includin his yellow beach print shirts!!
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poonam saxena Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 11:40 am
I don’t mind the frolicking in meadows!
But what you’re saying is interesting — that seeing a good serious movie makes you more sensitised and aware of issues you may not have given thought to otherwise. Yes, cinema has that power.
(And what about Govinda’s purple pants?! he really did wear them)
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To make sure actors have bread on the table to feed their families. Actors can’t really do anything else very well.
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poonam saxena Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 11:41 am
:)… and they get obscene amounts of money too. Maybe that deserves a full post…
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I watch movies to get entertained.To me it is also an expression of a person’s portrayal of an idea.But am also very disappointed with the deteriorating quality of films these days.Moreover the so called gen y brigade of “actors” to me is nothing but an over hyped bunch of star kids who in the long run wouldn’t survive.Most of them cannot even act,yet the media is full of praises for them.
What I believe is you only get entertained when at least the film has a certain story with some degree of continuity and logic.Many recent films have failed to deliver on those lines.
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Hmm, I suffer from a similiar addiction as yours, Poonam, and that is watching movies. Period. Beats any other form of addiction like tobacco or alchohol, or what have you.
They offer a delightful diversion from reality, and help me in destressing.
However, my lunacy levels fall short of yours. I wont see every movie, but I will see an average of 5 a week (not all in the halls ofcourse), and that makes my mad life bearable.
In absolute honesty, why do I watch movies?
Because!!!
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poonam saxena Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 11:46 am
Because!!!
Couldn’t have put it better, Atul.
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Hi Poonam,
Nice thought!!
I also watch movies for entertainment and i try and risist govinda movies!!!
I agree with your point on the sad movies. i also try to avaoid them or i go with the mindset that it is a sad movie..
for example: the new saif -kareena movie Kurbaan , from the promos, looks a movie having a sad ending.
so i am planning to see it when i feel like watching that klind of movie and not today or now.
Movies like chupke chupke, khoobsoorat(rekha) , khatta meetha, choti si baat , andaaz apna apna etc , i can see any time , in any mood!!!
perhaps this is the reason a movie like “ajab prem….” did well inspite of being an average film, as there was a drought of Rom-com’s in the recent time and it fit the bill!!!!
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poonam saxena Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 11:48 am
Love all the films you’ve mentioned, Jaya. I think I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen Chupke Chupke (not the whole film, parts of it!)
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Of course,we watch films for pleasure and to entertain ourselves after a hectic week. However some serious stories are designed to teach us moral values while the comedy flicks make us happy for some moment. I would prefer the later alike your friends. I just saw De Dhana Dhan, have no clue what the story was all about til the end. But then the audience (including me ) kept bursting out into laughter throughout the movie and the same crowd gave an unfavourable review such as boring , disgusted & ‘don’t watch’ kind of a look. Though their object was fulfilled yet they were cribbing about the movie. So now even I am confused, are we looking for some quality serious bluffs or comedy ones.
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i totally agree with u..and u summed it up very well..”Film as entertainment, film as timepass, film as art, film as social comment ..”
i think its like a need, i think the “fascination” associated with movies..makes us all want to live a life through them..with the price of a ticket, for three hours i get to see things that i wont see in my daily life, even if its a “real” arthouse kinda film, I get to see a story in life and blood. In the darkness of the theatre we live a dream…and not just watching, we also like to write about them, talk about them because they are so simulating:)..bad movies are esp good for bashing..total timepass cribbing over a bad movie..:)
sometime just for entertainment, sometime out of curiosity, sometimes for popcorn,..lol..and yes..i m talking abt movies on big screen:)
yes, most people would not want to watch gloomy films because there are enough stressful things in their lives already..a day out at cinema would mean breaking away from all that:)
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poonam saxena Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 11:49 am
Yeah, Nitin… there’s something about the movies. the whole feeling of being in a dark hall, watching a story unfold on a big screen..magic.
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well..why do i see a film..! primarily m a film addict…i watch almost every movie which is released! the reasons are varied..sometimes its for fun..( n i do lovvveee govinda movies..they r the best blv me..u may b in the worst of moods and it can totally lift up ur spirits! Andaz Apna Apna/padosan/chupke chupke! they make me laugh always!)
so primarily entertainment…
then i see it as art also..the way a story has been told! like kaminey..mithya(i really liked it..)..black..lagaan..swades..in recent times!)
and sometimes i see it as a reflection of whats happening in society..like madhur bhandarkar’s movies like chandni bar/page 3/fashion..
n sometimes..for the romance of watching a movie..to escape from real world troubles..Karan Johar’s movies fit the bill there..but since i find them tooo unreal..with all biggg mansions n filthy rich ppl n lengthy songs..n weepy endings..i prefer watching them on DVD..the 1st half is usually enjoyable..2nd half is all abt tears!!
and yeah sometimes..one does get disturbed/affected strongly by movies..like i saw this movie-chandni bar..and i dunno y but i found it way too real for myself..and havent been able to watch it again..i find it too hard hitting!!
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poonam saxena Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Very well put, Chinz…
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Hi Poonam,
i won’t question or doubt that you don’t read every comment on all your blog posts, hence u might be remembering my name. I started just a few weeks ago and started from introducing myself as someone who was introduced to movies quite early and still follows Movies- hindi (less) World Cinema (more)….sorry for dissapointing you, such a die hard Hindi Cinema fan
Firstly kudos to you for bringing such articles with titles such as ‘Ab tera kya hoga Kaliya’ and this one. We all (who follow ur articles and cinema) might be coming across these thoughts but how effortlessly u come to bring about meanings- under, across, between and above the line, is really a ‘Feel good experience’
Well i watch movies to experience all the human emotions which we would otherwise miss in our real lives in varying degrees (though all the emotions in a movie are drawn from real lives). Movies have such profound ways of affecting u. Last night i saw a BBC documentary on 26/11 and then Black Friday. The feeling and pathos which i was filled with, during and after watching these movies, moved me to brink of thinking if i culd still join army or police force and do my bit to stop terrorism. Such is the effect of Cinema in which i have started finding meaning (nowadays more than ever) and do not follow so keenly the **** or mindless movies our Industry dishes out every now and then.
But then i have also seen and enjoyed ghory and repulsive movies which you won’t ever have heard of or would bear a few minutes into them….one such being Lars Von Trier’s - Anti Christ. But then i strongly feel that every movie like a book or a literary piece has something good which you can take from it. Hence i watch to Learn, all the different shades of emotions and therefore EXPERIENCE.
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poonam saxena Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Hi Amit, what you’ve said about emotions — I couldn’t agree with you more. The range and depth of emotions you feel while watching films is something else (for me, the only other creative art form which can do this — with a high degree of intensity — is books). And I’ve always bellieved that the film which connects with you emotionally will always, always work. If it doesn’t have that emotional resonance and appeal, it won’t, no matter how well it is made.
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Its interesting to read your post on a day that I analysed the reason for Twilight’s popularity on my blog. Agree with your views.
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i can’t say why i watch films but love watching them, i think there is no specific reason to watch certain type of movies, either you love it or hate it. i loved accoplypse now and hate the saw and hostel series. if there is violence or gore in a film with specific objective you will certainly agree with it.
just like “satya” don’t know how many time i have watched it but can’t get enough of it.( the most shocking scene was when bhiku mhatre *** shot dead, no crying,nothing just murder, the whole movile hall was shocked)
if you watch the classic genre of yester years ,death was the most celebrated in our industry, amitabh bachan death in dewaar,sholay, muqadar ka sikandar, or his many movies, or all the gurudutt classics . do beegha jameen ,u name it!!
or more recently srk in darr or bazigar.
and rdb (death was never felt like this)
i am a big fan of marteen scorcees films, if you have watched his “taxi driver” it was very dark movie
or his goodfellas or most recently”the departed”
so can’t say that dark films are bad though.
just think about that “if amitabh bachan had not dead on dewaar woulb be it still classic?
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poonam saxena Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Anurag, I’ve seen Taxi Driver and Departed and I liked both the films very much. Dark films can be very compelling, but as you say, they have to be made well and there has to be a purpose
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Heyyy… brilliant post!
I can relate to every single thing that you have written here. Recently I watched a japanese film (of course, with subtitles!) called The Departures. It’s beautiful… Makes you cry, but in a good, hopeful and nice sort of way. Again, I think that the world of movies does not limit itself to light and heavy films. There is a very big grey area in which most of the films fall into. And your post captures it beautifully! Kudos!
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Hi Poonam,
i have started seeing the films when i was approx 8 year old on VCR . i also remebered the day when i had seen my first movie in cinema hall name ‘duston checks in” . i was amazed by the big hall, complete darkness inside the hall and people were enjoying the scene.
well actually i am filmi student who see film for every results/grade. I see comedy film (andaz apna apna) for fun, i see RDB for being patriotic, i see 2012 for great visual effects (can be honoured for best ever visual effects), i see films for dialogue (sholay. andaz apna apna , hera pheri), i see films terminator to see arnod muscles, i see films as an future hope (Nayak, anil kapoor Chief Minister character) i see films for action (transformers, terminator etc).
i do not find any reason why i should not see any films which is not good. i beleieve films do cater every kind of consumer in society who wants emotions, adventure, frustration (ya serious, 2012 was a such a movie , when some people watching a move were happy to see all disastrous earthquake ans tsunami), stress off or to enjoy 3 hr Air conditiong (ya you still find a kind of people)
Kudos to your post !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Why does anyone watch movies?
It is general progression from Dada-Dadi ki Kahaniyan in childhood to Bollywood/Hollywood stories in Adulthood.
You like fantasy stories in childhood and you want to live in fantasy during adulthood.
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Being a movie buff myself, I am always ready to talk about movies and get good movie suggestions. I personally like to watch serious movie where the stories and characters are believable. My opinion is that there are so many different type of people and so many different emotions that you will never meet or experience in your own life. So, a good story which is at least decently directed can expose you to something new. While watching you may often think that how can someone be like that character (good or bad or just weird) but I tend to believe, that character is real and exist somewhere.
That was me earlier, now mostly I have to stick to typical non sense bollywood flicks because of my wife. I can happily watch Govinda’s or any other decent comedy but what gets on my nerves is watching so called mega stars doing the same stuff for 15 years and would fail a decent acting exam. Anyhow, movies are integral part of our life specially in case of nuclear family which is sort of a norm these days.
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Nice one. I would recommend Poonam and others a Spanish movie called “Pan’s Labyrinth.” Easy to understand with English subtitles, its a beauitful and moving film. I think it came out a couple of years ago and won 3 academy awards.
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why do I see films? May be I am mad. May be I will go mad if I don’t. I am addicted to it, i think it is my birth right. The last one stuck to me after my dad thrashed me up for seeing a film (after bunking the school). It was a rebel act. The films were a taboo in the family. It’s a valid question if you ask about a particular movie, like Salman starrer (Marigold), or Dev starrer in his second half of the carrier (Mr Prime Minister) or Ramu production (Ram Gopal Ki Aag). But then that;s what it is all about.
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Bcoz they are magic.. they transfer you to places you have never been - on the earth, as well as in a human’s mind.
One simple importance would be that they give you funny anecdotes which can sometimes form as great bonding agent (for the lack of a better word) - example: whenever I am wiping my car, my friend would say idhar ek mark reh gaya hai.. for which my reflex response would be “Mark toh hona chahiye” OR “Teja main hu, mark idhar hai” (from Andaz apna apna for the uninformed)
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hi!
watchin movie 4 me is not only entertainment, as u said it absolutely depends on my mood. am fond of light movies like golmaal, jhoothi, chupke-chupke etc., but i also prefer watchin movies like kala patthar, LOC Kargil may be coz they r d facts though fabricated. i can name a movie Bhootnaath which could not do much in box office, it is not only entertaining but also has got values. many a times v relate ourselves with the charecters in the movies with our daily life, v at times behave and talk like them. immature but v do, so v live with them despite v don’t have any concrete reply of why do v watch movies.
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Why do I watch movies…
…usually to kill time…unusually to play the perfect voyeur!
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Poonam,
As a child we went for watching films for the only reason that we loved watching hindi movies esp those of Amitabh Bachchan or Rajesh Khanna or Jaya Bhaduri.It meant just to watch n gape at ur favourite actor.Things are quite different now.Fun n entertainment is most welcome,but lack of time.Hence the main criteria now to go n watch a movie is,’hey, this movie is too good,it’s a must watch’.So leave aside ur important commitments and squeeze in a 3hrs journey into the movie hall for the simple reason that it’s a must watch which includes ‘Taare zameen par’,'Jaane tu ya jaane na’,n of course the latest ‘Paa’.
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Movies are entertainment, yes. Those evoking genuine laughter like ‘Chupke Chupke’ or (old) ‘Golmaal’ or ‘Angoor’. Sorry, but can hardly remember any really funny movie of recent times, any genuine situation comedy - most of them seem like slapstick.
But escapist? I think not. It depends on one’s pesonal disposition. If I’m watching a fantasy (like LOTR/HP) or sci-fi or detective movie, my mind may be wandering to either the potential realities depicted or the overt/ covert messages like in LOTR.
Most importantly, and for ’serious’ stuff, it serves either of two purposes for me - awareness or vindication. Movies like ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘Dr. Zhivago’ tell us things about America (civil war days) or Russia (Soviet) that we didn’t know about, the same way that reading ‘War and Peace’ tells one so many things about 18th Century Russia. And many family dramas, including romantics, tend to confirm our take on things emotional - even when it’s nothing profound but a run of the mill “PS I Love You” or “The Dirty Truth”. That emotional bonding is what draws me to movies.
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