From the moment we as a tribe gathered around the ethereal light of a campfire flame, we have been storytellers. Gestures and dances turned into paintings and writing, and as our language developed, so did our stories.
The advent of the moving picture allowed us to animate the stillness of a photograph, giving it the movement of our imaginations. Never constrained by simply embracing truth, we cast dreams onto celluloid and not only illuminated the present, but also the mysterious past and the alien future.
Movies entertain, educate, and empower us, moving us from one life to another, holding us in their thrall. And there, sitting in the dark, gathered around the ethereal light of the movie screen, we are a tribe once again.
Why do YOU watch movies? Are you looking for simple entertainment or do you look for something else as well? Drop me a line and let me know.
Gareth S. Young was born and raised in Scotland, but has now lived for more than 15 years in the American Midwest. This has played havoc with his accent.
A 5th Dan black-belt in Nerd-Fu, Gareth writes books, collects comics and watches movies like he’s getting paid to. (He’s not. A 25-year association with railroads is what keeps the electricity on in his house.)
In 2010, he published his first full length story, a mystery/suspense novel called Monsters, and in the summer of 2015 will release Dynamo City: The Wolves of Dynamo, part one of an audacious YA urban fantasy series.
A tweeter of stuff and things, he can be found lurking under the guise of SpartaGus or demonstrating his nerd moves over on his blog http://1000trillionsuns.blogspot.com/
I look for escape…the same reason I write. If a movie, no matter what genre, can transport me and move me, both figuratively and emotionally, I’m there!
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Lisa, I’m right there too. :) It has always surprised me how powerfully I have reacted to some movies over the years. Thanks for stopping by, Lisa!
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The main reason I watch movies is to be inspired. I just watched the movie, “Tracks” and I simply can’t get it out of my head. I am amazed at the courage, independence and bravery, and beauty of some people. I love stories like that, they take me places I can’t and would never dream of going myself. Some movies, stories, book are life changing.
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I agree that some movies and books can be life changing, a lot of the time without you even realizing it. I never got the lightning bolt of epiphany between the eyes, but certain stories have informed my decisions as I move through the world. :) Thanks for stopping by.
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When I do watch movies I do for the entertainment. It works as a mode of escapism, as does any story, but sometimes I’d rather have the visual cues instead if creating them myself as with reading.
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I think that’s why I have a huge affection for science fiction films, the ideas stretch the limits of what I know for sure and what I’m able to imagine by myself. And I think I have a good imagination :)
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Movies are an escape for me. If I’m feeling down I’ll pick a comedy. If life is slugging along, I’ll watch action/adventure. Can’t do the horror thing. I’m too much of a wimp.
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They’re often a great cure for what ails you, even if it’s just boredom. I love stepping out of the real world for a couple of hours to enjoy something new and different and other times it nice to watch an old favorite. I’ve been known to watch my favorites over and over. :)
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