An interesting quote from the great director, James Cameron:
“I’ll cry in a movie before I’ll cry in a similar situation in real life. Which I think is interesting. In real life, my defenses are up. I’m supposed to be the strong guy. I’m supposed to be the guy that everybody relies on. In a movie theater, I can cry in a way that I can’t in real life, which sounds backwards but it’s very real. So, these emotional simulations are very, very powerful for people.”
Though I’m hard pressed to admit it, I sense a kindred spirit in this statement. I can’t remember ever reacting so strongly to anything on television, except for the news reports as the events of 9\11 unfolded. But that only emphasizes the unique ability of movies to touch us in the deepest of ways, many of which we’re not normally aware of. It also reminds us that in this perilous time for the theater-attending public, it has never been more important to lend our support. If the tradition of watching films alongside other people in darkened auditoriums disappears from the cultural landscape, it will indeed be a dark day for humanity.
And I guarantee, after that the tears will really start flowing.
Agree. To laugh or cry together in the communal darkness of a movie theater is to experience art in the deepest way possible.
There’s hardly a greater experience than watching a film
on the big screen. Sitting back, relaxed, and shutting out the
world around us. Really focusing on the sites and sounds of the
film just take you to another place. Then there’s the theater
popcorn too! Why more people don’t take advantage of this
experience is beyond me!
Beautifully said.