Why Movies Captivate Us?

Why do people watch movies? Why do you watch movies? Ever thought about it? Well, nobody would wish to make their “easy-going” lives, already puzzled with questions related to work, family, climate, health issues and what not, even more confusing by setting themselves to find the answers for the above.

It is indeed a way of getting out of all the pressure of thinking of answers to the question, that is, life itself. Movies make you enter a world of fantasy, it whisks us away to fantasy realms where yesterday’s neighbourhood gossip about Mrs. Johnson’s cat vs. dog feud, today’s heated debate on whether pineapple belongs on pizza, and the latest unravelling of yet another scandal, seems to fade away, what is left behind is the emotion which that particular film cultivated in you.

Jokes a-part, movies give you the rush, the joy, the angst, the room for imagination, delivering everything from gut-busting laughter to heart-wrenching tears—all within a couple of hours. They offer a brief respite from reality, letting us explore new dimensions and possibilities without leaving our seats and making you forget all that concerns you.

It’s never about defining a genre that makes you feel better; it could be anything on any day, there is no algo rhythm that solves this equation, it’s as unpredictable as the next pandemic.

PS: We don’t want none of that again. #BanFeastingOnBats

All that I wish to convey is that for some Cinema-fanatic, the idea of watching a movie is not just about calming their minds, taking a relief from the matters of the world, but it also means living the life of a character that they most relate with, feeling every emotion to the depth, and making an understanding of the ending, which may vary to the perspective of each viewer. This may seem oversimplified, but it surely does has its moments.

And then there’s the debate: where’s the best place to enjoy this cinematic journey? Are you a theatre aficionado, revelling in the grandeur of the big screen, or a homebody, cozying up under a blanket with your laptop or ultraHD TV? Each setting offers its own flavour of movie magic. Whether it's the communal thrill of a packed theatre or the intimate comfort of your couch, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy a good film.

To the readers who might not be able to make a difference between the two, other than the fact that getting the theatrical experience is obviously costlier than to watch the movie at their own home screenings, let me help you develop an understanding on the basis of an example for the two cases.

The MCU is not unfamiliar to most people, I’m sure, and the continuity of the characters and the story line throughout the years makes it worth the wait, especially to the fans of the story and more so the characters. So at one of the premiers of a movie which is based on the most favourite character, I would not be wrong to say this, Spider-man (No Way Home), the reaction of the audiences at the many shocking character introductions could only be felt at its finest in a theatre filled with genuine fans of the storyline. The same would not be felt, as intended by the production, in a private watch at your own house. Well I guess, each to its own!

So, what’s your ideal movie-watching experience?