By: Deborah Amewoyi
Do you watch movies just for fun or there is more to it? Well, movies are not just a form of entertainment as some people have misconstrued it to be. They have an end goal, that is to influence, whether positively or negatively.
Available literature published in recent years have described movies as a medium of mass entertainment whereas majority of young people also see it as a medium to relieve boredom hence the “boring movie ” notion but If individuals tune their minds to the fact that they are about to learn something new whenever they set their minds to watching a movie, this narrative can change.
Here are four influences movies have on individuals including its limited mass entertainment notion;
- Entertainment : This popular reason comes handy to the majority. Comedy, Fantasy, action or thriller, a bit of horror genres of movie heightens excitement to the audience thereby creating a sense of amusement and enjoyment. In most cases, entertaining movies have predicted outcomes, here are a few titles; Irish wish, Maleficent, let it shine, love in the villa, praise this, Damsel etc.
- Awareness Creation: Some movies serve as a platform to enlighten the masses about a phenomenon or practices in different parts of the world. Documentary pieces fall under this category. The Kenya women refusing prostitution, Can you see us, Like cotton twines, 13 reasons why etc. are a few titles.
- Emotions : Movies have emotional connections to one’s faith and belief patterns. it helps to cleave insight from external experiences. Films like; I heard from heaven, Breath of life, the hate you give etc. are few titles that fall under this category. This type of movies are described as “tear – jerker” because they evoke sadness or sympathy.
- Escapism : This serves as a break from reality. Movies offer healthy escapism with the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities. Individuals facing the harsh realities of life can take a break by watching good movies that would relieve them as well as work on their mental health by reducing stress. Comedy genres give healthy escapism.
All in all, there is the need for the clarification that movies do not only serve as a form of entertainment but also have other influences in the minds of the audiences.
Most importantly, we learn from movies to create a positive change in our lives and the society at large.
