James WilliamWatching a film is a great way to relax. But it can also be a thought-provoking experience, especially when you watch films that tackle challenging topics. Most films have certain themes that you’re supposed to be able to identify and assess. This could be anything from vengeance to motherhood.
1. Focus On The Story
While it is important to pay attention to the film’s formal elements, like camera angles, lighting, music, and editing, you must also focus on the story. This will help you understand how these techniques relate to the film’s theme and plot. For example, if one character is always shot from a low angle, what might this visual choice communicate about their relationship with other characters? Similarly, if the film uses a lot of tracking shots, what does this technique say about the character’s movement and motivation?
Make sure to create an environment that is conducive to focused watching. This means clearing away distractions, dimming unnecessary lights, and silencing notifications on your device. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the film and notice details you might otherwise miss.
2. Pay Attention To The Actors
An outing to the movie theater offers an opportunity for a shared experience of emotions. Laughing at a comedy or gasping in horror at a scare scene, the ดูหนัง draws people together to step out of their daily lives and lose themselves for just a few hours. But it’s easy to miss some of the more subtle aspects of the film—for instance, the way the actors hold eye contact with one another. And that’s where critical thinking can come in handy!
You can also pay attention to how a filmmaker uses lighting, unique camera angles, or props to add meaning to the scenes. This may seem like a small thing, but it’s important to remember that the entire film is its sum of parts.
3. Listen To The Music
Many movies depend on music to create and evoke emotions, so it’s important to listen carefully. Try to discern the different elements of the soundtrack — from the incidental music that underscores certain characters’ actions, to the soaring themes that soar in key moments — and see how they contribute to the overall experience. You may notice other aspects of a film, like lighting and sound, only when something goes wrong — such as when the dialogue is drowned out by the soundtrack or when the lighting looks too dim to be able to read the subtitles. But if you focus on noticing these details, they can add another layer of enjoyment to the viewing experience.
The idea of putting down the phone, turning off the lights and giving the film your undivided attention might seem obvious, but it can be hard to do. Try using the Pomodoro Technique to help you give your full attention for short bursts, and see how that affects your enjoyment of a movie.
4. Don’t Multitask
A film (or movie, motion picture, picture, photoplay or flick) is a series of moving images that tell a story. It can also convey ideas, perceptions, emotions and beauty. At its best, a good film is an immersive experience. The optimum environment for viewing it is a cinema with a large screen, good sightlines and quality sound. But if this isn’t possible, a TV or computer with a good-sized screen and earbuds should be your next best bet.
Once you find a film you enjoy, try to see other works by its creators. Whether they star the same actor, share a similar subject or were shot in the same location or era, you’ll get more out of movies by exploring the collaborative art of their creation.
5. Give The Film Your Undivided Attention
The best way to watch a film is by fully immersing yourself in the experience. This requires a whole-body awareness, so you can observe how the film affects your body’s physical responses, such as your breathing. You should also make sure that you’re watching in a quiet place, where you can concentrate on the movie without distractions. If possible, try to avoid eating or drinking during the movie, as this can also distract you from paying attention to the story.
If you’re watching a film as part of a class, be sure to prepare beforehand by gathering background information about the director or historical context of the film. This will help you analyze the film more closely and see how it relates to your course’s material.
Conclusion
The next time you watch a film, try giving it your full attention for 15 minutes. Similar to the Pomodoro Technique, this method allows you to experience the movie without distractions and also offers an opportunity for analysis. This bleak black comedy portrays a group of low-level astronomers trying to warn the world of an existential threat—but is met with collective “meh.” It’s an example of how viewing a film critically can elevate your celluloid experience.
