We forget what we read in books.
But!
We are often reminded of movies.
The screams are remembered,
Does the movie leave such a deep impression On the us?
Brief
History of Film-making
Film making began in the late 19th century with inventors like Thomas Edison and the
Lumière brothers, who created early motion picture cameras and projectors. In
1895, the Lumières presented some of the first public screenings of short films
in Paris, an event considered the birth of cinema. As technology evolved, so
did film techniques, with the introduction of sound in the 1920s, color in the
1930s, and, much later, digital cinematography in the 21st century. Today,
films range from blockbusters to indie productions, shaping culture and
storytelling across the world.
A Brief
on Film’s Story, Characters, and Emotions
A film's
story generally follows a narrative arc, presenting conflicts and resolutions
that reveal characters’ depth and growth. Characters are designed to engage
audiences on an emotional level, often embodying relatable struggles, virtues,
and flaws. Films typically evoke a range of emotions—joy, sorrow, fear,
anticipation—that connect viewers to the story, helping them experience
different lives, cultures, and perspectives. Emotional connections with
characters often enhance the impact of the storyline, making viewers feel more
engaged and invested.
Role of
Emotions in Film
Emotions are
a film’s primary tool for connecting with the audience. They help communicate
themes, build tension, and deliver meaningful messages. For instance, a
well-crafted drama may evoke empathy, while a thriller may stir suspense or
fear. By carefully controlling the emotional flow through lighting, music,
dialogue, and cinematography, filmmakers can guide viewers’ feelings and
attitudes. This emotional journey is central to a film's impact, as it shapes
how audiences interpret the story and respond to its message.
How Does
a Film Affect a Person?
Films can
impact people psychologically and emotionally, sometimes even altering their
views and attitudes. Emotional experiences in film allow viewers to
"live" the story, fostering empathy or challenging beliefs. This can
lead to shifts in personal attitudes, especially regarding societal issues,
justice, and interpersonal relationships. By immersing people in scenarios
outside their own experiences, films can promote greater understanding,
empathy, and sometimes even action.
Can
Watching a Film Change Political Beliefs?
A recent
scientific study suggests that viewing a documentary about a wrongfully
convicted individual can foster empathy toward prisoners and increase support
for reforms in the U.S. criminal justice system.
The
documentary, Just Mercy, recounts the story of Walter McMillian, a
45-year-old African American man from Alabama who was arrested in 1986 for a
murder he did not commit. Although McMillian was innocent—he was at a family
gathering during the crime—he was sentenced based on false testimony from an
eyewitness. Before his conviction was overturned, McMillian spent six years on
death row. This true story was adapted into a documentary in 2019 under the
title Just Mercy, with Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx portraying
McMillian.
Since the
1890s, when the first moving images were introduced, filmmakers have sought to
shift public perceptions and moral values through cinema. Now, American
scientists have studied the effects of film on empathy and attitudes toward the
justice system, exploring how watching a movie can alter an individual's
emotional intelligence and ethical stance on criminal justice.
This study,
published in the journal PNAS on October 21, revealed that viewing a
documentary about the wrongful sentencing and eventual release of an inmate
heightened viewers' empathy toward prisoners and increased support for justice
system reforms.
Marianne
Reddan, a professor at Stanford University and co-author of the study, noted,
"[Our study] shows that the film allowed participants to see the world
from another’s perspective, even when that individual faced societal stigma.
This shift in perspective wasn’t just a fleeting reaction."
Reddan
further explained, "This research highlights the importance of exposing
people to experiences vastly different from their own, as it contributes to
building healthier communities and fostering a robust political
framework."
The study
recorded an increase in empathy for incarcerated men among viewers of the film,
an effect observed across participants with varying political affiliations,
whether leaning left or right.
Film,
Emotions, and Societal Polarization
Jussi
Knaus-Bajow, a film studies researcher at the University of Jyväskylä in
Finland, remarked, "The novelty of this study lies in its exploration of
how films can alter viewers' perceptions and behaviors—especially how a film
like Just Mercy can act as a ‘call to action.’"
The idea
that a film can change minds isn’t new. According to Knaus-Bajow,
"Filmmakers are like wizards; they have been experimenting with the impact
of editing and cinematic techniques on viewers’ perceptions and emotions since
the early days of cinema."
British
filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock conducted a famous experiment that illustrates this
effect: in one scene, a woman with a child is shown, followed by a man smiling,
conveying a sense of kindness. In another scene, the same man is shown smiling
after a shot of a woman in a bikini, which instead suggests lust.
Knaus-Bajow
explains that filmmakers frequently play with this knowledge because films
offer a unique, safe environment where viewers can experience unfamiliar
emotions. However, this power also places a responsibility on filmmakers
regarding their influence over audiences.
Using Just
Mercy as an example, Knaus-Bajow describes how it was deployed as a tool to
inspire progressive change in the justice system.
On the other
hand, he warns, filmmakers can also incite antagonism or hatred, as propaganda
films have long been used to dehumanize groups, justify violence or war, and
promote false narratives or pseudoscience.
Has Film
Been Used for Ideological or Political Propaganda?
Yes, film
has frequently been used as a medium for ideological and political propaganda.
Governments, organizations, and filmmakers have often used film to influence
public opinion, from the early days of cinema up to the present. For example,
during World War II, both Allied and Axis powers created propaganda films to
bolster patriotism and demonize enemies. In more modern times, films still
reflect and sometimes promote political agendas or ideologies, shaping how
audiences view various social and political issues.
