Guide to Film Appreciation. A 10-step System.

Summary

In this video, Arisha Decran introduces a 10-step scale for film appreciation, encouraging viewers to engage with movies beyond casual viewing. She explains that film appreciation involves recognizing a film's full worth, understanding its technical aspects, and acknowledging its broader significance. Arisha uses an analogy with tennis to demonstrate how different levels of engagement, from casual entertainment to in-depth analysis, shape our experience of films. The 10-step system ranges from general enjoyment to understanding the filmmaking process and evaluating a film’s cultural impact, offering a framework for a more thoughtful and rewarding relationship with cinema.

Takeaways

• 😀 Film appreciation goes beyond watching a movie; it involves a deeper understanding and engagement with the medium.
• 😀 Appreciation involves recognizing a film's full worth, judging it with heightened perception, and showing gratitude through investment of time and money.
• 😀 The first level of film appreciation is general entertainment, where the film is watched simply for enjoyment without any deeper analysis.
• 😀 The physical experience, such as watching a film in a great theater or at home with the best setup, enhances the level of appreciation.
• 😀 Personal experience influences appreciation—liking a film because your favorite actor is in it, or because someone you know is involved, deepens engagement.
• 😀 Following a film's history or current events, like knowing its context, controversies, or sequels, adds another layer to film appreciation.
• 😀 Understanding the educational aspect of filmmaking (e.g., camera work, lighting, acting) improves the ability to judge and appreciate films on a technical level.
• 😀 The performance and rewards aspect involves evaluating a film based on its success, such as box office performance, awards, and merchandise sales.
• 😀 Film criticism and analysis help deepen appreciation by breaking down different aspects of the film, from acting to cinematography.
• 😀 Social change is an important consideration—some films influence society or promote moral messages, making them more significant for certain viewers.
• 😀 At the filmmaking level, understanding the time and effort involved in creating a film leads to a deeper respect and appreciation of the medium.
• 😀 The test of time asks whether a film will still be relevant and valued years later, helping to distinguish timeless films from fleeting trends.

Q & A

What is the primary idea behind film appreciation, according to Arisha Decran?

Arisha Decran emphasizes that film appreciation goes beyond simply watching a movie. It involves understanding a film’s worth, judging it with heightened perception, and recognizing it with gratitude. This deeper level of engagement allows for a more enriched experience of the medium.

How does Arisha explain the concept of 'recognizing with gratitude' in film appreciation?

Arisha clarifies that 'recognizing with gratitude' doesn't necessarily mean being thankful in a conventional sense, but rather implies that when you invest time and money in something, you're showing your appreciation. The more you value a film, the more you’ll engage with it in meaningful ways.

Why does Arisha use the analogy of a tennis match to explain film appreciation?

Arisha uses a tennis match as an analogy to illustrate different levels of engagement. Just like a viewer might watch a match without knowing the players or with deep understanding of the game’s technicalities, film appreciation can start as casual enjoyment and evolve into a more detailed, nuanced engagement.

What are the first two levels of the 10-step film appreciation scale?

The first level is 'General Entertainment,' where viewers watch a film simply to pass the time or be entertained. The second level is 'Physical Experience,' which involves watching the film in an optimal environment, like a good theater or home setup, to enhance enjoyment.

How does personal connection influence film appreciation at Level 3?

At Level 3, personal connection comes into play when viewers are more invested in a film because of a favorite actor or someone they know personally in the cast. This emotional attachment can lead to a greater appreciation of the film, even if its quality might not be the best.

What does the 'History or Current Events' level (Level 4) entail in film appreciation?

At Level 4, film appreciation extends to following the film’s historical context, like a film’s production background or ongoing controversies. Viewers may also be more engaged if they are familiar with the film’s previous installments, like a sequel or prequel, or the public discussions surrounding it.

How does film education (Level 5) contribute to a deeper understanding of films?

Level 5 focuses on the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking, such as camera work, lighting, editing, and acting. Learning about these elements allows viewers to appreciate the craft behind a film and judge its artistic quality beyond the story itself.

What role does performance and rewards (Level 6) play in film appreciation?

At Level 6, film appreciation is influenced by the film's commercial success or the viewer’s personal investment. This could include purchasing merchandise, attending multiple screenings, or being emotionally tied to the film’s success or popularity.

What is the difference between film criticism and film analysis at Level 7?

Film criticism at Level 7 involves evaluating a film’s various elements, such as acting, writing, or cinematography, and expressing personal opinions about it. Film analysis, on the other hand, goes deeper into understanding how these elements contribute to the overall effectiveness of the film.

How can films be a tool for social change, according to Level 8 of the film appreciation scale?

At Level 8, films are appreciated for their potential to influence society. This can include how they reflect or challenge social issues, promote positive values, or raise awareness on important topics. Films with strong social messages can be more impactful and are recognized for their role in shaping cultural attitudes.

What does Level 9, the 'Filmmaking' level, signify in the film appreciation process?

Level 9 represents the perspective of someone who is involved in filmmaking themselves. Filmmakers have a unique appreciation for films because they understand the time, effort, and challenges involved in creating a movie. This level of appreciation involves an in-depth understanding of the filmmaking process and its complexities.

What is the significance of 'The Test of Time' (Level 10) in film appreciation?

Level 10 focuses on a film's lasting impact and cultural relevance. Films that stand the test of time are those that continue to be discussed, analyzed, and appreciated long after their release, often becoming historical landmarks in cinema. This level considers whether a film will be remembered and valued by future generations.

How does Arisha’s 10-step film appreciation scale encourage a deeper engagement with films?

Arisha’s scale encourages viewers to move beyond passive viewing and consider films from multiple angles, including technical, emotional, social, and historical. By recognizing these levels, individuals can decide how much time and energy they want to invest in appreciating a film and understand their personal connection to it.