BY: EMMA IRIONDO
Ever experienced a parent or grandparent showing you a film from before you were born? Did you find it didn’t quite capture your attention as much as the movies coming out in your lifetime?
Though there are countless gems among the old movies, there is no doubt that movies have become more and more addictive with time. Read on to explore why!
- **Technological Advancements:**
It’s easy to see movies look different than they used to. At one point they were in black and white. Now, they can make the impossible look real! The visuals have changed drastically over the years thanks to technological advancements. The evolution of visual effects has allowed filmmakers to create visually stunning and immersive worlds. Spectacular CGI has made it possible to depict scenarios that were once unimaginable, enhancing the overall cinematic experience. In addition to special effects, improved cinematography, sound design, and overall production quality thanks to technological advancements in film and audio gear have been able to provide viewers a more engaging and sensory-rich viewing experience. High-definition visuals and crystal-clear sound draw audiences deeper into the narrative. The first Avatar movie is a great example of impressive CGI, and according to Box Office Mojo it’s the highest grossing movie of all time.
- **Storytelling Techniques:**
Writers have developed their storytelling techniques, and many modern movies feature intricate and multi-layered storylines. The complexity of plots, coupled with unexpected twists and turns, keeps viewers hooked and encourages them to invest more time in understanding the narrative. Writing in-depth character development allows audiences to form stronger connections with on-screen personalities. This leads viewers to enjoy ‘spending time’ with the characters by watching them and become emotionally invested in the fates of these characters. This sense of attachment to the fictional characters makes the viewer feel they are a part of the story, making the movie more compelling. Some movies with incredible storytelling are the Shawshank Redemption and Life of Pi.
- **Streaming Platforms and Accessibility:**
The rise of streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ has made movies instantly accessible. This increases the incentive to watch movies and TV, since it’s as easy as clicking a few buttons from your bed. This ability to watch films at any time and on various devices caters to the desire for instant gratification, contributing to the addictive nature of movie consumption. In addition, streaming platforms often release entire seasons or film series at once. This promotes binge-watching habits, in which viewers watch multiple movies or episodes in one sitting. The seamless transition and low cost to go from one episode or movie to the next encourages prolonged screen time.
- **Social and Cultural Impact:**
The digital age has fostered a culture of immediate feedback and discussion. Social media platforms and online forums like Reddit provide spaces for viewers to share their thoughts, theories, and reactions, enhancing the overall movie-watching experience. Some fans even take it upon themselves to add their own ideas to the lore of the movie or TV show. In addition, reading about movies you haven’t seen before in an online forum or on social media encourages watching the movie. Certain movies even become cultural phenomena, generating widespread excitement and anticipation. This cultural buzz intensifies the desire to engage with movies, as viewers seek to be part of the shared experience. Before such easy online communication, people were most likely to hear about movies from their inner circle. A great example for this factor is ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’. The concept began as a video game with a dark story. Fans added to the lore, and some theories became very popular. Many people were disappointed when the movie came out and it did not match up the fan-made lore. Despite this disappointment, the cultural buzz surrounding the story got people in the theaters and made the movie $286 million. That’s pretty good considering the budget was $20 million!
- **Personalization and Algorithms:**
Streaming services utilize sophisticated algorithms to recommend movies or shows based on users’ preferences. For instance, if you just binge watched a horror-action series, you’ll likely be recommended other horror-action series. You may even be recommended content enjoyed by people with similar viewing preferences to you. This personalized approach increases the likelihood of viewers discovering films that align with their tastes, leading them to spend more time watching movies or shows. It’s similar to how retail stores show you products similar to what you spent more time looking at, or social media shows you content similar to the content you’ve most interacted with. Algorithms are getting better and better at keeping us hooked!
The increasing addictiveness of movies can be attributed to the interplay of technological advancements, evolving storytelling techniques, the accessibility offered by streaming platforms, social and cultural influences, and personalized content recommendations. These factors collectively contribute to a cinematic landscape that is not only visually captivating but also strategically designed to keep audiences coming back for more.
