Interviews will continue to surprise me...

As I stated in my last entry about film viewing, no one I have talked with so far has been interested or made a point to focus their viewing decisions based on the production company and personnel, who actually create the films that we like to watch. One interesting factor that I believe strongly affects my results so far is that I have not talked to a single film student or professor about their views. Instead, I have only focused my interviews on non-film students and professors. I plan to talk with some of my fellow film students and professors this upcoming week so it will be interesting to see how they differ when choosing their criteria for film viewing. I was able to talk with a couple of music students this week about the movies they like to watch. I figured that they would have a lot to offer on the subject because they are heavily involved in the arts, just like myself being a film major. I was surprisingly shocked that the students I talked to were not as interested in the same things as me or other film students. One of the music students told me how he watches movies for two reasons: number one, for entertainment purposes and number two, for educational purposes. He does not watch a lot of movies so when he does he likes to watch movies that will help him escape reality and relax. Usually he likes to watch movies that are lighthearted and funny because they are entertaining. He also likes to watch educational movies such as documentaries and films that focus on other cultures. He went to Sudan last year, so he chose to watch the film "Four Feathers" because it takes place in Sudan. Films that focus on other countries and cultures are interesting to him because they help him further develop his knowledge of the world.

As I continued talking with this music student he explained the importance of advertising, genres, and actors. Although he does not read reviews he will further research a film after seeing an advertisement that sparks his eye. He continues researching a film because he does not want to expect one thing and being handed a different thing. The main area he researches is the content of the film. He explained that he has high moral standards and the content of the film can affect if he will watch it or not. He then started talking about how the actors in a film are not important unless it is an actor that he really does not care for. Even then, he will still watch a movie with that disliked actor depending on the genre of the film. He thinks that the genre is most important, the actors come second. He likes certain actors in certain types of films. There is not specific actors that he likes or does not like, it all comes down to the genre. As we finished up our conversation he told that the only film that he never watches is horror films because they often interfere with his moral choices in life. He does not care for how they make him feel and does not find them entertaining.

Film Reviews...

Reviews of films drastically impact whether the viewer will chose to see a film or not. There are two types of reviews that students and professors seem to rely on for opinions about films they are considering viewing. The first type of review that viewers look to is on a personal level. Many times viewers will look to friends who have seen that film before and ask their opinion. Often times, if a friend, possessing similar film taste as the viewer, gives a bad review of the film, the viewer may question whether it is worth seeing or not. If a friend or peer does not have the same taste in films, or in the past has had a different outlook as the viewer on a certain film, that friend's opinion holds less value. Typically, those who have the same likes and dislikes in films with consult with each other before seeing a film, especially in the theatres.

The second type of reviews heavily relied on for film input and expectations is critic reviews. There are two things that critic reviews typically provide viewers with, the first is influence. Critic reviews help to influence the viewer's decisions to see a film or to pass on seeing a film right away. The second thing that critic reviews provide for viewers lies in prediction of how a film will be. As predictors, critics can assist viewers in selecting movies to come in the future. There are a few major websites that students look to for this information, including imdb.com and rottentomatoes.com. Critics have a certain credibility that viewers know they can trust because of their status and expertise in the industry as well as their lack of bias towards the films they are critiquing. When a film has less known actors and actresses or genre that is not as commonly viewed, viewers will rely more on the reviews of critics as well as friends and peers.

My research has backed up the information I have found in two different ways. Students who are not in film courses tend to rely on reviews from their friends and peers, especially those who have similar film taste as them. A student I interviewed said they did not go and see a movie in the theatre they had planned on seeing simply because their friend said it was not good. On the other hand, film students tend to use the resources given to them to find higher levels of reviews as well as the influence of their friends and peers, again, usually only listening to those with similar film taste. I would like to expand on this research and find what types of films viewers are more likely to look to reviews for? If the film has good advertisement and good actors, will viewers still look to reviews? What are the top resources for film reviews? Friends' influence and critic reviews, especially specific websites, help give insight into the films students and professors chose to see.

Violence...

Violence in television and motion pictures, especially has an enormous impact on the type of audience it draws. In some cases, violence has been questioned as to whether it has been helpful to the film's plot or harmful to the viewer. For example, the Swedish Film Board once refused to show the film Casino due to the amount of graphic violence involved. They claimed that they would only show it if a specific scene with an immense amount of graphic violence was censored or cut out. Many experiments have been conducted to study the effects of violence on a film. In many cases, violent scenes were cut out of movies and the viewers watched different versions, then filled out a questionnaire about the clip they had seen. These experiments can lead to further research in film choices. It demonstrates what kind of person enjoys violent films, and who would avoid them. In some cases, the results showed that viewers choose to watch more violent films because the other aspects of the film (i.e. suspense, action, conflict, etc) are more compelling to the viewer. When violence was taken out of the films, results came back that these small cuts of graphic violence had no significant effect on its enjoyability. Violence, much like genre, plays into gender difference as well. Men tend to enjoy violence more than women do. Men tend to be better at dealing with viewing graphic violence and usually tend to be drawn to it. In every experiment and study I have researched, results showed that women did not enjoy violent films in comparison to the men who watched them. Women actually displayed that they enjoyed the cut version of the film more because the graphic violence is not present. However, cutting the violence in films actually lessened the enjoyment for men. A man will leave a violent movie excited and pumped up, ready to be the hero in his own story, but some viewers leave harboring other emotions. Especially in women, violent films have actually been proven to invoke fear into the viewers, leaving them with a feeling of disturbance. A survey was taken about the profound effect of violence on the viewer, and results showed that the average time of said disturbances from violent films lasted 3 days, including side affects such as depression, nervousness, and recurring images. These disturbances have been caused on average by films that involve dangers and injuries, fear and endangerment in others, and distortions of the normal form of something. An example of this would be The Grudge, where the children in the film are the source of fear, being distorted and abnormal looking. This will happen often with horror films and may cause the viewer to not desire to choose similar films.

My research thus far as concluded that viewers don't necessarily watch films because of the violence. In fact, in the case of horror films, some viewers avoid the more violent types of films. To the affect of violence causing disturbances for viewers, my research has positively backed this up. A student that I have interviewed previously stated that after seeing a horror film that caused bad dreams and fear for some time to follow viewing the film, she would not watch another horror film, especially along the same lines as the film that originally caused the problem. I would like to explore further into the impact of violence in films. Do viewers watch a movie because of the violence in it, or in spite of the violence in it? Is violence a main factor that draws students and professors towards or away from films? What type of personalities to viewers hold that enjoy violent films because they are violent? Violence plays a big part in whether or not a viewer will chose to see a film or even a whole genre in the future.

Actors...

When making film choices, viewers often look into a film because of who is starring in the it. Actors are often known for their quirky roles, certain genre work, and outstanding talent in all aspects of the film industry. Viewers will tend to have higher expectations of films starring major actors and actresses in the film industry, especially when that actor has done well in that type of film before. For example an actor who has worked a lot in the venue of comedy and been successful will be expected to do well when acting in their new comedy. To the same effect, a viewer may see an action film, however, they maybe more likely to see an action film starring actors and actresses such as Angelina Jolie, Vin Diesel, and Bruce Willis. Also, a well known actor will also boost the viewing rates of a film where the plot may not be known. Experiments and surveys have shown that viewers will see a film when well known actors are present even if the film is not well known. It has been proven by box office sales that on average, stars play a big role in the success of a film, therefore meaning more people are going out and seeing it versus films with less known actors. The economy and state of the viewer's world will draw a desire to watch films starring specific actors. During hard times, viewers prefer mature topics and qualities in films and the actors that are featured. Research shows that in hard times, viewers will seek comfort in films demonstrating strong attributes in their actors and characters such as independence, control, and strength, because these are qualities that the viewers are looking to possess when their real life is in turmoil. Usually, these types of actors are men, due to the outlook of men being generally physically stronger then women. Men are the protectors, and in most cases, the characters in which an audience desiring hope will want to watch. In good times, comedic actors will be desired for viewers and therefore making comedies a higher viewed genre. Actors working within this genre become well known actors. A good example from the past few years of current events affecting the type of films and actors viewers desire to watch is the events of 9/11. After this tragic day, many films were put out displaying the strength in the police force and firefighting units across America. An example of this is the film "Ladder 49", which shows the ins and outs of a fire fighter's daily duties, struggles, and loss. The main actor in this film is Joaquin Phoenix, a strong jawed man who is a little rough around the edges. Being the main character, he was perfect for the part that the viewers desired to see, being a symbol of strength for his unit.

From the years of 1939-1995, the Annual Quigley Publications Poll has been a poll taken each year to indicate the top five most popular American actors in each given year. Each year, these polls are based on box office values the film had acquired for that year. This means that the films that brought in the highest dollar amounts were evaluated and the starring actors and actresses were used for this poll. Because this poll was based on the films that brought in the most money, it demonstrates that the actors in the films have a huge impact on why people chose to see that specific film. It indicates that over history, people have made film choices because of the actors and actresses involved in the motion picture, not just the plot or genre. Interviews and research has already been showing me that students each have their favorite and least favorite actors and actresses. I hope to do further research on the impact that these actors have in the film. Would the film be as good to the viewer if it were a different actor? Would the viewer even go and see the film if these certain actors were not involved in the film? Does it change the viewers feelings toward an actor/ actress if they branch into different genres and don't succeed? Actors play a big role in choosing a film and will continue to be as important, especially in the economically weak situation we're currently experiencing. Well known actors will become a comforting thing for viewers because they know that person's body of work and can better gauge whether it is worth their $9.00 to see a certain film. Actors and actresses will always be a point of interest, in the media, in everyday conversation, and in film choices.

Genre...

Genre is a french word that defines the type of film or underlying tone a film has. When choosing a film to view in the theatre or to rent, research has shown that Genre plays a huge role in this choice. A few different types of genres include: drama, comedy, sci-fi, action, adventure, horror, thriller, children's, and family. The two major types of genres are drama and comedy. A large portion of films fall into these categories, making these two the most viewed genres. When a genre is more familiar to the viewer, they are more likely to watch a film because of the level of comfort they feel about it. Sometimes, a film's main actors and actresses may not be well known, but because it falls in a certain genre that the film viewer enjoys, the viewer may choose to see it regardless of who is starring in it. On the other hand, viewers may also be steered away from a film due to its genre. This also plays into research done in the difference in film choice between males and females. Generally speaking, research has shown that men are typically high sensation seekers. This means that men tend to enjoy watching action, suspense, thrillers, or films with violence. Men also tend to enjoy media that displays competition, usually with combat. Men typically need a higher level of excitement to attract and hold their attention. On the other hand, women tend to have more nurturing souls and gentler mindsets, causing them to be less attracted to violence and action and more attracted to the lighter genres. Research shows that women are on the opposite side of as men, being low sensation seekers. Women tend to enjoy films that are sad or have a life lesson hidden in the film. They really enjoy light hearted comedies or dramas, especially those involving relational situations and family relationships, hence the term "chick flicks". While the well known "chick flick" is not an actual genre, many have come to know the types of films geared towards women by this term, aiding in choosing a film. Men will often scoff at the idea of going to see a chick flick, whereas women will gather in groups to see the latest wedding comedy or heartbreaking drama.

Genre also makes movie choices easier when it comes to renting a film. Whenever you walk into a video rental store (i.e. Blockbuster, Hollywood Video, etc.) they always have the different films available to rent in their respective genres or categories. This makes it easy for the viewer to make their film choice. If the viewer enjoys horror movies, they can look at the section with thrillers or horrors instead of glancing through the whole building. Because most viewers do not have extensive experience in the production and the companies producing each film, they tend to rely on factors they know and can trust. A comedy is intended to make you laugh, this is a known and trusted thing. Viewers will generally rely on genres rather than directors, cinematographers, or producing companies. The study genres affecting film choices has already proven that viewers will be more lenient to see a film in a genre they already know that they enjoy, however, I would like to do more research in this field. I would like to expand on the research already gathered by doing further student and professor interviews to find out how many film viewers watch a film based on its genre versus other means of selecting a film. I would also like to do further research into the gender differences in genre selections. My research and interviews will encompass ideas that will further prove or disprove the idea that certain genres are in viewers memory due to films already viewed and therefore affecting further viewing choices. Genres have and will continue to play a huge role in selecting motion pictures.

The film questions commence...

This week, I began to interview students about their film choices. I asked them why they choose to watch the movies they do and what helps them make those decisions. There are a few things that I've observed as common answers between the people I've interviewed. A big reason that people chose the films they do is based on advertising. If a film has a good and engaging trailer it draws attention and more people choose to see the full film. However, if a film is over-advertised, the film becomes almost nagging and annoying. Another big factor in choosing to see one movie over the other is who the cast includes. Everyone has their favorite actors and actresses and no matter what the movie may be about, people see these films because they love the actors in them. For example, the recent film Public Enemies has not received the best comments from viewers; however, people continued to see it because Johnny Depp is a big name actor. Many of my college friends saw the movie because a lot of the scenes were filmed in Wisconsin, where we are from. A lot of students seem to be very familiar with the Internet Movie Database, which is a website that people can use to peer review films. So far only a few of the students I have talked to read reviews, however many of the students will check IMDB to see a quick, general consesus of the film and if it was liked or not. Thus far, very few students seem to care about the production company and personnel it takes to make the film possible, like I do. As a film major, I hope that people will slowly begin to recognize all of the people that make the film possible.

Just a little insight on what films people like to watch...

I have not officially started doing research or conducting interviews for my project but I do have some interesting information to contribute. I have gotten the opportunity to talk with a few classmates and professors briefly about film viewing. Considering that I have completed three years towards the film program I have a lot of background information I can offer. I love watching movies and make it one of my priorities in life. I feel that you can learn a lot about yourself and others from watching a wide variety of films. Also, certain themes and aspects of films have opened my eyes to how I see the world we live in today. Although most films seem like fairy tales a lot of them have proven to be true in my own life.

I have been chatting with my classmates about new movies, old favorites, and classic films everyone must see. So far it seems like most of the film professors and students watch movies based on the companies and personnel that make the films themselves. The film students also seem to watch their share of guilty pleasures such as comedies with crude humor targeted towards college students. The director and producers, along with a talented cast, seems to be the most common element comprising of film students and professors criteria. Genre is also an important factor but not as critical as the director and producers of the film. One big difference I have noticed is that film students and professors read a lot of reviews on films before they decide if they will see a film. I personally always research films before I view them. Most college students and professors not associated with the film program just watch films based on pleasure. Most college students and professors are wrapped in by the clever advertising that Hollywood films come up with. Films students and professors contrast this idea by researching and viewing more independent films. I love independent films, along with other films students, because they open up the doors to new, unique, ways of filming. Independent films seem to be becoming more and more popular everyday. I think that the film industry is changing ever so fast and I can't wait to see where it leads us as viewers and for myself and other film majors, as future filmmakers.

The Beginning of Endless Film Choices...

I am currently in an Advanced Composition English class where all of the students have chosen a topic of their choice to research and learn more about. Everyone has chosen a topic based on personal interest and/or something that directly affects their life. I have chosen to explore the medium of film and how people make their viewing choices. I will focus on college students majoring in film, professors that teach film, and students and professors in other areas of study.

This subject is very intriguing to me because I am a film student and I love watching all types of films. I started out as a business major my first semester of college and changed my major to Radio/Television/Film the next semester. I always wanted to study film but never looked at it as a reality. I hope to move to California when I graduate and work in the film industry. I want to work as a scriptwriter, cinematographer, and one day become a director.

Their are a lot of criteria measures which I take into consideration when I am deciding on a film. I want to pick other people's brains to understand if they share any of the same criteria as me or others I have talked to. I want to comprise results and common themes based on interviews that I will conduct at my University. I am excited about my topic because I love talking with people about all areas of film. This study will help me improve my research skills as a student and help me open up to new ideas as a film viewer.