Can Movies Be Considered Art in Their Core Meaning?
In the realm of creative expression, movies occupy a distinctive niche, often debated as art. This article explores whether movies can truly be considered art in their fundamental essence, drawing parallels and divergences from traditional forms of artistic expression.
The Scope of Human Emotion in Art
At its base, all structured expression of human emotion is art. This can encompass high art, low art, successful art, or even art that fails to gain widespread popularity, durability, or commercial success. Among these diverse forms of expression, films stand out as a testament to human creativity and emotional connection.
From visual and auditory storytelling to narrative and character development, movies offer a platform for artists to convey complex emotions and ideas to an audience. This multimedia format allows for an unparalleled depth of expression, making film a significant art form in contemporary culture.
Commercial Aspects of Movies
However, the commercial aspect of movies often raises questions about their artistic merit. Once a movie is produced, it immediately enters into a financial transaction. Producers and studios invest significant resources, taking calculated risks to generate profit. The success of a film is often tied to its box office performance and audience engagement. In this commercial environment, does the intrinsic artistic value of a movie remain intact, or does it get overshadowed by the pursuit of financial gain?
The moviegoer plays a crucial role in this dynamic. For many, the act of watching a film is more about entertainment than a profound artistic experience. Habits ingrained from a young age shape their perception of movies, often without a deep consideration of their artistic value. Yet, the collaborative efforts of the film industry—integrating fashion, media, press, and technology—create an illusion of artistic concept aimed at capturing human imagination and making financial gains. The production and promotion of movies are designed to attract and captivate an audience, ensuring the moviegoers not only watch but also engage with the narrative.
Cinema as a Cult-Like Religion
Cinema is often compared to a cult-like religion, where viewers can become deeply invested in the narrative and the characters. The emotional connection between the audience and the film can be intense, creating a sense of community and shared experience. Once a person is emotionally invested in a film, they become part of a larger cultural phenomena, often finding it difficult to disengage. This emotional and cultural investment can lead to the perception that movies are not just a form of entertainment but an art form in themselves.
The power of this emotional investment is profound, blurring the lines between art and mere commercial success. Films like The Godfather, Star Wars, and Psycho have become cultural touchstones, influencing generations and becoming part of the fabric of modern storytelling. The impact of these films on art, popular culture, and society as a whole cannot be underestimated, making the case for their artistic merit even more compelling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the commercial aspects of the film industry may overshadow the artistic value of movies at times, the expressive capabilities and the profound emotional impact of films cannot be dismissed. Movies, regardless of their commercial success or failure, serve as a conduit for artistic expression, capturing the essence of human emotion and experience. Whether considered a high or low art, movies undoubtedly occupy a significant and complex space in the broader landscape of art.