Why we watch movies

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Some say we watch movies to escape our own lives.

I disagree.

I think the complete opposite is true.

I believe we watch movies to get more clarity in our own lives.

I believe we were born, hard-wired to be masters in the art of living.

As image-bearers we are destined to build our Opus just as God is building His Opus in and through us (Ephesians 2:10). 

Unfortunately, most of us are freaked out of our skin. We choose to live in fear. We crave control. We resist the unknown.

Instead, we watch movies to see others do their lives well in hopes that we can repeat it in our own.

Disagree?

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  • http://billgrandi.com Bill (cycleguy)

    I agree with you Kary. I watch Gladiator or Back to the Future or Braveheart or others to learn how to become or how to avoid mistakes rather than escape reality.

  • http://www.gabetaviano.com Gabe Taviano

    I’d definitely agree with you Kary. It’s one of my favorite things to do – just enjoyed watching Iron Man 2 last night.

    I believe we all crave to relate / be understood. A story is extremely powerful, whether shared through the written or spoken word. To catch a glimpse of what God is up to in the heart and soul of another can be very inspirational.

  • Jim

    Unfortunately, I am going to take the easy road and say I think there are two camps and you have described them both. I think many want to escape into fantasy world and get into what is on TV because it is easy. Others, as you have described look for definition. The latter only proves how fallen our world really is and based on how the media controls how our world moves, I think the majority is in the camp you describe.

  • Mitz

    That being said, does the type of movie or lack thereof, say something as well? If we lack in he movie viewing category does it say, “We’re cheap?” Or does it say, “I’d rather be living my life elsewhere?” Wherever that may be (i.e. books, music, family, friends, church, sports).

  • http://www.karyoberbrunner.com Kary Oberbrunner

    Mitz,

    I think it means maybe you’re pretty centered and you have clarity. That or maybe you need to get lost in a movie. :) Thanks for sharing.

  • http://www.kristinemcguire.com Kristine McGuire

    I see what your getting at, although I think there is some measure of “well, at least I’m doing better than that person is” going on too”.

  • http://www.umbrellastandinfo.com Umbrella Stand ·

    you can always watch movies on youtube, though most free movies on youtube are not the full length ones ‘

  • http://www.lighting-fixture.net Lighting Fixture

    there are many new movies to watch this month, i would be going to the cinema and video rental store again *,-