It is probably true for most people that the experience of a film is usually shaped by where, when, how, and with whom they watch it. If the general atmosphere is uncomfortable, the place is not right, one is in bad mood or tired, or the partner spoils the process of watching, the general impression can become negative. For instance, if one’s friend always talks during the movie, constantly uses their smartphone, or chews loudly, one may have no opportunity to focus and concentrate on the plot. Another example is when the place is not comfortable, with external factors like noise, weather, distractions, or internet interruptions interfering with the process.
In my situation, the emotions I received from “The Parasite” were definitely defined by the general circumstances. I am glad that my friend and I did not distract each other, the place and time were appropriate and comfortable, and I was internally prepared for watching and analyzing this movie. What is more, other people in the theatre were also quiet during the film, the chair was very comfortable, so I managed to receive great impression and add this picture to the list of my favorite ones.
Overall, watching a movie at the cinema and online are two entirely different experiences. When you watch a motion picture online, it is always up to you to rewatch or skip some moments, make the sound louder or quieter, and impact the process in any other way (Vasquez, 2018). If you watch it online together with someone, you can pause the film and discuss it out loud as long as you want. When you become tired, you can interrupt and postpone the watching process or change the movie if the selected one is not interesting.
At the same time, cinemas mean a collective viewing of a movie, during which the audience cannot interfere with the process. It is forbidden to talk loudly or be noisy, and if one needs to go to the washroom, they have to skip several minutes of the film. Moreover, one may agree that the primary difference between watching in private and watching in public is that the presence of other people may prevent one from expressing their emotions like crying, laughing, or becoming very mad (Vasquez, 2018). Finally, another great difference is that people need to rapidly return to reality after the movie at the cinema ends – they have to leave the place and continue their day. Simultaneously, when watching a picture online, you can prolong the pleasure by sitting quietly after the film finishes, as well as immediately review some moments in order to immerse yourself more in the atmosphere of the movie.
When comparing these two different experiences, I understand that viewing a movie online is more comfortable and attractive for me. I enjoy having more privacy when perceiving new information, seeing the play of talented actors and actresses, and learning about plot twists and unexpected turns of events. When I need to suppress my sincere emotions like laughing or crying, I feel that I cannot completely immerse in the movie, sympathize with the characters, or achieve catharsis. As I mentioned earlier, I am not a frequent moviegoer, and the experience I received with “The Parasite” was unique. Therefore, as movie theatres reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic ends, I do not think that I will go to the cinema too often. I always receive more pleasure when watching a picture online at home, but if I ever want to see a precise film in the theatre, I will take this opportunity.
Reference
Vasquez, E. (2018). Why watching movies online is better than watching in theatres. Polling Place Photo Project. Web.