Storia | Geografia | Economia | Società
Elio Gorgos, 2004 | Cabbio, TI
In this study, I explored the human emotions in the context of cinema, with the aim of understanding how a movie -something fictional- is able to profoundly affect spectators and evoke their emotions. In order to grasp how films achieve this, it is essential to understand how they influence the psychological mechanisms that shape our everyday behaviour. The first part of my study establishes key conceptual foundations, that explain a variety of cinematic elements, such as: why we imitate what happens on screen, how our brain processes cinematic information, how we relate to protagonists and their world, and the way certain filmmaking techniques function.
The following parts focus on expanding the theoretical framework to the role of colours and music in cinematography and how they are used to convey messages and emotions.
The final section forms the core of the study, featuring an interview with two psychology professors from the University of Oslo, who provided answers to some of my questions and hypotheses. Additionally, in this section, the theoretical concepts discussed are applied to scenes from «The Secret Life of Walter Mitty» (2013) and «All Quiet on the Western Front» (2022).
Argomento
This paper explores the world of human emotions as experienced at the cinema, answering the questions that led me to choose this topic: “what happens in our minds when we watch a movie?”, “how come we respond emotionally to it, despite our awareness that it isn’t real?” “what motivates people to go to the movies?” and “how do different cinematic elements effect the audience?»
Metodologia
For my research, I consulted several books by psychology experts, including literature by Vittorio Gallese, Umberto Galimberti, and Jeffrey Zacks. Other significant sources include websites, research articles, as well as scientific studies, all of which helped me get an insight into the different topics and concepts, key in understanding movies and their impact on their audience.
Another important source of information was the interview I conducted with Prof. Dr. Svenn Torgersen, professor for clinical psychology, and Prof. Dr. Margerete Vollrath, professor for personality psychology, from the University of Oslo.
Risultati
The emotional response caused by movies is the result of a multitude of factors, but most importantly, it stems from our brain’s inability to fully distinguish between real-world stimuli and those coming from a screen. Despite correctly categorizing films as fiction, we still perceive and react to them as if they were real.
This powerful effect on us is no coincidence. On one hand, every element of it is carefully crafted to work in harmony with the others, amplifying its emotional impact. On the other, as spectators, we enter the cinema with the intent of experiencing strong emotions by willingly accepting the film’s fiction, projecting ourselves onto the protagonists and immersing ourselves in their world. In this sense, cinema serves a cathartic function, providing a space where we can freely express emotions in ways that wouldn’t be possible in our daily lives.
Discussione
Despite many books about film theory focusing on isolated elements, the spectator’s emotional involvement can only be explained by looking at the combination of all of them working in harmony to achieve a desired effect.
Nonetheless, my results have to be taken with a grain of salt, as the cinematic experience is very subjective, and varies based on one’s personal experiences, character and culture of origin. It is also important to note that there are some elements that were not explored in this study, such as editing and acting.
Conclusioni
Movies are complex artistic medium, and as such, can be difficult to explain using science. However, understanding how they work can fundamentally change the way we experience them, allowing us to see the subtle messages and deeper meanings hidden within them.
Cinema, being so close to real life, has a unique power to communicate emotions and a truly great film can even shift our perspective on certain aspects of life. Movies have the ability to inspire, offer comfort in difficult moments, and encourage reflection on important topics, making them more than just entertainment.
Through my research I was able to answer my initial question, highlighting that movies convey emotions thanks to a variety of neurological, psychological and esthetical processes. This way, my study could form the basis for future research, that analyses for example the impact of emerging technologies – like virtual reality or interactive experiences – and how to use them.
Valutazione del lavoro espressa dall’esperta
Creuso Rupil
l lavoro si distingue per la chiarezza espositiva, il rigore metodologico e la profondità d’analisi. Affronta in modo sistematico l’impatto emotivo del cinema, dimostra padronanza della letteratura scientifica e integra teorie neuroscientifiche, psicologiche ed estetiche.
Punto di forza è l’unione tra un solido quadro teorico e un’indagine empirica strutturata, offrendo una riflessione originale su un tema di grande interesse. Particolarmente apprezzabile è l’analisi dell’empatia diretta e la sua relazione con l’effetto Kulesov, a conferma dell’attenzione ai recenti sviluppi del dibattito
Menzione:
buono
Liceo cantonale di Mendrisio
Docente: Prof. Micaela Fettolini