How Cinema allows us to live a thousand lives
Paris, Texas (1984)
When we watch a film, we leave the real world for a moment and start living somewhere else: inside a story.
For a brief moment, all of our worries are left behind and we follow these new characters’ journeys as if we were part of them. We cannot help but watch their lives as if, by doing so, their stories would finally be complete.
I believe that when you go to the cinema, even when you’re alone, it’s impossible to feel lonely. The magic of what lies on the silver screen makes your problems seem so small that, for a moment, your reality no longer exists.
We can immerse ourselves in different adventures, feel things we have never felt before, or even experience realities that are completely distant from our own. These experiences are not always joyful or comforting. Sometimes, films can make us feel disturbed, frightened, or emotionally overwhelmed in ways we may never experience again at the same intensity in real life.
Cinema is the great mirror of the world. It reflects us and makes it possible for everyone to see different perspectives of the same life.
Pierrot Le Fou (1965)
But why are we so fascinated by ordinary lives being portrayed on screen? Why does the simple act of a kiss move us so deeply?
Because we live these realities as if they were our own. We feel everything alongside the characters. That’s why most of our favourite films contain parts of ourselves within them — we relate to them.
The magic of cinema is not discussed as much as it should be. Our cerebral activity while watching films we truly enjoy should probably be studied, because it would reveal something very interesting about who we are.
Art, in general, has the power to unite people, and films are no exception.
When we see injustice, violence, or depression portrayed in films, we are immediately moved by it. We relate to it or even develop a deeper awareness that some struggles are far greater than our own.
To shock, to make people speak up, to love, or to cry: directors all over the world try to awaken this sleeping side of ourselves. Films make us feel human again.
Belle De Jour (1967)
In cinema, you are everything and nothing at the same time.
No actions are required. You do not have to do anything; you simply live a different life for a short period of time, just like in a dream. Maybe that is why we love cinema so much: because it allows us to dream while being awake.
There is always a message behind great films, and even when it is not completely clear, the experience itself is worth more than anything.
Just like dreams, films do not always need to make sense or have a happy ending.
Cinema is a way of reminding ourselves that we are human once again and that there is more to life than just work.
Stylus.co 