Where People Come Together: Joy of the Movies

It may seem like a mundane activity. One to do on a rainy day when the weather outside is gloomy enough that you want to escape for an hour and a half. Maybe you go alone, with your best friend or as a family outing. Whatever it may be, the movies are special. They’re a place designed solely for fantasy and entertainment. Something that isn’t common enough in today’s day and age. 

A Common Goal

Whether your favorite part is the overpriced popcorn and artificial butter or you just really love the idea of watching a movie in theaters before it hits those streaming services, it doesn’t matter. Everyone who attends the cinema is going with the overarching same idea in mind, to be entertained.

There are not many things we do in our society for the sole purpose of escaping reality, one that can be so heavy at times, except attending the movies. Phones are silenced and everyone’s eyes are glued to the silver screen broadcasting a new storyline that everyone is experiencing in real time together. 

For The Love of Entertainment

Human beings are naturally creative creatures. We find joy in art, expression and creativity. Without entertainment, our lives would be dull. This is why movie theaters are such a sacred place. We even hold award shows celebrating the best of the best when it comes to entertainment.

Acting and storytelling date back to ancient times when the Greeks would perform masked theatrical performances. One of the things that has been consistent with humans throughout all of history and our evolution is the love of entertainment. Movie theaters keep that alive in their own and modern way. 

A Place To Be Human

Movies allow us to experience a range of emotions. We can laugh until we’re on the verge of tears or cry after the character you became emotionally bonded with dies the most unfair death. Whatever it may be, the movies give us a place to feel. No one is watching you to judge because they are most likely experiencing the same reaction to the story that you are. 

When the screen goes dim and lights come up, reality may be back but you’re now a different person from before you sat down in that theater. You gained an experience whether for the better or worse. You witnessed a piece of creative work designed by someone who wanted to share this story with the world. 

The final part of your movie-going experience is that you now can dissect and break down what you just watched with whoever you attended with. You can exchange ideas and opinions about the same piece that you all just observed. This exchange can continue to shift the impact of the film even beyond leaving the theater. 

Let us know your favorite movie experience by tagging us on Instagram @VALLEYmag!  

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