So we have been discussing the downfall of the humanities and that books are in danger of no longer being read because our society demands quick, easy, available material. I agree, physically holding a book and reading it is a great experience but I also believe that photos and even movies can enhance that experience.
Take for example a non-fiction book that is about some historical past event. Its filled with facts, details, graphic descriptions, interviews...its really suspenseful and enjoyable to read. Take that same book, or just the event the book is based on and make it into a documentary. Now we have visuals, voices from people who were involved, other sounds such as gunshots, bombs and so on. It's so dramatic and awe-inspiring that we cannot look away.
So both the book and the documentary are gripping stories of something that has taken place, and both tell relatively the same story. Which would you prefer? I know many will say the book because nothing is like reading a book and how far into detail they can go, but I guess I'm a product of my generation in some ways because I would want to watch the documentary. I would do so for a couple reasons: 1) Visuals, 2)Visuals, 3) I probably don't have time to read the book with all the other work and stress going on in my life.
I admit if I had the time I would read the book eventually, but I still think that the ability to make movies about events (keep in mind I'm talking more about shaky-camera documentaries, not high-profile, major motion picture movies) is great because as many of us have recognized society doesn't want to/have time to read the book version so a larger audience is reached and did I mention all the visuals.
Look around washingtonpost.com under arts, there are lots of great photos and short videos that really speak to viewers if you know what I mean.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I definately agree that books are not read as much due to time. I know we discussed this in class today, but the sheer fact that our priorities change (or are at least dynamically different as a teen through pre-retirement then when we are very young or older)has a huge impact on reading. If we are so busy putting our time into relationships, careers, and ministies or other non-profit causes, the leisurely reading of a book goes out the window. At least one can sit down and watch a movie with a friend; it is more difficult to do that with a book. I think through life our priorities change, and I stand in agreement with the original blog post- movies, documentries, and the like are just as informative.
I totally agree with the post in that movies and documentaries are much more convenient in our fast-paced society. I believe that it should be part of every childs life to at least hold a book and be read to by a parent but honestly some families just do not have the time to do this. If one doesn't grow up with these resources then it it much harder to get into reading a novel.
I know I personally enjoy watching a movie based on a book because it is interesting to see how my interpretation of the events and characters matches up with that of the film maker. I have only encountered two movies that I believe have completely ruined the book it is portraying.
In a society that is only going to speed up, I think we have to come to realize that book-reading is not going to be an everyday thing anymore.
I agree with the post, books are fading out of our view of things to do. Seeing the movie's of books are becoming more appealing then reading the actual book. But i want to argue that people when they happen to read the book and then watch the movie, they love the book more than the movie because you can use your imagination while reading, and the movie doesn't depict what you thought it would.
Post a Comment