Watching and experiencing a film are two very different things, according to admired film critic David Thomson.
Whether you’re visiting a theatre, popping in a DVD at home or streaming it on the web, we expect a film to evoke emotion –sometimes multiple emotions. This is one of the reasons why people are reluctant to learn how to watch a film. We don’t want our viewing experience compromised.
In his latest book, “How to Watch a Movie,” Thomson explains that critiquing a film can actually heighten a viewing experience. An analysis of “12 Years a Slave,” “Citizen Kane,” “Psycho” and other classic films are included to serve as a guide.
Readers are taught to deeply consider everything from visual components, including actors, dialogue and music, to less obvious factors like whom, where and how we choose to watch a film.
Guest:
David Thomson, Author of “How to Watch a Movie” (Penguin Random House, 2015)