Pleasure in watching films.

Bulmer and Katz indicates that there are four main pleasures that audiences gain from films; diversion, personal relationships,

personal identity and surveillance.

Diversion Many viewers will watch a film just to get away from the problems and reality of their own lives. Escapism.

Personal relationship Some people may use films as a substitute for personal relationships. A classic example of this is a viewer choosing to go and see a romantic comedy because they are single. The idea of a relationship or finding a happy relationship is played out in the film. Similarly films that are about groups of friends may help a person to feel like part of a group.

Personal identity This is where a viewer watches a film because they see themselves reflected in it, whether it be one specific character or a certain subculture of lifestyle.

Surveillance Pleasure of film watching that means finding films that might contain information that is useful for living. For example watching documentaries such as Michael Moore’s Bowling for Columbine or Fahrenheit 9/11 might educate the viewer about the current state of America.

Task: Compile a short case study to show to the class. Consider other films

that would link to each category and explain reasons why.