Some people prefer a more visual form of entertainment, while others prefer to let their imagination guide them. For some the multiple senses involved in movies is more inviting, while for others the solitude immersive nature of books is alluring.
But I started to wonder, is there something deeper to the way we view these types of media? Does one seem to have more inherent value over the other? Is one more cathartic than the other? And could we say that books or movies have the ability to make oneself smarter, one more than the other?
I sat down with self-proclaimed bibliophile Sara Strauss and movie lover Shenna Manoussakis to get their opinions on the matter at hand.
First off, let’s talk about preferences–what form of media is preferred and why?
According to Strauss, “there’s a beauty in visiting a world that someone has put time and effort into.”
Books allow the reader to become immersed in the story through their own imagination. Strauss also suggests that books allow the reader to consider different perspectives that aren’t always addressed in movies.
“Even if the book is set in our current lives, there’s a chance that I won’t have the personality of the characters. Being able to see how a character’s mind works is one of my favorite things. I think it adds to the richness of the story that is sometimes missing when it comes to movies.”
On the other hand, Manoussakis talks about the ability of movies to be a shared activity, a way to stretch the imagination but in a way that is special and creates a bond among all viewers.
“It is something that my whole family loved to do together, whether that be drive-ins, going to the theater, or picking out a movie at Blockbuster every Friday.”
Movies provide a shared experience that transcends a single viewer.
As for value, both Strauss and Manoussakis agree that there is value in each media. Manoussakis notes,“I think as a society we hold movies to a higher value than books because so many people watch movies and so many books are turned into movies.”
She also points out that movies have many more publicized awards ceremonies, while books tend to receive their awards on a subtler level.
However, Manoussakis also points out that “books are something that can hold up to the test of time.” After-all, “with books, you don’t need technology or even electricity” [besides a light to see the pages when it’s dark) to read].
So, we can all agree that movies and books each have value, both on an entertainment and also a cultural level. What about from a psychological perspective? Does venting aggressive feelings such as anger or frustration through watching or reading essentially get rid of those emotions and help a person to move forward without the strain of negative emotions?
Strauss suggests that encountering these emotions through reading can help readers to be more aware of and compassionate about different situations.
“Because we as humans have a strong want or need for connection, reading is a way to connect and feel heard. It’s essential to put emotion into writing so that others scan gain understanding and compassion where it otherwise may not be thought of.”
However, there are limits to what should be included or portrayed.
“Above all, I believe all books should come with trigger warnings. These warnings should be clear so that the reader is able to make that choice” of what to read.
Manoussakis likewise thinks that viewing emotions on screen can be beneficial, when seen in the right frame of mind.
“I think generally movies can be a release for emotions, especially to relatable characters. However, I also think in rare circumstances movies can increase frustration, especially if you can relate to the character and then the ending is not good.”
So in this way, she suggests that it’s not so much the portrayal of negative emotions or action that could be harmful, but the potential for the viewer to relate to the character, and therefore, feel their own desperation or despair on a personal level.
For Manoussakis a lot of it comes down to responsibility: “Movies are powerful and filmmakers need to think carefully about what stories are being told and how.”
Emotions aren’t the only thing people want to consider when thinking about books or movies, however. Does the simple act of watching or reading have the ability to make someone smarter?
From Manoussakis’s perspective on movies, the answer is “yes.”
“I understand that [in the context of historical films] filmmakers sometimes take artistic liberties, so not every detail is accurate, but these movies still help people remember history. Often, after watching a movie based on a true story, people become curious and do their own research to learn more about the real events or people involved. It still sparks interest and that’s a form of learning.”
Certainly, we can all think of at least one example where this sentiment holds true. Even with embellished details or fantastical elements added, “historical” movies can have the ability to enlighten viewers to topics they might have previously known nothing about.
Manoussakis delves even further, “Movies can also help develop emotional intelligence. Movies can teach life lessons too, such as how to stay strong through challenges, stand up for yourself, or know when it’s time to move on to a new chapter in life.”
Indeed, we often view intelligence as something that can be measured through tests and numbers, but [that] isn’t part of becoming “smarter” being more adaptable and attuned to the world around you?
While books have often been lauded for their scholastic elements, it’s still worth considering why we would think books make you smarter.
Aside from actual textbooks and general knowledge books, Strauss suggests that “the real magic behind books is to make a person more open to a vast array of perspectives.”
She goes on to say that “I don’t read books just to escape. I read them to understand other people and to see how their viewpoint differs from mine and where I can grow as a person. Especially in the culture we’re surrounded by today; I think it’s important to read books and comprehend the ‘why’ behind the protagonist or antagonist.”
Considering relatability, how do books and movies compare? Interestingly enough, both Manoussakis and Strauss feel that their preferred form of media makes it easier to relate to the characters due to the specific features of those styles.
For example, Strauss cites the inner monologue as a way to reach a deeper connection with characters in books. “Reading a scene where a character is standing up to a bully and outwardly the character is tough as nails, but inwardly, they’re concerned about someone who could be hurt in the chaos that may ensue, or thinking about the different possibilities of how this could all end is like having an insider look at someone’s brain and psyche.”
Conversely, Manoussakis notes that “When watching a film, I”m following the characters continuously for 1.5 hours or more, which helps me stay emotionally connected.” She also notes that in film, “everything is right in front of me, the expressions, the tone of voice, the setting.”
These additional details help her to feel more connected to the characters portrayed on screen.
Lastly, how and in what ways do movies and books influence our culture? Here Strauss and Manoussakis both agree that both books and movies can have unmatched influence on our culture and society.
“Movies can influence what people wear, how they talk, what they eat, and even how they view the world” Manoussakis says.
“A popular film can make a certain style trendy overnight or spark interest in a specific place, culture, or food.”
Strauss also points out that this has the potential for targeted influence in culture: “Books are able to shift and change perspective; whether this is a positive or negative aspect depends on what books are either being banned or required to be read.”
So, it’s not just about what’s popular, new, or trending, it’s about what’s being allowed to be discussed and considered throughout society.
There you have it, we’ve discussed books and movies from the emotional, psychological, and academic point of view. We considered relatability and how these media affect our culture. What is your perspective on these forms of media and their value?
Consider this closing thought from Manoussakis, “Movies can open people’s minds and challenge cultural norms by bringing attention to topics like mental health, inequality, or social justice. They have the power to start conversations, shift opinions, and even inspire change.”
And from Strauss, “Books have a way of opening up the mind to new ideas, to new ways of understanding, compassion, and empathy.”
So the next time you pick up a book or turn on the TV, remember, you’re not just entertaining yourself, you’re also opening up your world with potential, knowledge, and possibilities.
