Assignment #5- Ellis Padgett- Long Live Shrek (and other films)

Television is a valid form of entertainment.  The accessibility of it all has allowed people to fall deep into pits- late nights spent binge watching, foregoing of social activities.  Whereas others forms of entertainment involve going outside, television allows you to launch into that gratifying realm all from the comfort of the couch.  Does this mean that there is something wrong with us?  No. 

It is because of this ease of viewing that the Emmys have danced their way into the spotlight rather than the Noble Prize.  When people watch TV, they make connections with the characters.  They root for the underdog, admire the uniqueness, get lost in the plot.  They align themselves with these stories, so when the Emmys come on with awards to give, people watch for their story.  The Nobel Prize doesn't hold that same connection with the masses.  This doesn't necessarily mean that our society is shallow- it just means that we're human.  The individuals who truly advance society and make educational leaps should no doubt be recognized as well (probably more than the Hollywood personas).  Yet educational elites are quick to label those that go for the connection rather than the culture as "shallow" rather than simply people looking for what entertains them the most. 

 

And that brings me back to my introductory sentence: television is a valid form of entertainment.  Not only is it building these relationships with people- making them cry, laugh, weep, and think- but it is also a form of art.  Each genre- the comedy, the horror, the tragedy- has an entire team of people behind it thinking of ways to truly convey story.  You can tell a good cinematic piece if you take away the sound and can still identify the genre.  For instance, The Office is characterized by a shaky camera that swivels around to different creative characters, effectively (and sneakily) introducing the comedic timing.  Taking away the sound wouldn't take away this facet of the art.  Good cinema is also characterized by plot, music, lighting, photography, and more.  If anything, television is different forms of art coming together to create one.  That is why we watch television.  We test these shows to see if they've accurately brought all of these art forms together to where we can appreciate them as a whole.  

To put it simply, I watch television because I like it.  I enjoy how the camera angles, music, writing, and actors can come together to create a piece that can actually move a person emotionally.  This doesn't mean that I am shallow as a person; there are films that have actually moved me to think more profoundly.  We live in this unique age where it's hard to tell whether the film industry is having an overall positive effect on people.  Like with any form of entertainment, overstepping boundaries and trading enjoyment for advancement is dangerous.  But in the end we as a society will continue to toy with this medium, finding its many odds and ends, until we finally feel comfortable with it.  And who knows- maybe some people never will.