I was just thinking about the differences between realistic programming versus make believe. The reason this came to mind is because my dh hates semi-realistic television shows like Law & Order and CSI. Yet, he loves going to movies like Saving Private Ryan and Gladiator. (And can’t get enough of first person shoot em’ ups on the PC.) Yes, both these movies were excellent, but I must say they bummed me out for at least a week or so after seeing them. In fact, it took a month before I could hear the Gladiator soundtrack without feeling sad. (In my mind, I’ve re-written the ending of Gladiator many times.) But I can watch CSI dissect bodies or Law & Order hunt sexual predators without blinking. I’m actually not sure what that says about either of our personalities. What do you all think?
June 2nd, 2004
I agree with your husband, and here’s my reason: Feature-length films have total character arcs that have an emotional pay-off, whereas TV dramas are just routine challenges that seem to affect the hero(s) only temporarily, if at all. When was the last time a TV show exalted the human spirit (through the HERO) as well as Gladiator or Private Ryan? Aside from The Simpsons (and old Dick Van Dyke reruns), I hardly watch TV at all, yet I devour films. Go figure.
by Chaz June 5th, 2004 at 12:35 amThat’s makes sense, Chaz. I guess I hadn’t thought about it that way. I don’t think it will change my addiction to CSI, Monk, and Law & Order, but you make a good point.
by Jordan June 5th, 2004 at 4:48 pm