The Reality of Unrealism: Why Movies Often Seem Unrealistic

Movies are a form of fiction, not a form of documentary. This might come as a surprise to some viewers who expect the silver screen to provide an accurate and detailed representation of reality. However, the very nature of filmmaking means that movies often contain certain unrealistic aspects, both intentional and unintentional. Let’s explore why this is and how it shapes the cinematic experience.

The Commercial Enterprise Approach

One approach to understanding the unrealistic nature of movies is through the lens of commercial enterprises. Most films are not produced to be purely realistic because realistic stories often fail to capture the attention and emotional investment of the audience. Viewers seek out movies that are entertaining, engaging, and emotionally resonant. If a movie were to be entirely realistic, it might not appeal to their desires and expectations.

Take, for example, the early experimental films of the 1960s, such as Andy Warhol’s Empire, which consisted of a single shot of the Empire State Building for over eight hours. While these films are considered works of art, they are not commercially viable for the average audience. The primary reason for their viewing is that people want to say they have seen something unique or to experience something unconventional.

Reality and Audience Desires

Another aspect to consider is how reality often falls short of what the audience desires. Movies frequently depict violence, drama, and emotion in ways that are more intense and exaggerated than what is typically seen in real life. This is partly due to the fact that reality is often slow, mundane, and lacks the dramatic tension that movies seek to create. By making certain scenarios more impactful and exciting, filmmakers can keep the audience engaged and emotionally invested in the story.

The Costly Reality

Making movies with a high level of realism can be prohibitively expensive. As an example, filming a full-scale replica of the Titanic sinking would be incredibly costly and logistically challenging. Filmmakers often prioritize practicality and economic feasibility over complete authenticity. This is not to say that realism is always unattainable, but in many cases, practical limitations force filmmakers to make compromises.

Ignorant Filmmaker Syndrome

There is also the issue of "ignorant filmmaker syndrome," where the producers and writers genuinely believe they are being realistic but lack the necessary knowledge or experience to achieve it. This can lead to certain inaccuracies or liberties that are taken in the name of storytelling. For instance, a filmmaker might not be aware of the technical or historical details required to create a realistic scene, leading to a product that appears more fictional than factual.

However, it is important to note that even when filmmakers strive for realism, the final product is often still highly curated and edited. The process of filmmaking involves numerous stages of planning, shooting, post-production, and editing, each of which contributes to the overall artistic vision of the film. This meticulous process ensures that even though the movie might seem realistic, it is actually the result of careful planning and control.

How Movies Are Not Realistic

Movies are designed to be more than just a representation of reality. They are a form of art fiction, combining various elements to create a cohesive narrative. Even documentaries, which are often thought to be more realistic, are as selective and edited as feature films. They carefully truncate time, cut out the boring bits, and weave a narrative by selectively focusing on certain aspects and framing them in a particular way.

Take, for example, David Lynch’s film Mulholland Drive. Despite its intricate and sometimes confusing narrative, the film is carefully woven together to create a compelling and artistic experience. Even the most seemingly realistic moments are part of a larger, more complex story that defies conventional realism.

Conclusion

In summary, the unrealistic aspects of movies are not a flaw but rather a fundamental aspect of the medium. Movies are a form of art, carefully crafted to entertain, engage, and evoke emotion. While some filmmakers may strive for realism, the very nature of filmmaking involves control, planning, and editing, which ensures that the final product is a highly curated and artistically enhanced version of the story.

So, while movies may not always be a perfect mirror of reality, they offer a unique and compelling form of art that captivates and engages audiences in ways that simple observation or mundane experiences cannot. This is why the realism in movies often seems unrealistic: it is an intentional and artistic choice that enhances the viewing experience.

Keywords: Unrealism in movies, realistic movies, movie art