Hello Class,
In this post, you will respond to Bill Swanson's essay, "How Films Feed the Mind," the author suggests that "comfort zone movies are essentially children's movies in which human beings behave like cartoon characters," (204). Do you agree with this evaluation? Why or Why not? Take a look at the films that Swanson has listed or think of more recent films that may or may not support your opinion.
In the second part of the post, what values does Swanson say are shown to be the greatest sources of human fulfillment? Do you agree or disagree with his opinion? Are his values reflective of American culture? Would you add or subtract values from his list? How do you evaluate films?
Please don't forget to respond to your peers.
66 comments:
I agree with the author on his statement that "comfort zone movies are essentially children's movies in which human beings behave like cartoon characters". I agree with his point completely, these days movies are made to attract as large an audience as possible. By keeping the plot very simple with simple themes like good vs. evil it is really easy to attract a large audience. All of the highest grossing movies take you into some sort of fantasy land and make you be a cartoon character. This serves as a way to escape from the problems in your life. The top 10 movies are all mimicking children fantasies. For example harry potter is exploring the fantasy of being able to do magic. Lord of the rings puts you in a mystical world of creatures and beings. Same with Star Wars. The only film thats different from the rest is Titanic, which was a story about a young love. Basically the more broader your subject is the more people you will attract to watch your movie.
The author says the values like love,friendship,loyalty, and honesty bring the greatest source of human fulfillment. I agree with him these are good values to teach people in movies. By putting these values in movies the directors are hoping people will start using these values. Also by putting these values in movies it makes the movie more attractive to alot more people. His values are reflective of the american culture because everything is about honesty in our society. Even though honesty does not really matter to us in the end we say it is one of the things we value in people. I judge movies on the plot the dialogue the actors and just how interesting it is.
I agree with Swanson's evaluation. After sifting through the author’s melodramatic language, I have decided that the main source of Swanson’s inferred contempt for “comfort zone movies…” is the formulaic, predictable, and uninspiring plot lines that pepper such movies (204).
For example, individuals such as myself who watched the Saw movie series, could readily identify “bad guys” and cheer on the “brave” victims who managed to escape Jigsaw’s puzzles.
In the second part of the post, Swanson listed the following values as “the greatest sources of human fulfillment… love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty” (204).
I do not agree that the aforementioned values are “the greatest sources of human fulfillment,” instead consider them by-products of reaching various individualized goals. I disagree. Each of the things he mentions is a building block. Real fulfillment comes after working through earlier stages of health, safety, belonging and ego. This approach is popularly known as Maslow’s Hierarchy.
Swanson’s values are not reflective of American culture because our culture is truly represented by a wide variety of demographics. Additionally, because of the competitive nature of American free enterprise, these values are frequently set aside in favor of the pursuit of money and power. In fact, these qualities are easier to find in non American cultures.
I would abandon Swanson’s list all together and replace it with the single item of personal development, instead of “adding or subtracting” from it.
I evaluate a film based on three primary criteria: 1) Does the film tell a story that captures and then holds my interest? 2) Are there any characters in the story to whom I am attracted for any reason? 3) Beneath the story line and characters, are there any lessons or messages I can take away and use?
I agree with Swanson’s evaluation because movies that are highly publicized are those who have similar story line/plot, the characters being good or bad. People want to reminisce about being a child, being innocent and naïve. The characters within the movie are like those of a fairytale which makes it easy for the audience to follow while connecting it towards our comfort zone, being a way to reminisce. The films on the list are all classic clichés of heroes versus villains or rescuing “the damsel in distress”. These movies are rewarding to the audience because they fulfill what we want to see, forgetting about “the conflict of everyday life”.
The greatest values that Swanson claims are the greatest sources of human fulfillment are “love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty”. I agree with Swanson since in society, we are always trying to gain others attention in order to gain an individual’s love, friendship, loyalty, or honesty. Although it’s not necessary a sign of fulfillment, it does give the individual a sense of accomplishment and respect from having some sort of connection with another individual. Swanson’s values are reflective of American culture because it’s portrayed through media. Society witnesses this and begins to believe that it’s what other cultures view fulfillment. I would add the pursuit of happiness to the list since it was a movie and should be what people see there lives as, trying to live it to the fullest. Time senses to disappear when one gets other so rather than race though live. For films, I evaluate them base on the storyline and acting, if it’s engaging for the audience.
Yes, I do agree with the author that,"comfort zone are essentially children's movie in which human being behave like cartoon characters".Having a movie which is simple and straight forward will enable it's audience to reach their comfort zone.People like where they are entertained and being a cartoon character.All the movies that the Swanson has listed are entertaining and they represent an escape from the actual conflict,frustration and disappointments of everyday's life.
"Values like love,friendship, loyalty,and honesty are shown to be the greatest sources of human fullfillment"(204).I agree with this oppinion because all these value make one to fill comfotable and satisfied with life.
His value are reflective of American culture because the years I've stayed in United States,I've witnessed all those values being potrayed everywhere.I would add the vaue of kindness and happiness.
I evaluate films by the message, character,fantancy and engagement.Also the way it is presented,if it is a comedy is it entertaining? If it is scientific movie, what is the fiction behind it and if a horror movie, is it frightening?And finally the lesson learnt from it.
I agree with Swanson's evaluation. Today's movies do indeed put us into comfort zones and do show human beings as cartoon characters. The complexity of a human mind and the feelings of a human being are never exhibited in these "children movies". You have either good or bad, but most of us have both good AND bad in us. Early fairy-tales like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty could be in this category, as well as recent films like chick flicks 27 Dresses and Dear John.
Swanson says that love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty bring the greatest source of human fulfillment. I agree with his opinion once again. American culture has since then taken a more isolationist view, meaning that every man for himself, so I would say that his values don't reflect current American culture anymore. His list seems solid, but I think the addition of faith would be important; not only religious faith, but basic faith in all those values.
I evaluate movies on content. Every movie has guns, the hard-to-get girl, the crude humor, the drugs, and the sex. I'm not interested in any of those, so I tend to watch old BBC films or comedies.
I agree with you about your criteria for film watching. There should be something we should be able to understand and apply to our lives after watching 2 hours of ideas and values projected to us via the screen.
I agree and disagree with Swanson's suggestion that "comfort zone movies are essentially children's movies in which human beings behave like cartoon characters," (204).
A "Comfort Zone film," would be any movie that makes you feel good inside (cartoon or not). For example, the movies Up and The Bucket List would be on my list of "Comfort Zone" movies. I agree with Swanson when he says, "They are feel good movies because they make viewers feel more comfortable about themselves and what they believe." (p. 203). When I watched the movie, "Up" (cartoon-like) it kept me at that ticklish place and made me laugh consistently. The story was very inspiring and adventurous. However, I get that same feeling when I watch the movie, "The Bucket List" (non-cartoon) and that contradicts Swanson’s statement, "comfort zone movies are essentially children's movies in which human beings behave like cartoon characters," (204).
There are various types of genres that can contribute to being a comfort zone movie. For example, here is a small list of my “Comfort Zone Films:”
1. "The Notebook"
2. "Forrest Gump"
3. "American Beauty"
4. "When Harry Met Sally"
5. "Pay It Forward"
These movies are not cartoons; they are more realistic using human characters.
The values Swanson says that are shown to be the greatest sources of human fulfillment are “…like love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty…)” (p. 204). Again, I agree and disagree with this list. I agree with his values, but values such as personal goals (career, education, etc), family, open and honest communication is a few that could be added. Swanson’s values are somewhat reflective of American culture, but if you add my portion, plus material goods (property, etc) and status would make it more reflective to American culture. In terms of films, I evaluate them based on how entertained I am in the first 30 minutes, the acting, and the story line. If I am yawning, or not present, and the film does not capture my attention, it would be considered a “bomb,” meaning not good. For example, a long drawn out movie like “Pirates of the Caribbean” or “Lord of the Rings” are on my “bomb” list.
I like what you said in terms of values and how Swanson should add the pursuit of happiness, but can you explain in detail what you mean by that? Are you speaking in terms of material things, etc.? What is the pursuit of happiness for you?
Racquel to Anna:
I like the list of movies that you included within the context of "comfort zone" movies. Those are some of the ones that I have watched via "on demand."
Also, I like the idea of a "bomb" movie list.
I agree with you the way you evaluate movies, because after reading it's content you will be able to know which type of movie it is and if you find it's content entertaining you defenitly go for it as you said you like comedies.That's a good way to evaluate films.
I agree with Swanson's evaluation that "comfort zone movies are children's movies in which human beings behave like cartoon characters," (204). Cartoon like characters are portrayed on screen as carefree and lively characters that takes the audience to an imaginary world which helps them forget their problems as long as the screen is still on as Swanson stated, "When we watch a movie, we dream someone else's dream just for a little while. We accept the illusion that we are looking at the real world," (203). Movies that are simple and easy to comprehend are ones that are most popular among people. With these movies, it is easy to identify who the bad and good guys are and the plot of the movie is easy to follow along so there is no confusion for the audience. The films that are listed are films that belong to the following genres: fantasy, fairytale, romantic, and adventure. These films are the perfect getaway for people to escape from their problems because they are able to live in a world where everything has a happy ending.
I agree with Swanson that the greatest sources of human fulfillment are those of "love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty," (204). I believe that these values hold true to the American culture. These values are the basic building blocks that upholds the lives of American culture. Loyalty and honesty are considered to be the most important values that should be exercised although it is not fulfilled by everyone most of the time. Another value that could be added would be monetary value. In society today where money is an important part of everyday lives people seem to be more submerged and fixed on the idea of earning more money. I evaluate films based on the content, the genre, the storyline, and if there are any characters that seems interesting.
Refer to Bill Swanson’s essay, I agree with his evaluation that “comfort zone movies are essentially children’s movies in which human beings behave like cartoon characters,” (204). Movies with simple, positive motives and its child-like characters enhance the audience’s comfort zone that they could temporary escape from the conflicts, failure, and depression in their real life. Everyone has an inner comfort zone that consists of their basic faith and values, and their familiar ways to think and decide what is correct and normal based on their common knowledge.
Swanson said that the greatest sources of human fulfillment are love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty. I agree with his statement because without any of those valuable sources, people will not be satisfied with their life and it will become meaningless. His values are reflective of American culture because love is a basic culture in America that we could feel love in our society. I would add security in the list because there are many crimes in the community that make people feel uncomfortable and unsecure. I usually evaluate films by their main message from the stories. I like the movies that are simple and can be easily understood
Hi Anna, I watched the movie “UP” and it kept me laughing too. Even though it is a funny cartoon movie, but it also has its touching story behind it. It reinforces my comfort zone because it involves both simple human and interior experiences. I could see love, loyalty, and honesty in this movie. Sometimes, I will also evaluate the movie contents in the first 30 minutes, if it could not catch my attention, then I will assume that it’s not an interesting movie.
In the article, Swanson states that "comfort zone movies are essentially children's movies in which human beings behave like cartoon characters". I agree with his evaluation because in today's film, most of them have a fairytale story line. In the films, most main characters are in good personalities, and finally they can overcome the difficulties. The "bad guys" are usually defeated by the good ones. An easily unstandardable theme can attract a large number of audiences. What's more, the film technology makes the scenario more attractive. For example, the movie Avator, presents the awesome scenes and beautiful creatures on the Pandora planet. And its happy ending inspires the peace and what people believe.
I agree with Swanson's evaluates that the greatest sources of human fulfillment are “love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty”. The two-hour film usually make these values in a fantasy shape, perhaps it's not important for building the film's main stream by presenting the psychological struggle involved. But generally, these values that presented in films can reflect American culture. Love, friendship, loyalty, honesty and etc. are meant for us and we treasure them in our life. Especially in today's society, people are busying struggling for their goals and less care about people around us, the values shown in films can remind us to spend more time on our families and friends.
I usually evaluate film by its story. A good story is the soul of the film. And the way of the director presenting his/her the idea and theme is also very important to attract the audiences.
I do agree with Swanson's evaluation. Today, movies are not only arts, but also businesses. Filmmakers tried to make movies that can fit audiences' "comfort zone" in order to attract more people. People love the good things. That is their comfort zone. Therefore, in those "comfort zone movies," the good guys are purely good, and they can always beat the bad ones. For example, in the movie Lord of the Rings, the good guys (human) and bad guys (orc) can be clearly distinguished. In addition, no matter how many enemies are there, the humans always win at the end. However, in real world, there is no absolute goodness or badness. They exist only in children's fairytales.
According to Swanson, values like "love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty are shown to be the greatest sources of human fulfillment." I agree with his opinion again. I think those values are consistent with people's moral standards. However, it only partially reflect the American culture. If I have to add another value to his list, I will say wealth. It, I think, also plays an important role in the US today. I evaluate films very simply. For me, watching movies are nothing more than entertainment. If the movies can make me feel happy and relaxed, they are good ones then. I don't expect to learn any values from them.
I agree with the Swanson on his statement " comfort zone movies" are essentially children's films. These movies have been made to persuade a larger audience which are the children. When i think about the movies list it all makes since to me now, these movies all do take me away from my reality. The new series that is in is " twilight".
The authors values are honesty, love, loyalty and i agree they are important and should be in the movies. He says that these values are the greatest source of fufillment and he is right. When providing these values in movies these show the importance and intice the audience to use them. His values of the Americaan Dream are true because they represent how we are suppose to live our lives. A great example of this is " The pursuite of Happiness". you also need to base the movie on content to see if it can even be a representation of a value based movie.
Hello, Werdah. You said that today "American culture has since then taken a more isolationist view." I think I can understand you points. We probably tend to focus on our own careers and, therefore, don't care about other people. However, we still cheer for person who practice those values, even we may not do it ourselves. So, I think, the values that the author introduced are, more or less, reflective of our culture.
In some points, I do agree with Swanson’s evaluation that "comfort zone movies are essentially children's movies in which human beings behave like cartoon characters," (204). Certainly, the cartoon characters in movies could help people run into a fictional world without complexity, conflict and troubles. People could feel comfortable and get into the movies easily when they are watching the Comfort Zone movies. However, not only children’s movies could be the Comfort Zone movies for people, but also movies are acted by real human. Like in Swanson’s top ten movie list, Titanic is a Comfort Zone movie which is acted by real human for me. Although there is no cartoon characters inside this movie, I felt comfortable and blended into a part of this movie when I was watching it.
Swanson states that “Values like love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty are shown to be the greatest sources of human fulfillment.” (204). I do agree with his opinion about values are shown in movies. Also, his values reflect American cultures because we need love and honesty in our society. Moreover, I think that family and education are also the important values that are reflective American cultures. People could learn the importance of values through watching movies and think about the values that related to themselves.
I would evaluate films in few ways. First, I would see if the story of a movie could attract my attention. Second, I would see if this movie provides some instructive meaning to audiences. Third, I would see if this movie is reflective of the issues we face today.
I agree with Swanson’s evaluation in the subject of comfort zones. Comfort zone may be widely observable throughout contemporary movies. Its effort is to create more obvious and understandable personalities among characters, thus reducing the level of difficulty for audiences to accept and recognize. As the characteristic setting in most children’s films, protagonists are always structured as being extraordinarily encouraging, which are ones that inhibit nefarious forces throughout the contents. To further elaborate, such phenomenon of idealizing children’s films has been globalized nowadays. The Japanese animation Ponyo expresses its characters by using various color selections. The kindhearted protagonist Yuria was portrayed with warm colors; in comparison, the evil magician was painted by dark colors. Such intended behavior implicitly emphasizes how Yuria and the evil magician are distinctly designed, thus inducing audience’s uniform judgment in considering these characters.
Swanson speculates, “Values like love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty are shown to be the greatest sources of human fulfillment.” (204) I agree with his opinion. In the United States, these values may be extensively detected, because they are the ones that may spiritually and psychologically satisfy individuals. Nevertheless, due to the existence of material pursuance, I would like to add financial gaining from his list. Movies, from my perspective, are not merely something with ultimate objective of entertainment, but also a great resource for me to ruminate the perspectives and values that filmmakers attempt to overall express.
Hello Anna,
I agree with you point that movies using human characters could be Comfort Zone movies. Moreover, I think that family, education and career could be added in the list of values. Also, I like your way to evaluate films.
I agree with Bill Swanson's statement about comfort zone movies being children's movies. Comfort zone movies are movies that attract massive amount of audiences. These movies attract people because they are feel good movies which are family friendly and have similar patterns in their storyline, for instance, good and evil, love and triumph etc. Movies like Finding Nemo, Shrek and Harry Potter series are the perfect examples of comfort movie. They all have similar pattern where the hero gets through all the obstacles in his or her way and wins or do the right things. Feel good movie's happy endings give audience satisfaction because it gives the audience an opportunity to get away and take a break from reality, conflict and frustrations of everyday life.
I have different opinion when it comes to human fulfillment. I don't agree with Swanson on that issue. He said values such as love, friendship and honesty are the greatest sources of human fulfillment. However, the values mentioned above might be embodiment of what people wish to value. Life is not always full of love, friendship, loyalty and all that fairyland fantasy stuff. Today,especially American, society is highly competitive and people are independent. Individuals have their own values whether is money or power or love therefore have different beliefs when it comes to human fulfillment.
I tend to evaluate movies by the storyline and characters.If the characters and the storyline is cliche, I would look at how the plot is presented.
I agree with your indication that “a good story is the soul of the film.” Ruminative and valuable stories will stimulate audiences to reflect to their respective life experiences, thus better learning about themselves and their surroundings in consequence. However, an appropriate way of expressing filmmakers’ idea, as what you also said, is indeed significant in attracting audiences. An excessively entertaining film will have no value that individuals may used to reflect; in comparison, if a film becomes too academic, audience will gradually lose interest while watching. Therefore, an apposite balancing and combination between entertainment and knowledge becomes an extraordinarily important task for filmmakers to always pay attention to.
Solongo to Racquel:
I think you made a good point by bringing up Maslow's Hierarchy. I agree with you on real fulfillment comes after working through the basic needs. I think when the basic needs are satisfied, as we go up the Maslow's Hierarchy levels, only then we start to reflect or contemplate about our morals, values and human fulfillment.
I will agree with Swanson statement that "comfort movies are most likely to be children movies in which human beings behave like cartoon characters"(204). The movie industry today is build to attract as much people as they can.
In the cartoon movies there is always two sides, the Good and the Bad where the Good always win at the end.
I personally prefere cartoon movies
they are funny and can make you dream or pretend to be who you are not. You can dream of being a princess and that there is a prince somewhere who will come and rescuit you and it's fascinating. unlike most movies where there is alot of violence, sex, drugs, profanity and abuse...
The movie industry i think has realize that and they are back making mre cartoon than before and we have major actors that are in that business today.
I agree with Swanson that the "greatest source of human fulfillment are love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty". These values in movies are very important and believable, we need something to hold on to, and add joy to our daily life: since in today society we tent to care about what others think of us, we frequently ask questions and trying to please other people, it gives us a sense of insurance and respect.
The message i'm looking for in a movie is very simple: The story line, the soul of the movie and the idea beyond that.
A good movie should be fascinating, educating, and mesmerizing.
I do agree with your point which putting love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty in movies makes movies more attractive, and it will also make audience have more those values in their live. TV and films are part of our live. No one never ever watched a film; in contrast, more and more people love to watch TV and films. If films have more those values, it will lead people to have more values in their real life. Accurately, we do need those values in our live.
According to Bill Swanson’s essay, “comfort zone movies” means people feel comfortable about films that similar to their life experiences or themselves or will follow what they believe, so that they can easy to get involved with the films (203). And I do agree with Swanson’s evaluation. As what he says in his essay, the “Top Ten Grossing Films World Wide” he listed clearly define the good guys and bad guys, and the good guys win at the end of the stories. Those films follow audiences’ believe that good guys always win bad guys at the end. Therefore, audiences feel comfortable and easy get involved with the films.
Racquel to Solongo:
Thank you for the comments! I had to pull Maslow's Heirarchy out of my long term memory. I had psychology 1A last semester.
Well my personal definition would be doing something that I always dreamt of doing but never really having the time to pursue or commit to, personal goals. For example, I would like to learn to the piano someday and something outrageous in my life. It can also be obtaining materialistic things, its all based on personal preference of what you think happiness is.
According to Bill Swanson’s essay, “comfort zone movies” means people feel comfortable about films that similar to their life experiences or themselves or will follow what they believe, so that they can easy to get involved with the films (203). And I do agree with Swanson’s evaluation. As what he says in his essay, the “Top Ten Grossing Films World Wide” he listed clearly define the good guys and bad guys, and the good guys win at the end of the stories. Those films follow audiences’ believe that good guys always win bad guys at the end. Therefore, audiences feel comfortable and easy get involved with the films. Moreover, films can fill with very good moral prescriptions for children, even adults. For example, in harry potter films, these films teach we must develop and hone their talents and abilities and place children in a good service, especially for who is overly individual and stuck in their computer and iPod worlds. They need to learn Harry has to reach out to other, form friendships, follow the advice of mentors, and generally grow as a person in a good relationship with others. It calls us to struggle to be our better selves. Kids learn that they must work hard to become the person who their parents wish them to be.
Swanson says in his essay, “Values like love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty are shown to be the greatest sources of human fulfillment (204).” I also agree with this point. In order to build a good relationship with others in community, we really do need those values. And these values are reflective of American culture. As an immigrant in the U.S, I deeply feel how friendly Americans are. Nonetheless, we do have much more than these values in human’s moral standards, such as rights. In the U.S, anyone has rights to share his or her opinions and oppose others’ ideas. Film is one of ways to share our ideas to audiences. For me, film is also a good way to educate people how to learn or use those values in our community.
in some point, I agree with the author's suggesttion about that "comfort zone movies are essentially children's movies in which human beings behave like cartoon characters,"becasue it created an easy understanding plot in the movie and eliminate the difficulties so that audiences can easily be attracted by those movies. The films on the list are adventure stories with melodramatic villains and the demsel in distress.
The values like love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty are shown to be the greatset sources of human fulfillment. I do agree with his opinion because those are the values that everyone wants to get from others; therefore, this really reflects American culture because people forms a different enthical community in America and each person wants to show those values to others so that they can live in a peaceful world.
when I saw a film, I would think about how film can attract me, and what really I learn from the film, but if it is difficult to understanding, and it may waste my time.
I do agree with Fan wu' way to evalute a film becasue I almost watch film nothing more than entertainment. if the films are have more dramatic plots and endings, and simple, they can really represent information to me .
I do not completely agree with Bill Swanson’s evaluations that “comfort zone movies are essentially children’s movies in which human beings behave like cartoon characters,” (204). I believe that most cartoon films that I watch nowadays such as Family guy, The Simpson, and South Park are made for children to watch, yet children are attracted to watching cartoons. Most cartoons on “Cartoon Networks” are inappropriate for children to watch. For example, Family Guy, Peter whom is one of the main characters who plays the role of a father who has a teenage daughter named Meg. Peter often humiliates his daughter Meg calling her “ugly”. This cartoon show contains the negative aspects upon young females. However, cartoons tend to over exaggerate reality because they take seriousness as a joke. Cartoons is all about make believes and happy endings. There is some truth in reality, but it is all mixed up into a joke.
I agree the values Swanson’s says that are shown to be the greatest sources of human fulfillment are love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty. I believe that there is romance, comedy, and horror that contain all kind of emotions in films. Human beings want laughter, dramas, and happiness all those excitements, the rich and fame. When we watch a movie that is what we see, and so we want it and believes it. Movies manipulate human beings into believing that life should be. Furthermore, the American culture represents how we are supposed to live our lives as human beings. The movies that Hollywood puts out for the American people to watch are what make us who we are as individuals. It creates stereotypes among every ethnic group. There are stereotypes in the media that portrays how Americans should act. The media is very powerful.
I evaluate films based on the storyline and characters that seems interesting. To have a good storyline is what makes the audience more attracted to the films.
Hello Racquel,
I like what you said "American free enterprise, these values are frequently set aside in favor of the pursuit of money and power". I agree that America is all about the rich and fame. when we watch movies, that is what we see, and so we want it and believes it.
I believe art portray's life in some form so I don't totally agree with Swanson but I do get his point of view. Although comfort zone movies do give a little fantasy, most often they do deal with real life scenrios that are troubling which causes some degree of discomfort and being that art imitates life, aren't the cartoon characters behaving like humans or the mtyh of human behavior?
The greatest sources of human fulfillment according to Swanson are loyalty, friendship,love and honesty. I agree with Swanson but I would add food, drink and medication or better yet good health. I would like to say no because to me american culture in general focuses on financial fulfillment sometimes disregarding what Swanson greatest sources are in the process of achieving financial fulfillment but all americans are not this simple and do reflect Swansons values in their lives.
It depends on the film but I judge the story line, the acting, styling, writers, etc.
I think people are attracted to good and evil plots because at its essence life is good and evil. We live everyday battling good and evil. We may do so consciously and unconsciously. Ex. Deciding to cheat on a test. It's a personal fight within an individual to decide to do right or wrong and that's essentially what good and evil is, deciding to do right or
wrong. So although themes of good and evil are simlpe, taking all good and evil can consist of its not so simlpe.
I do agree with Swanson’s evaluation in “How Films Feed the Mind”, “comfort zone movies are essentially children's movies in which human beings behave like cartoon characters," (204). Movies today with simple plot in which “good guys” always win “bad guys: at a happy ending usually earn audiences’ acceptance since these kind of movies provides comfort zone where audience feel comfortable to escape from the intense competition, conflicts, and the sense of loss in the reality. Once those comfort zone movies touch the audiences’ inner faith, belief, or value, then the movies successfully capture audiences’ attention and resonate with them. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone 2001 is a great example of comfort zone movie that explores fantasy of using magic to beat the “bad guys” and make dream come true.
Swanson admits that “Values like love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty are shown to be the greatest sources of human fulfillment.” In some ways, I don’t really agree with that point. The values that Swanson mentioned in his essay probably are the qualities people wish to have. However, nowadays in such a rush and busy society with intense competition, reality is not always full of love, friendship, loyalty and all things that related to “beautiful life”. In everyday life, it is difficult to avoid to face the “choose between conflicting ethical values”, the choose of either morality or money or power.
I usually evaluate movies by the movie title and the characters first. If they capture my interests then I will focus on its storyline, “the soul of the movie”, whether it is meaningful or boring and uninteresting.
Pei Liang
Hi Solongo,
I find that we share the same disagreement about the “human fulfillment” in Swanson’s essay. In today’s society which is full filed with intense competition and desire of material living, it is really hard to admit that love, friendship and honesty are the greatest sources of human fulfillment even though we wish to. This reminds me a saying, “Money is not everything, but without money you can do nothing.”
Pei Liang
To Racquel,
I liked how you broght up Maslow's hierarchy in support of your argument. I also agree with you that the values Swanson presented as "the greatest human fulfillment" is often overshadowed by the competitiveness of American culture today where money and power are valued as the greatest achievement in a lifetime.
I agree with Bill Swanson because comfort zone movies are movies that make us feel happy and good, feelings that are mostly evoked in many children's movies. A recent film that fits the "comfort zone movie" label would be the movie Twilight. Many people like the movie because they want to be the actors in the movie. Bella Swan, the protagonist of the movie, is loved by the vampire Edward Cullen. Many girls want to be Bella because she is loved by the beautiful, masculine, unresistable vampire Edward Cullen, who girls could only dream about. Guys, on the other hand, want to be Edward Cullen because he is the dream guy that all girls want. The movie is the type of movie where there is a damsel in distress, and the knight in shining armor ends up rescuing her in the end.
Swanson believes that "love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty" are the greatest sources of human fulfillment. I agree with Swawnson because I believe that everyone in society year.s for attention, love, and trust, even if they say that they don't. I think that this is especially true in today's American culture because everyone wants to be loved. To me, in past cultures, all of the attention, love, and trust was not as important because people had larder lives to deal with. Nowadays, life does not seem as hard as it used to be. Furthermore, society and the media mave made celebrities turn into idols for everyone to be. After all, celebrities are the ones living the American dream.
On his list, I would add the word "attention" because I think that everyone wants attention. If people did not have anyone's attention, they would feel lonely. When we get someone's attention, we feel like we have a purpose for being because we have affected someone, whether the affect is enormous or miniscual.
When I watch a film, I try not to think too much about the film and just try to enjoy the film. I think that the best films are the ones that grab our attention and make us erally want to keep watching. I guess most of these films would be simple films that do not require too much analysis or deductions, but just simple watching instead.
Hey Fan Wu, I liked it when you talked about Lord of the Rings and agree with what you said about how " in real world, there is no absolute goodness or badness." But if I can remember correctly, wasn't the main character struggling with himself because he wanted the power? Doesn't this mean that he was fully good? I could be wrong though because I'm not really sure if I remember the movie correctly.
I agree with Swanson's statement that "comfort zone movies are essentially children's movies in which human beings behave like cartoon characters". There are a lot of movies that are out that attracts large crowds which are children. They get excited when seeing a fairy tale movie. It's also fun for them and catches thier attention. It's all about making the audience feel comfortable.
Some of the values swanson says are shown to be the greatest source of human fulfillment are love,friendship,loyalty,and honesty.Yes, I agree with him a little because these values do reflect on our American culture its whats suppose to make one feel happy and satisfied in life.I evaluate films based on the characters, and the message.
I agree with you Twilight is a movie that does catches people attention because they want to feel like the are in the movie. If a person is not intrested in a movie then how can they enjoy it or even pay attention to it.
To Racquel,
I agree with your point that when you value the film the character whom you like will effect your evaluate of the film. Generally, the main message we gain from the film is given by the character we like. And we will pay more attention on how their psychology change when things change.
While I agree with Swanson's belief that these "comfort zone movies" are generally just fluff, I would not write them off all together. Yes, the characters and story lines are often are of an unrealistic nature, but that does not make them simply childish. Take a recent movie District 9. It was pure fantasy and made mostly by special effects, but it held an underlying theme of government corruption and inequality. So while the movie was "cartoon-like", it also made reference to real life issues occurring today.
Swanson says that the greatest sources of human fulfillment love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty. I agree that these four are major sources of fulfillment, but I cannot say that fulfillment comes from these alone. While the American culture says that these are our values, many of us certainly do not act as so. I cannot say whether or not I'd add or subtract from the list since I do not wholly understand what my fulfillment is.
I evaluate films on whether the acting was good, the characters and story originality, and how much I liked/though about it after viewing.
Misty....
Good response to the essay. I think that Swanson's essay made all of think about what it is we get out of the movies and why we go to see them. Alot of cartoons are fantasy and I think that was his entire point. But from some where somebody had to take atleast a scenrio from someones life to turn it into a ultimate fantasy...giving the ending the outcome we all hope for in life.
Julie to Charline...
I like a good educational film myself. Would you say the best stories are often based on real events?
I must say that I had to read this twice and conference in a friend and my mom ( who refuses to watch certain shows/movies because they are predictable) to read through this excerpt. After my phone conversation and second read I got it! Now I probably would've worded what Swanson said a little differently but I agree with the bottom line of what he was saying. I believe when Swanson compared what he called "comfort zone" movie characters to cartoon characters, he was just pointing out the obvious. Cartoons are viewed by adults as fictional no matter what the plot is, mainly because no one in our world looks like the cartoon characters. Bringing animation to life is what I believe Swansons point was. Adding a few familiar scenerios with endings that would generally be excepted by all because of the favorable results for the characters. One thing I think Swanson was also saying is that watching such movies are a waste of time, because they don't take you out of your comfort zone and challenge you mentally. I don't agree with that. Sometimes I need to laugh, so I watch a comedy. Sometimes I feel mushy and watch a romance. The favorable outcomes are what draw me in, I do live in reality and things are not perfect or fair all the time. But sharing a little positive humor or action every now and then I think is good for the soul. I can't go home and tell my boyfriend I think you should act and look like Matthew McConaughey because he made it right in the movie.....no, that is not real and would probably leave me alone with someone thinking I was crazy. But I can go and share and enjoy someone elses dream for a little while. Swanson's first sentence said alot "if you think of a film as a purely imaginary experience, as a dream created by all the people listed in the credits" that's exactly what it is and if it's viewed in that light it can only be taken for what it is and not what you want it to be.
The values that Swanson list are love, friendship, loyalty and honesty. For me personally, I agree. These are things that I value and are very fulfilling when received. I think his point in highlighting these are because in alot of cases a complete combination is rare. There are some things I would add like family, peace, non violent, better education and equality.
I evaluate films based on the mood my life is in. I have passed up going to see certain things, for example if I'm going through alot and I need some positive energy I don't go see films that appear to be tear jerkers based on the plot. However, I've been in a better space and watched that very movie that I turned down before and it was wonderful.
Based on Swanson's discussion, I agree with his evalutaion about comfort zone movies. Movies essentially keep the viewers attracted because it represents the lives that people want. Movies are a virtual reality that viewers want to live in because it has everything that people want. It has drama, excitement, and more than often that special somebody you ending having by your side. Even though we might know what the next scene is or how it will ultimately end, viewers stay tune in so they can have a longer connection with that virtual reality. It also gives us an escape to the gray world that we live in compare to the the comfort movies where we would know what is black and what is white. In other words in real life the choices we have to make is not always the clear right answer and hence the color gray compare to movies where there is always a obvious choice where it is either black or white.
As Swanson suggested the greatest human fulfillment is love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty. I agree with Swanson based on the fact that everyone want at least one of the listed values. Some want to be recognized by their peers and gain that popularity factor while some do not care for popularity, but just recognition from their loved ones. In my opinion these values are part of the American culture, but not all of it. It is part of the American culture because of what the media portrayed in TV shows and movies. In today's society success is something that every wants because success means more money and that equals to a better life which everyone wants.
I evaluate films based on the storyline. I have to admit that i am like other people if a film is highly publicized i would want to see it just to see what is the big hype. However, i find that i enjoy films with a storyline that has a twist. An example would be a film that would have a real ending. It gives the viewers a chance to be creative an imagine what the ending could of been.
I agree with Bill Swanson’s view that comfort zone movie are always children’s movie. Because comfort zone movies are those can make us feel happy and most of kids’ movies bring us this feeling. Cartoon figures in those movies are always idealization. They will never occur in our real life because they are based on authors’ imagination which is easily to be approached by audiences. Some of the films that Swanson lists in essay can support this such as Harry Potter series.
In the second part of essay, Swanson says that “values like love, friendship,loyalty, and honesty are shown to be the greatest sources of human fulfillment.” I do agree with Swanson because they can all reflect American culture.
I love watching movies and the way I evaluate is whether its story is easy to understand or not. If it is attractive and easy understanding, It will be the movie in my comfort zone.
Hey Phillip,
I would like to say that i agree with you on the fact that the American culture should include the pursuit of happiness. However, in my opinion everyone's pursuit of happiness is different as different things make different people happy. It is true that everyone does live to pursuit what truly fulfills their happiness. What will fulfill your pursuit of happiness?
I agree with Swanson that "comfort zone movies are essentially children's movies in which human beings behave like cartoon characters." Producers make these movies intentionally because they attract the whole family. Once the children want to see the movie, they also drag along their parents, and most of the time their siblings. These movies are harmless and usually portray a friendly character that is always doing good deeds and being a hero in general. These movies create fantasies that children can only dream of being in. Children sometimes would want to imitate such a brave and courageous character, such as Shrek or Harry Potter.
Swanson says that "love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty" are the greatest sources of human fulfillment. I agree with him because these are values that everyone should bear with them and it may help them succeed in life. Not everyone carries these traits, but it is rather important because you would want love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty from your family and friends, so everyone should give back the same. These values SHOULD be reflective of the American culture, but there are some in this world that definitely do not hold these values because they are the completely opposite, such as being greedy and selfish. I usually evaluate movies by the overall message and also how interesting the storyline is.
Hello Jane, I agree with you when you say that you evaluate films by the message and also if there was a lesson that was learned. Movies that usually teach us a lesson are good for children because it usually teaches positive things. I think a good message would be something like, "Never do this, or else something bad will happen and you will suffer the consequences." These movies teach us, especially children, how to avoid trouble.
Hi Fan Wu,
I do agree with your response that movies are not only arts but also business. Filmmakers put much more emphasises on how much they can earn than the quality of film.
I like your response to values as well. Wealth are definitly one of values in America.
I agree all the way with Swanson for that fact that Comfort Zone Movies are like children movies, because they portray the characters cartoon based characters. All the characters in the movies act like. These types of movies are feel good movies in the sense that they maker movie goers feel warm inside.
Quite frankly, I'm not a fan of those kind of films, because all that soft cookie love story stuff drives me crazy.
i do agree with what the author Swanson suggests that "comfort zone movies are essentically childred's movies in which human beingg like cartoon characters".(204) Nowaday, most of the movies are to intended to make profits to the maxium .And catch the audiences 's attention. The film maker try to make the film as our daily life, put human bing behave like cartoon character in the movie which is easiler to attract the audiences.No matter what the movie is about, their intention are try to make the audience feel like they participate in the charater. if they did it, then the movie is a successful movie.
The greatest sources of human flfillment that Swanson listed "Love, friendship, loyatly and honesty are shown to be the greatest sources of human fulfiment".(204) i agree with his oppion when he povided the the souces,because anyone in this planet needs love and friendship, without these two soucrces we can not be completed our life.No matter the American or people from the worldwide ,they all need love and friendship, so his valudes reflective of American culture.i wouldn't add or subtract his list, because these four are the most importand souces for human being.i would crtique how the actor or actress present their character when i watch a movie.
To Johnny Hoang
HI, Johnny. I do agree with your opinion that the value that everyone should bear with them and it may help them succedd in life. it't true.these are the important sources peopel should in their lives. Although not everybody carries these sources, if they do bear with them, they may succed in life someday. People should try to seek these source in their lives.
I also agree with the author that,"comfort zone are essentially children's movie in which human being behave like cartoon characters". In fact, when we was a child, most of us know the information in the TV as cartoon channels , according the cartoon characters, we could find out and know that what’s beaver look like; what’s bad; and what’s good. Children would like to watch cartoon channels because they would like to be the cartoon characters in the lives. In most cartoon channels, most of the cartoon characters have most power. They always like to help the people who are in trouble and kill the bad people. Maybe we would like to be one of the wonderful people in the word, that’s the reason why children would like to watch cartoon channels. Moreover, children heard about and know about the would from the cartoon channels. In fact, for most of the cartoon channels, they like a book to teach children what would be a human like and what should the human need to do.
I also agree with you. In fact, I like to watch cartoon movies. I like watch cartoon movies because when I watch about it, I felt I always like a child. In the cartoon movies, they act like the simple way to show would look like and the people in the world would be. It likes a book with action and voices to help us more understanding about the world. By the way, what kinds of cartoon movies do you like?
I also agree with you. In fact, I like to watch cartoon movies. I like watch cartoon movies because when I watch about it, I felt I always like a child. In the cartoon movies, they act like the simple way to show would look like and the people in the world would be. It likes a book with action and voices to help us more understanding about the world. By the way, what kinds of cartoon movies do you like?
I don’t agree with the evaluation that in comfort movies human beings behave like cartoon characters. Movies are not real life. Audiences don’t necessarily have to face real life conflicts when they are watching movies. When audiences watched Titanic, it was a great joy to watch Kate gave up her rich life and went adventure with Leonardo. The scenario of the movie might be predictable but it didn’t lack of struggles. At the end of Titanic, many people faced their dead bravely, it wasn’t comfortable at all. Many audiences of Titanic cried. The movie showed that when human beings had had to face sacrifices, the people could die without dread.
In the second part, the greatest sources are love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty. I agree with his opinion. And his values were mostly American culture. For me, I would add sacrifice. Many people sacrifice their time and energy even lives for others. I think films can be both entertainment and education. Sometimes we just get some relaxation form watching movies, sometimes we get reflection form movies.
To Ricky Tran
Giving dreams to aduiences is a very important function of movies. Indeed, to live a life beside the real life is a good relaxation. We don't have to be serious for every movie. Many movies are just for fun and spending time with others.
The author raised an interesting point that "comfort zone movies are essentially children's movies in which human beings behave like cartoon characters". I agree with it because people always like the good one against the bad one better. Therefore, the good one always win in the end in a movie. However, how many times could a hero survive in our real life? The notebook is a good example of comfort zone movie.
I agree with swanson that "values like love, friendship, loyalty, and honesty are shown to be the greatest sources of human fulfillment." hopefully everyone could learn something from the film and use it in our real life to learn to treasure the people around you that care about you. I would like to evaluate a film by how meaningful is it...
Hi Jiaqi ye,
i agree with how you point out that the people nowadays are too busy to achieve their goal and forget about their beloved one...I really hope that everyone could at least put more time to their family
Hi Anna,
I think your choice of movies is really good.
I watched most of them and prefered Forrest Gump and When Harry meet Sally the story line are good and remarkably interresting i really recommande those two.
Swanson's article touches on the a critical element to how we think and receive information. with his reference to comfort zone movies i would have to say that the way he supported that statement was true and relevant. when adults watch movies we already critically think of the message the movie is suppose to portray, when in cartoon format it allows us to abandon moral and logic and enjoy the movie for it for as Swanson says its melodramatic villains,elaborate guest journeys, and the spectacles that thrill the eyes and the imagination. with reference to the list that he provides of comfort zone movies i have seen alot of the movies listed and i can say that when watching them i did just as Swanson said i enjoyed them solely for their creativity and child like appearance and i focused less on the moral or meaning behind the. i would say the artistic approach they used in each film overweighed the message that the movie might have had. it thus supports the my opinion that these movies were made child like to relax the mind and not allow the basic approach that adults often make with searching for the message of a movie instead of just enjoying the movie.
Swanson says that "values like love, friendship,loyalty,and honesty are shown to the the greatest sources of human fulfillment" and i agree with him when contrasting between animated films, and movies that is a universal thing that is the contributing factor that catches adults and provide the balance. i would not add nor subtract any of the values mentioned in his list because they are what american culture subconsciously looks at when evaluating films then once acknowledged they include other conflicting ethical values, and apply their own cultural knowledge. when i am watching films i immediately assess the storyline and try and conclude the movie with what i think to be the ending. i look at the relationships each main character is portraying and compare it to how i would respond if in the same situation. i carefully analyze the villain in the movie if what he is portraying is sincere or too outlandish for reality. and then i enjoy the wrap up because it defies what i thought would have happen and i think that is of essence what we want a movie to do show us that there is another way to conclude a situation that is often so similar to real scenarios.
@ Anna; some of your points were indeed valid but i think i took a different meaning to what Swansons article than you. just highlighting a few i agree with both u and Swanson with" every person has a comfort zone within which are contained their unquestioned assumptions about the world, their basic beliefs, their familiar ways of thinking about what is natural or normal or right",(pg.203) but when after reading his comfort zone list provided i was able to get his meaning saying these comfort zone movies allow adults the great escape of all mentioned above and just allow u to enjoy a movie for its artistic approach and not focus on its message. with the movies you provided all by the way ive seen and enjoy have just proved that we can have an alternate ending to a real life scenario but doesn't provide an escape from our psychological reality. there is no way you can look at any of the movies Swanson listed and take away anything to apply to american cultures reality. so i am not sure what your meaning to Swanson was but its clear you disagree with his comparison to comfort zone movies.
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