Benjamin

"From an alluring appearance or persuasive structure of sound the work of art of the Dadaists became an instrument of ballistics. It hit the spectator like a bullet, it happened to him, thus acquiring a tactile quality. It promoted a demand for the film, the distracting element of which is also primarily tactile, being based on changes of place and focus which periodically assail the spectator." - Page 238


A few weeks ago, my friend John and I were talking about the movie-going experience. In conversation, I revealed that I really dislike going to the movies. He was shocked! I spent the next hour answering question after question about WHY I felt this way. My argument was simple: I don't like the way it makes me feel. The room is dark, with all eyes are focused on the bright light of a screen. It's silent, and even whispers are frowned upon. Put away the cell phone, too distracting; you might miss something! I feel like my senses and my psyche are arrested for two hours. Critical thinking is difficult while being dragged into an editor's world. I get so caught up, so emotionally engaged with the film, that it sticks with me. Like Benjamin put it, I feel "assail"ed. I told John to read this essay; I figured Benjamin could explain it better than I.