Do the Films You Watch Define Who You Are?

BY NATHAN:

Here is a copy of a FaceBook conversation I was having today about the idea that movies that we watch reflect the nature of person watching them. This may also include the film a person would make. For example; you may be a murderer because you like to watch or movies about killing.  The topic is somewhat a big deal to me as I am a filmmaker and people have often ask why I make the films I do.

 Tell me what you think. What are you ideas on human nature in this sence? I’m very curious, especially about what other filmmaker think!

THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT: Nathan Maulorico
I think it’s odd sometimes when people’s personalities get judged based on the the movies they watch and/or make.

Noah
People do tend to be a product of the people you are around, your life experiences, and the media you consume. I notice that I associate verything in terms of sci fi, lending to a cloudy perception of life. I agree with you, this is what happens; but it isn’t entirely unfounded.

Vanessa
It depends…sometimes situations and personality characteristics can help identify a current situation that someone may be in and might even provide a good indication of a similar outcome. But if someone were to completely rely on a movie as judgement..well..that is messed up.

Nathan Maulorico
Ok I see your points very well. Let’s say I make a Bloody horror film and a film with a lot of sex in it. Do you think these are reflections of me? Or a new art form I’m exploring? No wrong answer, I think it could even be both.

Noah
Let’s say you did produce such films. Your business would lose any reputation for ‘family friendly’ , people are going to look at your portfolio as a representation of what kind of video you produce. It would likely reflect back on you personally because you are the business and the face of Unknown Films. If i found out my church was producing pron… Read More movies, I wouldn’t know what to think and probably wouldn’t go back. If I found out a pron maker started doing religious videos,then i wouldn’t know what to think. Once a place breaks a reputation for values or styles, it kinda hangs with you. Yes, it might be fun, but play it safe.

Nathan Maulorico
That was just hypothetical with me as the example but I see what you mean

Noah
LOL, yes, purely hypothetical, but its the best answer I could come up with. It made sense to me.

Megan Maulorico
What I think is frustrating from the creator’s point of view is that you don’t always associate with the content of the script, but more with the process of how the art was made. Sometimes doing different genres is neccessary to remain open minded as well as figuring out as many techniques as possible. I don’t think a point of a movie is always about the movie maker’s morals or personal ideas, but more about showing the idea creatively.

Nathan Maulorico
Megan has the pefect answer!

Nathan Maulorico
I think we should post this thread on our blog

Noah
Good point, but i must point out that many times the morals and personal ideas of the artist/writer/director do color their art, to the point of becoming the artists signature in the video medium. Look at the work of J.J. Abrams; you watch one of his movies