13 replies to this topic

[Mbob61]

In relation to TheDr's thread about entertainment and the media, it got me thinking about media in general and i eventually ended up thinking about emotion in the media and more specifically, which form of media can generally evoke the strongest emotional reaction. By that, i mean something more complex than the usual Joy/Rage reactions which can be triggered by basically anything with little effort.

Out of the forms of media I posted above, I voted for Books and Music. Due to the epic potential for character development in books, I've found that I've become pretty attached to characters in books and genuinely care about how their stories turn out. I found the end to His Dark Materials pretty touching given how the characters stories had played out up to that point. Throughout the whole trilogy, I did feel a large amount of complex emotions. I would think this is because we can relate characters, their interactions, personalities etc to things in our personal lives, allowing them to become much more that just the words. I just find a lot of characters in video games to either be incredibly one dimensional or just perform actions which are totally unrelatable to anything I have or will done. I find it very hard to sympathise with anyone like say Master Chief or Marcus Fenix whose primary character trait is being an unkillable super solider. I can't get past their actions and therefore don't "bond" on an emotional level.

I'm not really sure I can express music. I just find it brings back memories and feelings from my past. A good album can bring back masses of feelings which go a lot deeper than almost anything. I guess thats because of personal issues from my past.

I just wondered what you guys thought about the issue..

Mike

[SquigPie]

I've heard that the first book in His Dark Materials should be pretty good, but then the writers atheistic preachings starts to overthrow the plot, which is the same problem as The Sword of Truth (although that was Objectivism).
I just hate books that preach, people read to be entertained and to think, not to be told what to think. But when it's all you ranting about evil muslims and socialists, people tend to get tired.

Anyway, back on topic.

It really depends on how good the media in question is. Music can be touching or bland. Same with films/books/games. It all depends on how good the creator in question is.

This is the reason why I play Survival Horror, whereas most games never convey emotions survival horror is one of the few genres that's specifically engineered towards provoking emotions (although one many doesn't like feeling).

Edited by SquigPie, 17 January 2011 - 14:36.

[Slightly Wonky Robob]

It's a tough one, but I think I'd have to go with music over all. Of course it depends on the music in question, but a good ambient or minimal track can really get the emotions running. I rarely listen to music for the actual lyrics (heck, most of the stuff I listen to don't have lyrics).

Movies / TV would be a close second... I very much 'enjoy' a sad story. The emotions raised, however, are quite different to that of music.

Games rarely have a story that you can actually empathise with. The only story that I actually remember in any detail, and would actually play again, purely for the story is FFX.

[Mbob61]

SquigPie, on 17 Jan 2011, 9:12, said:

I've heard that the first book in His Dark Materials should be pretty good, but then the writers atheistic preachings starts to overthrow the plot, which is the same problem as The Sword of Truth (although that was Objectivism).

The atheism stuff isn't very strong and is only really there if you look for it. The book has lots of interesting interpretations on religion, but I wouldn't call them atheistic really.

Bob, on 17 Jan 2011, 14:34, said:

Games rarely have a story that you can actually empathise with. The only story that I actually remember in any detail, and would actually play again, purely for the story is FFX.

It seems to me that games with a "decent story" and "emotional" characters seem to be consigned to RPG's and action adventure games. Front Mission 3 has probably the best story out of all the games i have played for example. I guess thats because, like books, both genres of game have time to set up the characters, settings etc.

Mike

Edited by Mbob61, 17 January 2011 - 15:47.

[Ion Cannon!]

It depends entirely on the genre / type of music, but the right music can evoke very powerful emotions. I get nothing from pop / rnb / rap / electro / dance ect. But some of the rock / metal I listen to really effects me, I can't quite describe how, but its often just a feeling of epicness. Or I may relate the beat or rhthym to something abstract, generally linked to my brain which then also creates distinct thought patterns.

In "His Dark Materials" all he has really done is switched the roles of religion and evil(Demons), its basically just a name change.

Edited by Ion Cannon!, 17 January 2011 - 19:36.

[SquigPie]

Ion Cannon!, on 17 Jan 2011, 20:35, said:

In "His Dark Materials" all he has really done is switched the roles of religion and evil(Demons), its basically just a name change.

*Sigh*

Do we really want to start this? Seriously?

[Chyros]

Books and music by miles. A good piece of music can send a chill down my spine and give me goosebumps, whereas a good book can be really really moving if written well.

[Ion Cannon!]

SquigPie, on 17 Jan 2011, 21:01, said:

Ion Cannon!, on 17 Jan 2011, 20:35, said:

In "His Dark Materials" all he has really done is switched the roles of religion and evil(Demons), its basically just a name change.

*Sigh*

Do we really want to start this? Seriously?

I'm not starting anything, though by replying it seems you would like to start something. I was just stating my opinion on the subject, there was no need for you to reply.

[Alias]

Music definitely. Then movies by extension, as usually the most emotive moments in film feature a very good piece of music backing them.

[SquigPie]

Ion Cannon!, on 18 Jan 2011, 3:04, said:

SquigPie, on 17 Jan 2011, 21:01, said:

Ion Cannon!, on 17 Jan 2011, 20:35, said:

In "His Dark Materials" all he has really done is switched the roles of religion and evil(Demons), its basically just a name change.

*Sigh*

Do we really want to start this? Seriously?

I'm not starting anything, though by replying it seems you would like to start something. I was just stating my opinion on the subject, there was no need for you to reply.

And by replying to my reply you're starting something, you monster!

[TheDR]

Keep on topic guys, it's Philosopher's Corner. If you want to discuss something else, create a new thread.

I will edit this post later on for my views on this topic, expect a long one

[ΓΛPTΘΓ]

To be honest, I hardly feels anything these days. The closest thing for me to feel anything is through music. Though most the time if I am just listening casually walking along or doing other stuff, even the most emotional song won't get me anything. Only if I totally focus on it and clear my mind I could kind feel the emotion through the lyrics and the tune. Its been years since I have cried, and I wish I could but tears just won't come. Not sure if I lost the ability to feel truly sad. But having a smile on all the time have been tiring me.

Music can really relate me to a past event. Its sure brings back a lot more memory than photos for me.

Edited by ΓΛΡΤΘΓ, 18 January 2011 - 14:01.

[deltaepsilon]

He's too busy wondering if the music sounds good enough through his uber headphones.

[Sgt. Rho]

A bit late, but anyway: Music and Movies, then a few certain games.

Edited by Sgt. Rho, 23 February 2011 - 23:19.