On Film and Art

­­What is art? This question has been asked (and answered) hundreds of thousands of times, yet there doesn’t seem to be any concrete answer.

However, there’s actually a very simple solution to this: there isn’t any. This question of what art can truly be can never be solved; there are just too many varying opinions.

But putting that question aside, another factoid still remains: what is contained under the hood of “art?” Paintings? Music? Film?

What can all of these accomplish? I, personally, think film is another art form. But are they just a way to pass the time? Or are they something different?

That’s what I’m setting out to prove. Without further ado, I present to you:

On Film and Art

First off, I’ll give my interpretation of what art is: in my opinion, art is the expression and voice of a person’s feelings on a subject and, more importantly, emotions. Many good films are created not out of a sense for a quick buck, but are instead based on a foundation of passion. The best films that exist in the world today are created from true, unadulterated opinions; in other words, an artist’s expression.

However, this doesn’t mean that a movie is only created for a filmmaker’s personal gain; almost every single film is meant for other people, for another person’s learning. In fact, film can teach you about some very important things.

Let’s take a look at one of my favorite animated films: “Inside Out.” Yes, yes, it may just seem like a child’s film on the surface to some, but (if you’ve seen it) think about what it tries to convey. What’s the message it’s trying to get across?

All emotions are important. Throughout almost the entirety of the movie, the “Sadness” character is shown as useless, not needed, and unwanted. However, the more hints are given, and the final revelation is brought down upon us: sadness is necessary. Anger is necessary. Disgust is necessary. Fear is necessary. And, above all, joy is necessary. “Inside Out” taught me more about the necessity of emotions than any other form could have. Simply put, “Inside Out” changed my life.

There are so many other films out there like “Inside Out.” Films that have the ability to move, persuade, and accomplish so much; to change the lives of many others.

Though I watch a plethora of films/anime/the likes, some people claim that doing such is escapism. So, is what I’m doing technically escapism?

Escapism is a whole other thing; ‘escapism,’ for those who don’t know it, is when you decide to lather yourself in fiction; to become completely separated from the real world. For the record, I think escapism is horrible, and disrespects the medium of which you’re using. Film, nor any type of media for that matter, should not be consumed; it should be experienced. There is a clear, defined line between respecting, admiring, and experiencing art, and consuming it.

All in all, film is a beautiful thing. It has the utmost ability: to change a life (for the better, that is). It combines the grace of music, the irrefutability of imagery, and the magnificent sense of storytelling akin to a book. It gracefully weaves multiple aspects of other art forms, connects them, and creates something wholly unique.

Film is an art form, and a darn good one at that.

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