Books vs. Movies
A countless number of Americans these days always want to see the newest releases of movies. It’s a new movie; I got to go see it! Too bad these individuals don’t say the same for a book. Many Americans have lost their sense of imagination due to producers wanting to make money and movies to entertain the public. By doing this they fail to understand that the attention span and imagination of Americans both young and old are being depleted, where as reading novels and short stories can bring this society to a balance.
Movies are considered to be the greatest form of entertainment. Many pay their money to see these movies and really get nothing out of it in return. While movies become a high demand, people’s attention span and imagination degenerates. Films take away from our mental state and we are not even aware of it. Individuals expect to see what they want to rather than expect what they don’t. Flicks also take away from our ability to concentrate. Watching movies we are forced to have a short attention span due to the constant switching of senses. It really doesn’t give us the chance to take in all what we see. As a result of this, Americans are less likely to pay attention or even selectively pay attention.
Though a majority of movies are just for entertainment purposes, there are those in which inform. These films show us about history instead of the usual reading it. Now, once we see these movies we get the impression that it is exactly what happened, but on the other hand it isn’t. Producers decide on adding unnecessary events and situations in these movies to make it more appealing t it’s viewers. By doing so, we as Americans are being falsely informed of historical events. This also goes for the movies that rise from novels. Again, producers and directors get creative happy and place all types of situations in these movies which never took place in the novel. If you are going to do something right do it and don’t try to change the original. Give credit when credit is needed.
Books, on the other hand, are the first form of entertainment since man was able to read and write. Books can be looked upon in a different perspective than movies. Novels and short stories can carry a person’s imagination and most of all concentration. It was said that novelists were the first psychologists and held the greatest imaginations. As Americans we need to take many pointers from these writers. Books are a better form of entertainment. You are able to feel the emotions and characters to a depth. Descriptions are too explicit and overwhelming, and situations can be often related to our lives at time to time. “It will overwhelm you Characters so real, you can feel you are reading about yourself” The Los Angeles Times said this. Also“ a great book is a landmark in American Literature” the Chicago Sun- Times said this. It is apparent that books have a greater effect on people rather than movies. Novels, short stories, poems and so forth have a better chance at expanding our horizons in a right and positive manner.
Books and movies can both be informative and entertaining, but it all comes down to whether or not if we want to establish our own imagination or not. By reading we have the ability to design our own characters to our liking and interpret what we read differently. Unlike movies, yes they are a great source of entertainment, but what is the use when every bit of detail is already established and gives us no choice on thinking. Don’t get it wrong, movies are great and some things are better of being seen than read, but you cant expands if you just stay focused in one area.
Works Cited
King, Stephen. IT: New York: Signet, 1986
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