Films are updated versions of myths for the modern day. The core definition of sacred stories that are not necessarily true in every detail, yet have some higher meaning and importance still rings true in films as in classic myths. However, film brings something new to the table: the visual element. Film's audiovisual nature is an answer to the problem that is skepticism of the concept of blind faith. Many people refuse to believe something if there isn't tangible proof; people want answers, not hypotheses and so blind faith is not appealing. In Films, there are specific moments and quotes that a viewer can recall visually that reinforce the power of the myth. The visual aspect separates the viewer from the film as well, because the world depicted visually in the film is clearly not the life that the viewer leads. Myths are supposed to transport the viewer/listener into another world where they must suspend his or her disbelief for the time being. Film is a perfect example of that: the viewer has not directly experienced the that which is told and shown in the film, yet they can identify with the emotions and occurrences portrayed; they tear up at sad moments and laugh along at funny moments. In his book "Religion and Film: Cinema and the Recreation of the World", S Brent Plate argues that myths "become true because [they are] told and because [they are] believed" (Plate, Ch. 1, "Visual Mythologizing", p. 4). Myths become a personal truth as the listener begins to identify with them; and the same goes for films. It is at this point that films stop being an escape from reality and instead become an extension of the viewers' reality.
I am a huge fan of the filmmaker Wes Anderson. Two of his greatest strengths are how visually stunning yet surreal looking his films are and his distinctive techniques in providing background. He writes intricate plots and complex characters, but the viewers are never lost because Anderson makes sure to guide them through each twist and turn. The following clip is from his 2001 film The Royal Tenenbaums, which details the successes and downfalls of the dysfunctional Tenenbaum family.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYLpm7tEZiY
The plot, characters, and visual world created in the film are all surreal. There is a distinct separation between the world of the Tenenbaums and the real world, which forces the viewers to escape and let this new world be explained to them. Yet, in understanding this new, separate world that the Tenenbaums live in, the viewer finds personal attachment to certain images, moments, scenes, etc. that become real rather than surreal.
Does reality or surreality foster a greater connection to a myth?
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