Plays Vs. Movies: What’s Your Choice in Visual Entertainment?
Plays and movies are both interesting visual entertainment mediums as they allow you to become immersed into a different world. Sometimes this world is just like our own, as the stories told reveal the triumphs and tribulations of a character in a modern setting. Other times plays or movies transport us into completely different settings, whether they are another place in time or a fantasy realm we could never experience in real life.
Yet, when it comes to culture, is it better to spend $50 on a live play versus $6 for a movie? I mean, let’s be honest, you basically have to take out a home equity release to cover the cost of going to a show. That being said, most English teachers would agree on the former, as many believe plays are more intellectual than movies and have more to offer the viewer.
And, in some ways this is true. Of the dozens of plays I’ve seen in my lifetime, almost all of them involved thought-provoking themes, even if they were considered comedies. This actually got the thought process working. People were doing more than just watching them. These themes were accentuated with the live performance, (as live acting allows you to better experience the emotions of a character). Live plays are quite the powerful visual entertainment in my opinion, although everyone’s opinion differs.
However, movies can be extremely powerful too. Consider films like Yentl or Beloved which present complex messages despite being movies. In fact, some of their themes are so powerful they could easily convert over into a play format.
Of course, some would argue that these movies are an exception, as most films are designed to satisfy immediate entertainment needs. That’s why there’s more of a focus on violence, sex and visual appeal. Plot is less important. But nonetheless, these movies are very close to an actual live play.
But with a play, a good plot is essential since the visual element is limited. If a playwright can’t properly connect their scenes, their work will become a flop. So, that’s why, (in my opinion at least), it’s VERY rare that you’ll come across a ’bad'play. But unfortunately, bad movies are a dime a dozen.
In conclusion, I understand why English teachers try to encourage their students to enjoy the type of cultural expression a play offers. However, the value of movies shouldn’t be dismissed either. Ultimately, I believe films can be more intellectual if movie-goers demand that type of thing. But until that happens, plays will still be considered a ’higher'form of visual entertainment.