Media Magazine: the appeal of arthouse cinema

Media Magazine: the appeal of arthouse cinema

Complete the following tasks to improve your understanding of arthouse film and the possible audience pleasures that the genre offers:

1) Read Beyond Hollywood: Reading Arthouse Cinema. This is in MM45 on page 24 - go to our Media Magazine archive to find the article. Sum up the article in one sentence.

2) What are some of the suggested audience pleasures for arthouse film?

Some audience pleasures for the arthouse film is personal identity. Arthouse films usually present more unique narratives which the audience can relate to or often learn something from it.

3) Why do some audiences struggle with arthouse film? Refer to some media theory here (there are some important media theories discussed in the article itself).

The ‘return to the equilibrium’ described by Todorov is often absent in arthouse cinema. In arthouse films there is no narrative structure which puts the audience off of watching arthouse films because it is difficult to understand the narrative.


4) To what extent is arthouse film only for the middle classes and older audiences? Why might this be the case? 

This might be the case because the younger generation are more into action films or are often at home watching Netflix. Furthermore, arthouse films doesn't get enough publicity hence why not a lot of people watch arthouse films. 

5) What type of audience would A Field In England appeal to?

The type of audience A Field In England would appeal to is most likely a middle-aged/ older audience.