A practice-based investigation into the process of film reception in the context of the modern era

Abstract

The Spectator of Modernity is a practice based thesis that investigates the process of Film Reception from the perspective of the film as experienced by the individual and her/his apprehension of the interaction between the fictional world on screen and the everyday world. The written component of the project positions the historical context and explores the theoretical notions for the understanding of film-viewing as a decidedly modern activity of special significance for the individual's permanent quest for meaning. Accompanying the written element, an original audiovisual piece amalgamates the real life testimonials of memorable film experiences which form the qualitative analysis of the research, with the story of a fictional character wandering in the location of the city. The activity of the character, driven to investigate the memorable film experience and in permanent search for a way to reengage in a meaningful relationship with everyday reality, is argued that is analogous to the activity of film-viewing. Following the considerations of the theory and the findings of the qualitative analysis of the project, the audiovisual piece suggests that watching a film is as a form of flanerie carried out inside the cinema, through which the individual seeks to assign meaning to the transient and fragmented events of modern life.