As an artistic person–and now a graphic designer–naturally, I have always loved movies for visual storytelling. But My husband is a film LOVER. He has shelves and shelves of Criterion Collection movies, and plans on adding to it forever. I honestly think that’s a big reason why he is one of the smartest people I know; watching all those movies is a catalyst to looking at the rest of the world with curiosity.
Since being married to him, I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone regarding what I watch. I now not only appreciate movies as an art form, but I feel as though I have developed as a person. My perspective has expanded, and I desire to delve deeper into subjects, exploring what is not initially apparent.
Let’s be real, not many people DON’T like movies. But here, I’m not talking about today’s formulaic money makers. While those are undoubtedly entertaining (believe me, I love Shrek…though I will argue Shrek is a trainwreck that turned into a masterpiece), I propose that watching a variety of films will make you a better designer and more importantly, a better person.
How?
1. It will open your perspective and allow you to live another reality
(I my opinion, the most important benefit of watching movies)
It can be hard to truly understand another person, when it's nothing like your own lived experience. However, with the immersive experience that movies create, that door opens. Suddenly you feel what this person feels. It sets the stage for necessary structured social and cultural reflection.
Watching La Haine was one of those experiences for me. I don't live in France and face racism and struggle in the same way that these characters do. But the way that movie moved me and the tears I shed for those experiences (that were based on reality)...it's not the same as reading the news.
Other movies that shifted my perspective fundamentally are:
- La Haine
- Crooklyn
Reference: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jclp.22997
2. Every bit of information you take in is stored in a library that will be used as a designer
Basically all knowledge is useful.
You never know when an idea will come in handy. A good example of this is the Ad-agency, Collins. Their Brooklyn office has a very impressive library with all types of books (5,543 to be exact)–including magic books.
3. Helps with stress
Movie allow you to escape your current state and reset. You can finally disconnect with that project that's needs to get finished tomorrow and that doctor's appointment in a few days and that errand you need to run but keep forgetting about and it just haunts you.
You can’t use your creativity to the fullest if you’re preoccupied with being stressed/ anxious/ etc.
Movies take me out of my life and help me return with a new perspective.
Spike Lee's Blackklansmen is tactfully serious when needed (as it is a serious topic), but he somehow manages to use humor to shine a light on the ridiculousness nature of the KKK, and the way I laughed.
4. Motivation when burnt out, and inspiration even when you're not
There’s a reason the credits of most movies go on forever: there are so many creative teams that work together to make a movie.
- Set design and props
- Costume design
- Filming techniques and perspective
- Coloring, lighting, and mood
- Typography with title and credits
- Sound and music
Designers that don’t limit themselves and look at other forms of design outside of their realm become great designers
The Zone of Interest contained some of the scariest noises I've ever heard in my live that I couldn't ever imagine. The level of skill and creativity that went into the sound and filming of this movie is incomprehensible. I somehow left this movie feeling so disturbed without having seen one scary image.
Trainspotting “Boyle uses striking colour schemes and innovative cinematography to make ordinary apartments seem doom-laden and nightmarish.”
5. An easy opportunity to exercise critiquing
As a designer, you must be able to share your thoughts and point of view clearly in a team and work setting. Similarly, As a human being, you will always be required to communicate with others thoughtfully.
ing reviews and discussions about the movie. Talk and think about this story and world that was created before your eyes!
A common movie that leaves people saying “I didn’t get it, it was weird” is Spirited Away. I think that’s a good thing. Tell me more! Sometimes it’s good to not be spoon fed the message.
Great designers alike have found inspiration from the world of cinema time and time again. There are SO MANY MOVIES out there, I promise there is something for everyone. And even if it doesn’t seem like you’re kind of movie, give it a try anyways.
