Movies are simply more than just entertainment - they have the genuine power to make us laugh, cry, but most of all, feel deeply connected to fictional characters. Whether it’s a hero overcoming obstacles, struggling with a heartbreak, or even an outcast finding it hard to fit in with their peers, we may start imagining ourselves in their shoes. But have we ever wondered, ‘Why does this occur? How on earth do I feel sad while watching my absolute favourite series, even when I was overjoyed throughout the whole day?’ The answer simply lies in psychology, identification, but most of all, our ability to empathize.
We need to explore more thoroughly when it comes to this specific topic. Neuroscientists state that after watching someone experience emotions, our brains activate in a way that somehow mirrors their feelings. This is the concept of mirror neurons, also known as brain cells responsible for our understanding of one another. So when we watch a beloved character suffer, the mirror neutrons fire, triggering feelings of distress within us. Similarly, if one is celebrating, we’ll likely feel a surge of joy. This is called emotional resonance, and this specific mechanism keeps us on the edge of our seats, completely drawn to the character’s world. Some may even experience falling in love with a movie character. This is often a process of recognizing parts of ourselves which we never thought deeply about - our values, as well as dreams and fears. In the grand scheme of it, understanding how we form these intense relationships with movie characters allows us to dissect the human basic need of connection with others. Another beneficial concept is projection. There are times when we see parts of ourselves reflected in a character even though they might be in a completely different situation than we are. This demonstrates as to why someone who is currently suffering hardships identifies with a character who is also in a rough patch, even though the circumstances may vary from each other.
We tend to identify with characters who reflect aspects of our own experiences. Crucial factors, like age, personality, and culture influence who we become emotionally attached to most. Meanwhile, we also connect with people who represent who we want to be. This is why so many of us admire heroes - due to their qualities we aspire to have such as bravery, intelligence, or courage. Movies are some kind of escape from the real world since characters allow us to live through them. We watch them and experience adventures, victories as well as losses, which adds excitement to our rather mundane lives. Through this rollercoaster, we can express our emotions without the inner fear of judgment.
Our empathy for movie characters is a definite mix of factors as to why it occurs. Whether we see ourselves in their struggles, admire their strength, or just feel what they feel, movies allow us to experience life from different points of view, making us feel like we are not alone in what we’re facing. This ability to relate to fictional characters is simply the depth of emotions a human being has.
Bibliography
Mummy matters: Parenting and Lifestyle The Psychology Of Loving Fan Favourite Movie Characters: Why We Connect
Z. Clay, & M. Iacoboni Mirroring Fictional Others https://www.emory.edu/LIVING_LINKS/publications/articles/Clay_Iacoboni_2011.pdf
Frontiers in Psychology How Audiences Engage With Drama: Identification, Attribution and Moral Approval
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