I sent this a few days ago---I thought I sent it to the list but it appears I may have sent it to Simone privately (or maybe not----I am definitely NOT on top of my computer's quirks) If I am repeating myself, please forgive me. In a message dated 96-08-15 10:46:26 EDT, you (Simone) write: > I personally feel it is very distancing, because I >can't relate to the characters. Do you think that such >characters are a result of people in Hollywood being out of >touch with average people, and that the audience out there >would like to see more characters like themselves? Or do >you think that Hollywood is right in offering people >escapism - that this is what people still want? I hope that my answer doesn't start a thread of sexists accusations (and my comments are meant in a general manner----there are certainly many "exceptions" on an individual level) but here goes my thoughts. One of the ways that men and women actually differ is in the type of stories that each find interesting. As a rule, women are interested in character motivations, interactions, and relationships whereas men are primarily interested in action (this is not just my opinion----there are studies to support this although I have to admit being unable to cite any specifics at the moment). This is one of the ways that movies become "defined" as a "woman's" film or a "man's" film. An example of the difference might be a film that centers around a pair of police officers-----in a "woman's" movie the film could start with one officer waking up beside his wife, perhaps contrasted by the other officer waking up alone in an empty, cluttered apartment.. There could be several minutes of footage showing the family guy interacting with his family, followed by more minutes of interacting with other officers before meeting his partner and going on patrol----basically the film invests some time to establish the "who" and the "why" of the characters. Most men tolorate this "preamble" graciously, but would be just as happy to have the film start with the two officers sitting in a patrol car just seconds before getting into a wild car chase/shootout. Another words (generally speaking), women are more interested in the people (who and why) and men are more interested in the action (what and how). That is, I think, one reason you won't see too many of life's mundane hurdles (quality housing, affording college, etc.) on film, unless it is in a film that is "designated" as a "woman's" film (or integral to the plot). Another factor is that (I believe) people prefer to identify with characters that they would like to be (or to be like)---that is usually the case with standard written fiction and I see no reason why film should differ greatly. On a personal note (speaking only for myself), I prefer escapism in film (unless I am watching PBS or something else educational in nature)----that is generally the whole point of seeing a film for me. If I want real life, I can watch the news or talk to my neighbors, basically I can intereact with the real world in any number of ways-----when I decide to see a movie, I am paying money to be entertained in a manner not commonly available outside of film. Having said all that let me add that I hope that I haven't offended (or bored) anyone with my comments and I hope Simone, that you have much luck in finding films enjoyable to yourself. Mike ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]