13: UNRAVELING THE MYSTERIES OF OUR MINDS & BODIES AT THE MOVIES
A Glimpse into the World of Neurocinema & the Marvel Universe's Highly Awaited “Echo”(Which Launches on Apple TV+ Tomorrow)!
Hey Film Buff & Beyond!
Ready for some excitement?
Maybe you’re like me and when it comes to scary movies your personal faves lean towards “Jurassic Park” and old-school horror like Freddy Krueger of Psycho? Or maybe you’re more like my oldest son, Angus, and his dad, who can’t wait until "Echo," a stunning addition to the Marvel universe, debuts on Apple TV+ tomorrow, January 10, 2024?! Either way, the upcoming release of Echo, brings us an opportunity to explore the fascinating concept of “Neurocinema” - and discover how that’s connected to body language.
Soooo before we jump into the Marvel universe, let’s first take a peek into why you may want to read this newsletter and what is “Neurocinema.”
Why Neurocinema Matters & Why You Should Read This Newsletter
Alright, let's DRIVE into this cool concept called Neurocinema - it's like the secret sauce of movie magic, but with a brainy twist! Imagine strapping on a bunch of sensors and watching a movie. These gadgets are like mind-readers, tracking your brain waves, heart rate, body language and even eye movements to see what parts of the flick really get your neurons dancing (more about this below).
It's like your body's telling its own story, right alongside the movie. And this newsletter is going to take you into a journey of discovering how movies are nudging your behavior.
Here are 2 Benefits You’ll Receive by Reading this Newsletter
1 Be Part of the Future of Filmmaking: Neurocinema isn't just a fancy term; it's shaping the future of how movies are made. By understanding how viewers physically and emotionally react to films, directors and writers can create even more engaging and impactful experiences. Reading this newsletter puts you at the forefront of this cinematic revolution, giving you a sneak peek into how tomorrow's blockbusters will be crafted.
2. Enhance Your Movie-Watching Experience: Imagine knowing the science behind why you love certain movies. This newsletter not only satisfies your curiosity but also enhances your appreciation of films. You'll start noticing nuances you never picked up before, making every movie night an opportunity for a fascinating exploration of your own mind and body responses.
In short, this newsletter is like a VIP ticket to understanding the fascinating interplay between your brain, body, and the big screen. It's a journey into the heart of what makes movies magical and how they resonate with us on a deeply personal level. So, grab your popcorn, get comfy, and get ready to explore the captivating world of Neurocinema!
What Exactly is “Neurocinema”- I Need More Cool Info. J-9 (Yup, that’s my nickname)?!
O-kay, here you go friend…
Imagine you're in a movie theater, but instead of just chilling with your popcorn and unsweet ice tea you snuck in from McDonalds, you're hooked up to all these gadgets that are reading your mind. Yeah, you heard that right. This isn't sci-fi; it's Neurocinema baby!
Neurocinema is where filmmaking meets neuroscience. It's the study of how our brains react to movies, using tools like fMRI to understand viewers' responses to different cinematic elements.
So, here's how it goes down: as you're watching the movie, these high-tech gizmos are tracking your brain waves, your heart rate, even the tiny twitches in your face. It's like they're eavesdropping on your brain's conversation with the movie. You get scared during a horror scene? Boom, Neurocinema knows it. Laughing at a joke? It catches that too. It's like having a super-smart buddy who knows exactly what you're feeling, without you saying a word.
Scare Tactics: Inside Your Brain's Haunted House
Alright, sister/brother, buckle up 'cause I'm about to drop some spooky science on you straight outta Finland. So, these brainy folks at the University of Turku decided to get their Halloween on early and study how horror movies mess with our brains. They had people watch "Insidious" and "The Conjuring 2" – yeah, those are the ones that make you check under your bed twice before sleeping.
Here's the deal: they put viewers in this giant donut-looking thing, an MRI machine, to spy on their brain activity. It's like they're saying, "Hey brain, what's up when you get scared?" Turns out, our brains are like world-class DJs, mixing tracks of fear and excitement.
When the movie's building up suspense, your brain's visual and audio departments are turning up the volume, looking out for those creepy cues. It's like your brain's playing detective, searching for the boogeyman.
Preparatory sustained awareness: When you have an impending feeling of dread.
Acute fight-or-flight responses: What happens with a jump scares.
But wait, it gets better. When the big scare hits – you know, the jump-out-of-your-seat kind – different parts of the brain light up like a Christmas tree. These parts are all about emotion, threat-checking, and quick decisions. It's like your brain's putting on a superhero cape, ready to save the day.
The fun part? Our brains are always one step ahead, like they're playing chess with the movie. They're constantly prepping for action, making us ready to bolt or fight off imaginary movie monsters. These Finnish wizards found out that horror movies are basically brain trainers, keeping our minds sharp and excited.
During periods of anticipatory dread, brain regions associated with visual and auditory perception were more active, indicating heightened attention to potential threats. In contrast, during jump scares, there was increased activity in areas involved in emotion processing, threat evaluation, and decision making, enabling rapid responses to perceived threats.
So next time you're watching a horror flick and feel your heart racing, remember, it's not just you – your brain's having its own thrill ride. And thanks to these Finnish researchers, we now know our brains are the real MVPs of movie night!
Movie above: BrainCraft is written and hosted by Vanessa Hill for PBS Digital Studios. Talking psychology, neuroscience & why we act the way we do.
How Body Language Influences Our Perception
Did you know that an actor's body language often precedes their spoken words? That split-second difference is what separates a stellar performance from an average one. When we watch actors on screen, our brains are not just passive observers; they're actively decoding a plethora of non-verbal signals.
Research from the University of Chicago Medicine shows how we interpret body language is deeply rooted in our social connections and mental representations of others. When observing actions, especially of those we're close to, our mirror neuron system lights up, mirroring these actions as if we are performing them. This phenomenon extends beyond personal interactions to how we perceive characters on screen, influencing how we relate to and believe in the characters we see.
But that's not all. When we immerse ourselves in intense movies like the old school Hitchcock hits and Marvel’s new highly anticipated "Echo," our brains go on a wild ride. A study in “Nature Communications” discovered distinct brain states during movie watching, with recurring patterns of activity across various brain networks. Another fascinating study by Mount Sinai revealed that our reaction to violent scenes is influenced by our inherent brain circuitry and aggression levels. It's like each person's brain experiences the movie in its own unique way.
Future of Cinema
Let's talk about the interactive future of cinema, where movies are getting all up in our brains and changing based on our reactions. It's like neuroscience and filmmaking had a baby, and it's a fascinating field!
Check this out, there's this movie called "Before We Disappear" that uses fancy tools to analyze your face and emotions. It's like the movie can read your mind! It measures stuff like how your facial muscles move, how strong your emotions are, and whether you're feeling positive or negative vibes. And get this, based on all that, the movie can change its story on the spot! It's got like 500 different versions and different endings, all based on how you're feeling. Talk about personalized entertainment!
But wait, there's more! They're also using Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) in cinema. That's some next-level stuff right there. Researchers have created systems that let multiple brains interact with a movie at the same time. Imagine a live cinema event where everyone's brains are connected and influencing the film's narrative. It's like a brain party! They even visualized the brain activity as different colors, so you can see how engaged everyone is. It's mind-blowing!
These advancements are changing the game, my friend. Instead of just sitting back and watching, we can actually be a part of the movie. Our emotions and thoughts can shape the story. It's like we're co-directors or something. And it's not just about entertainment, it's about understanding how we all connect and engage with each other. This technology has so much potential, from storytelling to audience interaction to psychological research. It's a whole new era in the art and science of filmmaking, and I'm excited to see where it takes us!
Now Let’s Chat About the Marvel of "Echo"
We’ve chatted about why you should read this newsletter, what is Neurocinema, how body language influences our perception, the future of cinema, and last, but not least, let’s end with where this newsletter was inspired from earlier today… “Echo!”
"Echo", the latest cinematic marvel hitting Apple TV+ tomorrow, is set to be a sensory extravaganza, a true feast for the mind and body - Neurocinema at its finest! This isn't your typical superhero movie. Instead, it ventures into a realm where the lines between reality and illusion blur, offering a thrilling ride through a landscape filled with stunning visuals and heart-pounding action. The story revolves around a protagonist who navigates a world where sound creates visual echoes, painting a vivid tapestry of color and light with every noise. This unique concept promises to engage not just your eyes and ears but your entire sensory system.
Now, as I mentioned at the top of this newsletter, these high-octane movies aren't exactly my cup of tea, however, my oldest son, Angus, and his dad are gearing up for the premiere like it's a major sporting event. They're the type to get completely immersed in such intense, action-packed worlds - maybe you can relate?!
Well, evidently, "Echo" seems tailor-made for viewers like them (and perhaps you). I'm curious to hear your take on the experience - and what you think. How will your heart race during the climactic battles? Will your skin tingle during suspenseful moments? And most intriguingly, how will your brain react to this innovative audio-visual spectacle?
Grounding Techniques Post-Movie
Alright, so you just watched a movie that had your heart racing faster than me running from a pretend spider (just kidding, but not really). Now you're feeling all amped up with anxiety buzzing through you like you've had five espresso shots. Here's how you're gonna chill out, Janine Driver style!
First, do the "5-4-3-2-1" game. It's like hide and seek but with your senses. Look around and name five things you can see – maybe a funny photo, your funky socks, anything. Then, four things you can touch – like that comfy couch, your own hands (yep, they're still there!). Three things you can hear – is that your dog barking at your neighbor who is outside smoking or is that a comedy show in the background? Now, two things you can smell – if it's your gym shoes, I apologize. And one thing you can taste – mint gum, perhaps?
Next, try some deep belly laughs – like you're watching Bridesmaids (for the 10th time). Laughing can actually trick your body into thinking, "Hey, we're having FUN here, no time for anxiety!"
Finally, shake it out. Literally, shake your body like you're doing the world's weirdest dance-off. Arms, legs, everything. This helps release that extra energy.
Remember, it's like turning off a movie after it ends. Even Hitchcock wished he could go back and not have a young boy carrying a bomb have the bomb go off on the bus. He said it didn’t give the viewers a “release” and they were angry! Your brain needs to switch off from that intense mode and realize it's just you, chilling in your awesome life, minus the dramatic soundtrack!
Final Thoughts
Neurocinema and body language are transforming movie experiences. Neurocinema reads our emotional responses, like a friend who knows when we're scared or moved. Our body language unwittingly reveals our reactions, guiding the film's direction.
Imagine films adapting in real-time to our feelings – lessening scares if we're frightened, adding excitement if we're bored. This fusion of technology and human response is personalizing cinema, making the future of movies about engaging with our emotions as much as the on-screen action.
Keep the popcorn popping,
Janine
P.S. Because you matter to me, I’d love to know what your thoughts are about this newsletter AND the Marvel universe’s new movie, “Echo.” I’m waiting to hear from you! (#NoCap)
Resources
Neurocinematics Study: "Neurocinematics: The Neuroscience of Film," *Projections.* This study delves into how films can manipulate viewers' brain activity.
Nature Communications Study: "Movie viewing elicits rich and reliable brain state dynamics." *Nature Communications.* Explored synchronized brain activity during movie watching.
Mount Sinai Study: "New Study Examines Impact of Violent Media on the Brain." *Mount Sinai - New York.* Focused on individual differences in processing violent scenes.
University of Chicago Medicine Study:** "How the brain reads body language." *UChicago Medicine.* Highlighted the mirror neuron system's role in interpreting body language.
Vidaurre, D., Abeysuriya, R., Becker, R. et al. "Movie viewing elicits rich and reliable brain state dynamics." Nature Communications 10, 5009 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-12515-9
Lahnakoski, J. M., Glerean, E., Jääskeläinen, I. P., Lampinen, J., Sams, M., Tikka, P. "Brain hemodynamic activity during viewing and re-viewing of comedy movies explained by experienced humor." Scientific Reports 7, 13652 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-13320-8
University of Turku. "Horror movies manipulate brain activity expertly to enhance excitement." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 24 January 2020. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/01/200124104518.htm>.
Hudson, M., Seppälä, K., Putkinen, V., Sun, L., Glerean, E., Karjalainen, T., Karlsson, H. K., Hirvonen, J., Nummenmaa, L. "Dissociable neural systems for unconditioned acute and sustained fear." NeuroImage, 2020; 116522 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116522.