The Role of Audiences in Cinema

Early cinema, like the Lumière Brothers’ Cinématographe, established film as a shared experience. Gripsrud and Lavik argue that movies are defined by being shown to a group audience. Although audiences are made up of different types of people, early films often showed them as easily scared. For example, it was rumored that Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat frightened viewers so much that they ran away, though this was likely exaggerated. Even early on, audiences understood that films were not real, and they enjoyed the emotional thrill—just like today’s viewers do with horror films, 3D, or VR.

Audience Research Beyond the Cinema

Audience reactions are not only about enjoyment but also reflect cultural values. Richard Dyer and Jackie Stacey studied specific groups (like LGBTQ+ people and female viewers) and how they related to stars, often showing deeper social issues. This research shows that audiences are not just passive—they can influence how movies are understood in culture. There is also the idea of an “aca-fan,” where some people are both fans and scholars. This role tries to balance personal enjoyment with a critical view.

Different Ways to Interpret Animation

When studying animation, scholars usually aim for an objective view, rather than just personal opinion. For example, Daniel Szczechura’s film The Journey uses a slower pace, encouraging audiences to interpret it in their own way. Likewise, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has been reinterpreted by some viewers with LGBTQ+ themes, showing how personal and cultural backgrounds can give new meanings to a work. These different ways of understanding show that animation isn’t just for telling stories; it’s also a space where audiences can find their own meanings and connections.

Some personal idea

I think audiences do more than just watch animation—they bring their own feelings and ideas to it. This can make the story feel different for each person. So, animation becomes a place where people can find their own meanings and connect with it in personal ways.