Do you like to analyze movies?

[diamondwaspvenom]

As the question asks, do you people as film fanatics like to analyze film? When viewing a movie, do you tend to look for symbolism or commentary on social classes, dominant ideologies, etc. ?

Well, I certainly do. It helps me appreciate the movie more.

[crackers]

I can understand why people do, but I tend to just take them for what they are.

[InformationGeek]

I tend more analyze a movie more on its aspects; rather than its elements, messages, symbolism, and morals.  As such, I tend to miss those key things which often ends up being the main point to a movie in some cases.  So, I sort of analyze a movie, but in the way you are asking.

[Flick James]

I voted yes, because I do enjoy it. However, it depends on the movie and my mood as to whether or not I want to at the time.

[Flangepart]

I voted yes, because I do enjoy it. However, it depends on the movie and my mood as to whether or not I want to at the time.

On that note...
If the flick annoys me, I'll start riffing, which is a form of analytical thought...with attitude.

[LilCerberus]

In "Born Losers", Tom Laughlin holds his rifle as though he's compensating for something...

[Jack]

No, symbolism or social commentary in movies tends to be about as subtle as a baseball bat to the face.  I find it doesn't require much analysis on my part to understand.

[tracy]

I do sometimes....depending upon the film. With comedies I will generally just sit back and enjoy them. However,tons of social commentary/symbolism tends to get on my nerves....I'm not too into movies that try to "put me in my place" or label my opinions in comparison to theirs. Probably why I love a good bustin' chops action film.

[Kaseykockroach]

I wish I could. I can't write to save my life.

[Flick James]

No, symbolism or social commentary in movies tends to be about as subtle as a baseball bat to the face.  I find it doesn't require much analysis on my part to understand.

Any maybe I like analyzing baseball bats to the face. You got a problem with that?

[Olivia Bauer]

Good movies, bad movies, whatever. I critique everything I watch because I love it. I'm glad someone posted this poll, It's actually a passion of mine. I don't feel as happy as when I sit down and watch a movie with someone and I actually get to comment on it. I tell jokes and bring up plot holes and when I do this around my Dad, he loves it. Dad and I go back and forth making fun of movies like we're on an episode of MST3K. It's the best! 

[zombie no.one]

I like how on the main forum index, this thread at the top means it just says "Do you like to analy..." .  how rude

regarding the question, every conscious thought involves a modicum of analysis so it depends how deeply you mean... in general I like to take films at face value. I see a martian alien ripping the limbs off a teenager as exactly that, and as not a metaphor for the government vs the people or something

[66Crush]

I think we all do to a certain extent. I don't always sit down with the idea of picking a film apart. However there are times when I as a bad movie fan, will watch a movie I know is going to be bad for the simple joy of picking it apart. If I have no expectations from a film I will watch it, and whatever happens, happens.

[Mofo Rising]

I analyze everything, from the sandwich I'm eating to the last stupid joke I heard.

Analyzing movies is a good thing. Most movies have an overarching viewpoint, and it's often hidden because no filmmaker wants to come off as didactic. Point taken, though, most films are as subtle as a sledgehammer, and those with an agenda are usually the worst movies.

But it's fun when you notice that the words and images collide together to say something greater than is evident on a surface level. I'm not saying every film is as loaded with meaning as a Kubrick film, but it's usually there.

But I'm no elitist. If all a film is saying is zombie/shotgun/face, I'm right on board.

[The Burgomaster]

I do analyze movies, but I don't sit there burning my brain while I'm watching the movie and I don't dwell on the movie endlessly after I watch it.  One topic that does run through my mind constantly while I'm watching movies is association with other movies, books, TV shows, etc.  My brain is always popping out stuff like, "This scene is almost a complete copy of a scene in an old episode of COLUMBO" or "This dialogue is almost a complete rip-off of a conversation in SERPICO" or whatever.