A Field In England: the appeal of arthouse film

The Appeal of Arthouse Film

1) Suggested audience pleasures:

One of the most common things that society/the public want to see in an Artouse film is a change in the narrative. This is because Hollywood productions tend to resolve the narrative at the end of the film. All films created by them follow a similar structure of resolving the equilibrium. Those who watch these films (which can be the entire world) would expect to see some form of resolution towards the end of their film as they are so used to seeing them. However, Arthouse films challenges this 'common' way of structuring and telling the narrative. As a result, those who watch the Arthouse films are going to be more entertained as the outcome of the narrative will be completely different to what they usually see on screen.

Moreover, another form of pleasure that audience gets from Arthouse films is the use of difficult narrative. This is because people enjoy seeing something new and not the same thing being played again but with different actors. Audiences like to be challenged, to understand the storyline and the direction in which the story is going. This makes the audience understand what is exactly going on and makes them extremely engaged to the screen. Arthouse films go about a different way in telling the story. They could have subtitles (if it were a foreign film) which would help the audience to understand what is happening but will challenge them in the sense of what is about to happen etc. An example of this, is the film known as 'Lore'. This film is about World War 2, however it is told very differently than compared to ordinary historical related films.

2) Audiences struggle with arthouse film:

Arthouse films tend to be foreign, however a few of them do tend to be in English as well. These films do tend to be a mainstream film from their country of origin, however it is classed as Arthouse as it is built on the foundations for artistic purposes rather than commercial (which is what some Blockbuster films distributors do). Audiences struggle to adapt their mindset from what they usually watch which is often mainstream films) to an entirely different film in general. This difference makes it extremely difficult for audiences to watch Arthouse films as they are so used to watching mainstream big blockbuster type films.

Another struggle in which audiences have over Arthouse films is that they do not tend to follow the equilibrium structure that mainstream films do. This theory refers back to the media theorist known as Todorov who described the structure of films in a three way structure. Here is the example:

• Equilibrium (the state of the story at the beginning is normal)
• Disequilibrium (there is an even that occurs which changes the narrative negatively)
• New equilibrium (order is restored and the disequilibrium is destroyed)

This is an example of the three lane structure in which traditional blockbuster (and famously known films) take in its narrative structure. This is the way in which the film projects the narrative to the audience and builds anticipation. On the other hand is Arthouse cinema who portrays the narrative of (most of) their films in a different way. They tend to change the three lane structure of Todorovs theory and challenge it. Instead, the films displayed (and that are categorised as) Arthouse films would either start with a dis-equilibrium or would end with one. The problem that audience's would face is that they do not want to watch a film that will leave them disappointed that order wasn't restored in the films narrative. And it is this change in films narrative structure that puts off audiences from watching Arthouse films.


3) Extent of audience. such as middle class and older audiences:

Arthouse films are only for the middle and upper class to a large extent. One reason is because of the prices that the tickets offer. Arthouse cinema in general is different from the mainstream cinema chains. Arthouse is a chain of independent cinemas which put on films that are not targeted for a mainstream audience. It is this, the style and feel, of this unique and different cinema that makes the price so much more than compared to Vue or Odeon. The most common form of mainstream cinema chains (Vue and Odeon) put on films which carry a simple narrative in which is filled with famous faces to increase anticipation for the film. It is this 'common' style that does put some people off from watching a blockbuster again they believe they are seeing the same thing again but with different faces. Arthouse cinema is different. It has a new approach to films in general. It challenges the mainstream ideology of mainstream narrative and projects film that break that mainstream feel. The reason why the middle class and upper class are more likely to go and watch a film in an Arthouse cinema is because it breaks that mainstream feel that audiences are so used to. The lower and working class would not be able to afford to buy an Arthouse ticket due to its expense from mainstream cinema chains and would not care about the content they are watching. They just want to watch films for escapism rather than just the plot and narrative segments of it.

Another reason why it is for the middle and upper class is due to the interior. The interior of an Arthouse cinema is completely different and unique from the mainstream cinema chains that everyone goes to. It is visually pleasing as it isn't just ordinary seats, there are beds as well as sofas as well as footstools to increase comfortability. The reason why middle and upper class would go to an Arthouse cinema is because it treats them with more respect. There is luxury around them and buy purchasing an expensive ticket, they are purchasing for the experience as well as the feel of an Arthouse cinema. It is the differentiation of visuals that make those with money spend more because it is good value for money as they are being more treated with experience.

Finally, another reason why Arthouse cinema is for the upper and middle class is due to the type target market and marketing for this cinema. Arthouse cinema isn't there to attract everyone. It is there to attract certain amount of people. People who have money to spend, people who love to spend their time in a comfortable area. These characteristics separate the public into their potential audience. Arthouse cinema has presented its brand image as luxurious and prestige, by having beautiful lounges and making themselves stand out from  the mainstream cinema chains. Lower class wouldn't care much about the visuals as they would purchase the ticket to watch the film and that's (not taking the feel and experience in to consideration).

4) A Field In England's possible target audience:

I think that the possible target audience for A Field In England would be the upper and more older class (and aged) audience. This is because the theme of the film. The film is based/set in a far ages period in England (possibly the Edwardian period). This gives little hints at the possible audience in which this film is targeting.

First of all is the historical background and setting. If the film is being in a period far back in time in England, it would make sense that those who are knowledgeable and are well educated would understand the context of this film as well as understand its historical background. This reveals that the film tends to attract educated people.

This brings us on to the next point, upper class and older aged people. Generally, the upper class are those who have more money (due to their status as well as job title). This generally means that the uper class have well paid jobs thus meaning that they are well educated. Then we have the older aged audience. Since this film is set a long time ago, it is the older age demographic that would be interested in this type of film due to their heritage or even their love for history. Stereotypically, people refer to older people as lovers of black and white films as well as older aged films. Although stereotypes tend not to be true, this one seems to be true as the majority of monochromatic films are enjoyed and best viewed by the older age demographic. A Field In England is set in a monochromatic style which can attract this demographic as well as the upper class to be more likely to watch this type of film.