Building That Connection

What are your favorite things about movies? Is it the world building? Is it the action, the drama, the romance or the comedy in movies? Well for me, it’s simply the characters. My favorite thing about movies is being introduced to new characters. You always have the Protagonist, our main character of the story, and the Antagonist, the villain of the story or, the counterpart of the protagonist. Although, is mainly having a protagonist and an antagonist, the marks of a great story? In my opinion, characters are the essential elements in any form of storytelling. The essence of building a connection with the characters to the audience is what makes up a good film.

Having watched a ton of films, I noticed what really keeps me invested in a film is the building of characters, and watching them confront changes. An example would be Iron man. The final scene in End Game, which was the end of Tony Stark’s arc, I was one of many fans who were saddened and affected by it. It was because of the 10 year story arc and journeying with Tony that had made me connect so much with him, that seeing his final scene deeply affected me, wishing that the movie ended differently. Seeing his character grow through the many films and watching him fight different battles, be it aliens or fighting his own ego, allowed me to form a bond with his character. As an audience I feel for him and seeing his flaws, I can relate too and am sure others can too. This is what I find so special about watching the journey of characters in the films.

When the movie begins, we are introduced to the character and it’s like you are meeting a stranger for the first time. The entire film is where you get to learn about them and you begin to watch them grow and change when they are confronted with their opposing beliefs. Many movies these days miss out the essential part of creating a character, and it’s building that connection with the audience. You can give the character all the superpowers, skills, talents you want but, if there’s no hint of humanity, growth, or change in them, there’s no way for the audience to connect with them.

I believe the key to captivating, and building a strong connection with the character is what makes up a great film. Walking out of a movie theatre and thinking about the things I’ve learned and connecting with the characters and villains are my favorite parts about movies. They make me reflect on life and myself. It’s because of great movies with great character build, that makes me eager to watch more films.