Why Film Selection Is Important: Why Movie Selection Is Important

Courtney Rader
Jan Jennings
English 1010
25 June 2017
Why Movie Selection is Important
The effects that comedies, action, and scary movies can cause to a person can be long-term or short-term problems. “A new U-M study shows that long-term effects can linger even into adulthood.” (DeGroat). Research also shows that these types of movies can result in health conditions, mental instability, and avoidance of real life situations that resemble what has caused the trauma. Issues such as inability to sleep through the night and obsessive thinking or talking about the frightening experience are commonly reported. Comparing “5 Scientific Ways Watching Movies Effects You” (Bengamin) and “Scary Movies Can Have Lasting Effects On Children And Teens”

Benjamin states that when a person gets scared and their adrenaline rises, this alone can make that person relive any repressed traumatic memories they may have. DeGroat mainly focuses on what the movies can do physical such as crying, screaming, nausea, fear of losing control, or even fear of dying. There are many issues that arise from watching horror films, and this essay points out just how wide the variety is. One difference in the essays is that DeGroat states ways to cope with these fears. “For example, those younger at exposure relied more heavily on behavioral coping strategies (covering their eyes, leaving the room, hugging a pillow), while those older at the time of viewing used cognitive strategies. (reassuring oneself that ‘it’s just a movie’ or ‘this could ever happen in real life’)” (DeGroat). While Benjamin only fixated on only one point, DeGroat discussed multiple areas, focusing on Real life

Both authors converse about how age is a primary factor in determining how specific movies effect the mind, how they can manipulate health conditions, and how the movies can cause problems for people in day-to-day life. In similar fashion, the essays contain multiple data studies on the effects movies can have on a person. The differences, as mentioned, are minor. While Benjamin focusses on more than one point of view, For example, the good and the bad effects, DeGroat focuses on only one- negative effects. Both author’s essays contain proven studies to back up their statements, and both make strong points when explaining their reasoning.

Works Cited
Benjamin, Kathy. “5 scientific Ways Watching Movies Effects You.” Pajiba.com, 3 Sep. 2016.
DeGroat, Bernie. “Scary Movies Can Have Lasting Effects On Children and Teens, Study Says. ”The University Record, 26 Mar. 1999,