The Power of Movies: How Screen and Mind Interact

Colin McGinn

February 13, 2007

The Power of Movies: How Screen and Mind Interact, by Colin McGinn, explores the power of movie images, and how they interact with the human mind. McGinn provides an accessible overview of film theory and applied psychology, and how movies can affect an audience’s emotional state, beliefs, and behavior. The book discusses the tremendous impact that moviemaking has had on popular culture, art, and even politics. It also examines how people interact with movie images, and explores the psychological components behind our fascination with films. The Power of Movies reveals how films help us to see the world differently, explore our feelings, and help us to understand others.McGinn provides readers with a comprehensive look at the many ways in which movies can profoundly shape our experiences. He looks at how the image of a single frame can carry more information than words can, and how films create a new form of communication. He uses films, from the classic to the obscure, to illustrate his points. He considers character development, lighting, effects, and the audience-film relationship in great detail. The Power of Movies demonstrates how films can transcend language and become an expression of emotion and thought.