Uses and Gratification theory

Uses and Gratifications Theory (PIES)

Personal Identity -

finding reinforcement for personal values, finding models of behaviour, identifying with another (in media), gaining insight into ones self.

Information - 

finding out about relevant events and conditions in immediate surroundings, society and the world, seeking advice on practical matters or opinion and decision choices, satisfying curiosity and general interest, learning, self-education, gaining a sense of security through knowledge.

Entertainment - 

escapism, being diverted from problems, relaxing, emotional release, aesthetic/cultural/sexual pleasure, filling time.

Social Interaction and Integration - 

gaining insight into circumstances of others; social empathy, identifying with others and gaining a sense of belonging, finding a basis for conversation and social interaction, having a substitute for real life companionship, helping carry out social roles, enabling one to connect with family, friends and society.

Why do people watch Thrillers ?

Using the uses and gratification theory i am able to see that most people watch Thrillers for the entertainment aspect of them, the information, and the social interaction, this is why it is a popular Genre. People most often watch Thrillers to be entertained and 'thrilled', this relates escapism, and emotional release because you get so into the film that you forget about your own problems in life and escape into it, feeling the emotions presented within the story. Thrillers aren't a relaxing film which you watch to switch off from your ordinary life, there is a lot of suspense and tension created and built up throughout. 

People may watch a thriller film to gain an insight into others' circumstances and identify with others, and there situations. They are also watched for social interaction and a basis for conversation. For example films are involved in social gatherings like trips to the cinema and film nights - this then creates a basis for conversation afterwards. A thriller film in particular can generate conversation because thrillers are not only action-packed but take a lot of thought to work out. People often try to keep up with the plot and figure out the plot twist before it is shown on screen, this then creates conversation because people like to show off the fact that they figured out the plot twist before on of their friends or family. 

people may want to watch a thriller for information purposes. There generally isn't a great deal a person can learn from a thriller but occasionally historical or social events are explored. For example the event of global warming is explored in many thrillers like 'The Day After Tomorrow'. Society around the world can be explored as thrillers can involve a lot of travelling, therefore seeing different parts of the world's differences. 

The call 

The Call is a suspense filled, thrilling film which engages the audience. Throughout the film the audience is entertained and trying to figure out the plot twist and the outcome. This creates communication, people who have attend the cinema or are watching the film together communicate about the plot.

This film also gives the audience insight into what its like to be taken and locked in the book of a car, which makes you feel connected with the film and understand the seriousness of the situation.

The theory also relates to the film because the audience get entertainment out of the thrilling plot, but the theory doesn't help you to realise why the film has been created and produced, which isn't a lot of help.

Taken

The film Taken engages the audience with it's intense plot, it's a circumstance which could happen in reality, which connects with the audience and becomes relates to them.




It causes a lot of conversation because the audience are competing with each other to figure out the plot first. It isn't clear to understand where the idea came from because you don't receive a back story from this theory.

Safe Haven

Safe Haven is a relatable film for the audience as it is based on a woman who is looking for 'true love' and a sense of 'safety'. It is relatable because many people want the same things, the audience connect with Katie, one of the main characters emotions and picture themselves in her situation. She is welcomed to a family, where the male character and two children are loving towards her, this also helps the audience connect with the film. 

The audience can also gain a lot of entertainment from the Thriller/Drama, you sit in your seats watching the tension build not understanding the plot completely, everybody trying to catch up and be that one step ahead so that they can figure out the plot. This creates communication and interaction as everyone is discussing their opinion. 

Although the audience get great entertainment from this film and all other Thriller films, you don't understand the reasoning for the plot to be thought of and filmed in the first place, therefore this theory isn't of use in this case.