Films – art or entertainment is perhaps one of the most ecstatically debated topics for years together. But the BIG question still remains, ‘Have we actually arrived at a coherent analysis yet?’
Films, since its inception has been one of the finest forms of expression for the auteur who conceptualizes and creates them. Therefore, it’s always considered a manifestation of the auteur’s creativity. Films made in every era have portrayed the frame of the contemporary society and it’s purely the audience’s discretion to accept it as an artistic expression or an entertainment appeal. Even period films like the Gladiator have not only wooed the niche audience of ‘art cinema’ lovers, but also those who come to the theaters to watch the film - for a few hours of entertainment.
Is art an entertainment? Serious sentiments have been shared by a section of film lovers who consider ‘film as an art to be directly proportional to film as entertainment’. However, the debate still persists over the thought ‘Isn’t art an entertainment in itself?’ Are we not supposed to be entertained by art? Well, moderates would say film as an art is a form of self expression and it completely depends on the aesthetic sense of the individual viewer, if he or she derives entertainment appeal from the art form, i.e. film.
However, strong exception has been a taken in considering ‘film as an art’ to be a form of entertainment; some even going to the extent of quoting it as a ‘prejudiced’ definition of art. The generalized opinion is that, an individual may seek entertainment from an art (film), but it cannot be categorized as an entertainment in itself.
Art is always inspired from reality - it teaches, enlightens, saddens and even enlivens; while, entertainment in the form of films is a diversionary. It is meant and created to be an artistic medium to distract you from the reality of life, from your daily woes and tribulations in life and transcend you to a world of illusion crafted by the auteur. Now, isn’t that why you go to see a film after all?
Film is an art form. It is true that films are the only medium where life imitates art. While some films are made only for entertainment (a.k.a distraction), some films in spite of their abstract presentation and realistic storyline make an impressive artistic statement. However, the unified view is that film is an art, but art is relative; and so also is entertainment.