top of page
Writer's picturerobert porter

Six Reasons why Writing Film Reviews is Good for Mental Health


Red cinema seats in a movie theatre

Have you ever considered the therapeutic wonders of writing film reviews? Sure, we all love escaping into the magical world of cinema, but have you ever thought about how sharing your thoughts about those movies could actually be beneficial for your mental health? In this blog post, we examine why writing film reviews is silver screen therapy for your mental health.

I love going to the movies, and I try to go once each week if I can. But I used to observe that something interesting happened if I went to the cinema with no structured purpose. I would switch off and would not focus on the Acts and beats of the film. I wouldn’t observe the nuances of the characterisations or the dialogue, and I wouldn’t commit the names of the actors playing the lead characters to memory.

I used to write a lot on Medium, and so I began to write film reviews there, which forced me to concentrate on all these aspects of the movies I go to see, and to make notes about them as soon as I emerged from the cinema. This made me much more of a movie buff, and it remains my ambition to write up film reviews occasionally on the-successity-blog.com.

One thing I soon realised was that writing film reviews had an additional boon: all that focus and concentration, not to mention the deep sense of satisfaction I felt on publishing a film review, were extremely good for my mental health. Join me as we unravel six compelling reasons why putting your film fanaticism into words might just be the boost your mental well-being needs.


Expressive Outlet for Creativity

Writing film reviews offers a fantastic channel for your creative energy. When you immerse yourself in the process of dissecting a film—analysing its plot, characters, direction, and cinematography—you're essentially engaging your creative faculties. It’s not just about rating the movie; it's about crafting your thoughts into words. Expressing your opinions and insights about a film allows you to exercise your imagination and storytelling abilities.


Enhanced Cognitive Skills

Critiquing a film stimulates your cognitive functions. Writing reviews requires critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to articulate your viewpoints coherently. By evaluating a movie's storyline, character development, and technical aspects, you’re exercising your brain, honing your reasoning abilities, and refining your communication skills. It's like a mental gym workout that's both engaging and entertaining.


Encouraging Mindfulness and Focus

When you sit down to write a film review, you enter a state of mindfulness. You become fully absorbed in the movie’s nuances, paying attention to every detail. This deliberate focus helps in honing your ability to be present in the moment. By concentrating on the movie and your subsequent analysis, you're practicing mindfulness, a great way to alleviate stress and anxiety.


Community Engagement and Connection

Writing film reviews often opens the door to a community of like-minded individuals. Whether it's through personal blogs, social media, or online forums, sharing your reviews allows you to connect with other movie enthusiasts. Engaging in discussions, receiving feedback, and reading diverse perspectives not only broadens your horizons but also fosters a sense of belonging and connection. It’s a delightful way to form friendships and share mutual passions, providing a positive impact on your mental well-being.


Emotional Catharsis and Empowerment

Movies have a unique way of evoking emotions. Expressing your feelings about a particular film through a review is a form of emotional release. Whether a movie leaves you inspired, contemplative, or even frustrated, putting those emotions into words can be liberating. It’s an avenue for venting feelings, finding closure, and gaining a sense of empowerment through self-expression.


Promoting Self-Reflection and Growth

Writing film reviews is not just about the movies; it’s also about your personal growth. Exploring your thoughts, biases, and preferences through your reviews can be a journey of self-discovery. It encourages introspection—why certain stories resonate with you, what storytelling elements captivate your interest, and how your perspectives evolve over time. This self-reflection is an essential part of personal growth and self-awareness.

Conclusion In a nutshell, the process of writing film reviews transcends merely critiquing a movie. It's a therapeutic endeavor that nurtures your creative spirit, sharpens your cognitive abilities, and fosters connections with a community that shares your passion. It’s a space for self-expression, emotional release, and personal growth—all bundled within the joyful world of cinema.

So, next time you’re awestruck by a film or left scratching your head in disbelief, why not pick up that pen (or keyboard) and start penning down your thoughts? Dive into the delight of writing film reviews and witness the positive impact it can have on your mental health. After all, movies aren't just meant to be watched; they’re meant to be felt, experienced, and shared.

Here's to the therapeutic magic of the silver screen and the wonderful world of words that accompanies it.


1 view0 comments

Comments


bottom of page