Why Do People Cry at Sad Movies Even If They Know the Ending?

Cultural Fundament: Everyone has their unique reasons for emotional turmoil while watching films. From personal Peter Berg, who experienced intense reactions from crying to Logan, who has become a master of it through years of practice, shedding tears can be an intricate blend of catharsis and connection.

The Power of Intuition

The article Why do people like to cry while watching a sad movie even if they know the ending already like Titanic presents a fascinating insight into this phenomenon. According to Baby Girl, who also goes by Emily, and Logan, (or "Logan" as referenced) watching movies requires the constant interplay between one's rational brain (thinking brain) and emotional brain (feeling brain).

Escape and Emotional Release

Baby Girl highlights that watching movies, especially sad ones, provides an escape from daily life's stresses. She says, 'It's something I am very good at because I have had a lot of practice.' Additionally, she notes, 'It's an escape. A time to disconnect from whatever there may be in real life to cry over and gives the chance to invest in the fictional lives of movie characters and cry with and for them. It still gives a much needed emotional release.'

The Dual Aspects of Perception

Logan agrees, emphasizing that crying during movies gives the audience the opportunity to also 'feel' what the characters are feeling, rather than remain detached. This is because 'When you cry you’re subjective; a part of the film feeling the characters’ emotions: your feeling brain can identify with theirs. That’s a completely separate process feeling is subjective: you’re right there acting a part in the film.'

Unpredictability and Emotional Impact

The unpredictability of the film itself is only part of it. According to Logan, 'Even if you know what’s going to happen, you’re thinking you’re objectively viewing from outside: the thinking brain. When you cry, you’re subjective: a part of the film feeling the characters’ emotions: your feeling brain can identify with theirs. That’s a completely separate process, feeling is subjective: you’re right there acting a part in the film.'

The Role of Specific Scenes

The emotional weight of a film often lies not just in its overall plot, but in specific scenes. Logan explains, 'The element of mystery or surprise is not always what makes you emotional while watching a movie; it’s the scenes and how certain scenes portray the situation in an emotionally triggering way, and how the actors express the emotions of the characters.' These scenes are amplified by other elements such as the portrayal of the situation, powerful acting, background music, and dialogues, all of which come together to create an emotional impact on the viewer, leading to an emotional response such as crying.

Universality and Correlation

Logan further explains, 'So besides the entire storyline, particular scenes have the power to move you. Elements such as the portrayal of the situation, powerful acting, background music, dialogues, etc. come together to cause an emotional impact on the viewer, leading to an emotional response such as crying. This is why even if you know the ending, you still find yourself wanting to cry at certain points. It’s a natural response to sadness.'

From a psychological standpoint, this phenomenon can be understood as a form of catharsis. Emotions are released and processed, providing a sense of relief and understanding. It is indeed a win-win situation, offering both emotional relief and a chance to connect with the characters and their struggles.

Conclusion

Whether you're someone who frequently finds themselves sniffling during emotionally charged scenes or just occasionally moved to tears, the experience of feeling moved to tears by a sad movie is a universal human experience. It's a blend of escapism, catharsis, and emotional connection. Understanding why we do this provides a deeper appreciation for the power of cinema to move us in profound ways.