A Field In England: The Appeal Of Arthouse Film

• What are some of the suggested audience pleasures for arthouse film?

Arthouse films mainly appeal to people who are more artistic rather than someone who is'commercial in character'. Arthouse films are normally appealing for its narrative purpose, whereas, Hollywood films are appealing mainly for just the entertainment. This therefore, means arthouse films appeal to artistic people. Furthermore, arthouse films are less concerned with action and focus more on reaction. In addition, some arthouse films are foreign, and due to this subtitles are needed, which may be found off putting by the audience. However, the theorist Bourdieu disagrees and believes that having these subtitles gives the individual cultural capital and is one of the ways in which social class is emphasised.

• Why do some audiences struggle with arthouse film?

Some audiences struggle with arthouse films due to some of the films being foreign. Due to them being foreign, the use of subtitles are needed which may distract the audience from watching the actual film, and instead they'd be focusing on just the subtitles. Furthermore, arthouse films are seen as high-brow due to the films being artistic. Also, due to the narrative being fixed. Therefore, the audience wouldn't be able to keep up with the film. 

• To what extent is arthouse film only for the middle classes and older audiences? Why might this be the case?

I think that arthouse films mainly appeal to middle class and older audiences as the narrative of the films have a deeper meaning and care about the reaction of the audiences instead of the action in the film. In terms of psychographic groups i think arthouse films would appeal to explorers as the films would appeal to someone who is open to different types of films. 

• What type of audience would A Field In England appeal to?

I think that it is targeted at the older generation due to the setting of the 17th century and the use of the black and white filming. In terms of demographics it would appeal to more of a middle class, ABC1 audience. However, you could argue that it could appeal to the younger generation as there is use of drugs, which is stereotypically linked with the younger generation nowadays.