Nostalgia for Classic Films: A Form of Dissatisfaction and Escapism of Present
Abstract
The growing popularity of classic films in contemporary culture has made nostalgia an increasingly significant cultural phenomenon in recent years. While current research frequently examines nostalgia through psychological or cultural memory lenses, it is also significantly linked to an individual's discontent with contemporary society. This paper explores whether nostalgia for classic films reflects a sense of dissatisfaction with modern cinema and contemporary social realities, and how it functions as psychological escapism. Nostalgia for classic films is driven not only by their artistic qualities but also by discontent with the commercialization and homogenization of modern cinema, as well as a desire to escape the pressures of one's everyday life. This study concludes that nostalgia operates both as an emotional experience and a cultural response, offering insights for future film production and cultural analysis.
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