JB: Concept Development - Why do some audiences seek out thrills vicariously?

Why do some audiences seek out thrills vicariously?

Balient observes three characteristic attitudes associated with people who seek out thrills vicariously, such as the rush of enjoyment on situations such as amusement park rides. He establishes, 'the mixture of fear, pleasure and confident hope that in the face of an eternal danger is what constitutes the fundamental elements of all thrills'. This is represented in our roots, as traditionally, people would experience real thrills such as people being killed by wild animals, in fights with others and so on. Therefore, as civilisation progressed and society became safer, these thrills were created rather than experienced on a day-to-day basis. A vicariously found thrill became the norm for many people. Children even began experimenting on such aspects, children's games such as 'hide-and-seek', 'tag' and 'musical chairs', all provide a edge of 'will I?, won't I?'. Although, obviously, movies cannot physically provide these thrills, with the advent of devices such as Sensurround, 3D and holographic representations, they certainly can provide vicarious thrills, and indeed most can definitely provide a 'buzz'. Philobatism has become more and more pronounced in recent times due to societys attitudes towards such activities.Thrills such as any James Bond movie where Bond has to deal with an antagonist, something one would assume doesn't happen in everyday life, are exillerating because it can keep the audience on their 'tiptoes', and in awe of the danger the protagonist indulges in on such a regular basis. This can be appealing as it may put the audience in the protagonists mindet, in the stance that the protagonist would question whether they'd be up to the challenge of dealing with danger so often.

What are the different types of thrills that may be present in this genre? What is the audience appeal?

Other kinds of thrills (not necessarily of the dangerous life-and-death variety) include those associated with high speed, such as racing, horse-riding, skiing, sailing, and flying; those associated with exposed situations, or situations that are perhaps out of the ordinary or not something you do 'everyday, these provide a 'change up' to everyday antics. The thrill of high sped is the generic chase, this is prominent in many thrillers as their protagonists are constantly running, in the face of danger and 'up against the odds'. The underdog theme is exploited to make the protagonist seem constantly on the brink of defeat, but also to enhance the feeling of success when they inevitably come out on top. The thrill of exposed situations such as jumping, diving, rock climbing and flying is related to the suspense thriller quite congruently, again in the essence that these are activities one would not carry out on a day-to-day basis.