A spectator is not merely a passive viewer but also the creator of the message being receipted. What this means is that the spectator goes through a visual experience of the film or image he or she is witnessing in which they can interpret the message given. The meaning of the word ‘spectator’ has changed over time due to new technologies that led to the creation of new ways of interaction and communication and thus the role of the spectator is becoming much more active. For example, the introduction of 3-D movies allowed the spectator to encounter a new experience of perception which enhances the spectator’s ability to create new ideas about what he perceives. ‘Spectator’ is not a synonym of ‘observer’ because the difference is that the observer complies with what is presented to him while the spectator implies his own ideas about what is presented to him.  

Comment on this page