Good question

• First let’s clarify how I’m actually watching films:

I am very discerning as to whether I’ll enjoy a film or not. Currently I will only go to the cinema or sit down to watch something in one sitting if I know I’ll like it.

Nowadays I have the privilege of getting to put something on from Netflix, then browse my phone - if it’s good, I’ll put my phone down. If it’s bad, I stop the film. No chance for daydreams there.

• The “talking over the top of it” strategy.

My sister, I think, introduced me to the idea that you can make jokes about a film while watching, and make people laugh. I loved doing that as a kid. A bit too much. I massively disrupted my middle school film club by talking through most films. Feels bad. But with the right company it’s hilarious, it’s good for rowdy film watching sessions with your friends. Nowadays I know how to limit myself and do it to a more charming, non-interruptive, frequency.

• snacks maybe?

I don’t need snacks for films but I think some people choose snacks on the basis of needing them to actually enjoy and focus on the film/ get into the mood of it.

• Personally: I just like films

I don’t daydream often when in a task, and movies actually feel like a task. Since watching a movie has dialogue, it feels like being talked to, and that helps not daydream

Movies probably are the daydream to our brain in that moment. They probably help to encourage daydreaming, and by extension, control over daydreaming, among all types of people.

There must be some movies that would see people daydream in, though. Too boring. But as I said earlier I’m super picky about what I’ll watch. I stopped watching The Prestige earlier just because the sound mixing was bloody awful.