"Reading the Unreal"

"Reading the Unreal" refers to the process of interpreting or analyzing moments in a film, play, or story that feel surreal, bizarre, or counterintuitive compared to everyday reality. It involves understanding how and why these unreal elements—such as fantastical visuals, absurd scenarios, or heightened emotions—symbolize deeper themes, emotional states, or narrative truths. Essentially, it’s about discerning the meaning behind the strange or fantastical aspects, recognizing their role not just as visual spectacle but as expressions of characters’ inner worlds or the story’s underlying message.