I used to be a visualizer. At around the age of 8-12 I could imagine a movie in my mind as I read. Once I read an entire 500 page book, one which was relatively high level for and 8 year old, in a single day. Unfortunantly, I don’t to do that anymore despite being an older, more experienced reader. I slowly push the pages and subvocalize. it takes me a few weeks to read 500 pages. I don’t know what changed my mindset. It’s a lot less satisfying to read this way. Does anyone have tips about how to active a mental movie while reading?
Maybe try reading some classics. I re-read The Three Musketeers recently and (unabridged, trans. by William Robson) and it was such a ding-dang blast. Every chapter is just easy to let the imagery roll through your mind: bucolic countrysides, brilliant sunshine or black as coal thunderstorms, medieval villages, castles, ornate palaces, silvery blades, beautiful women, mysterious night-time candle-lit scenes, the sound of footsteps on wood floors, the smell of wine and cheese, and the wittiest dialogues.
It reminded me what books could be when done well.