So the first viewing was last night. I did not make the trek from Eau Claire this round, however the film is in my queue. I hope that there was a sellout crowd for the basement on Pelham Blvd. I have been feeling an urge and/or obligation to post, but I really have not seen much for movies recently. Absent of a film to discuss, I will opt to discuss some of my viewing and reviewing criteria.
Going into a film, I only want to know enough about it to get me in the door. I avoid all reviews until I have made my own, as I prefer to first find my own conclusions. Afterwards, reviews are an excellent resource. I will either agree with their additional insight, or I will strengthen my opinions in contrast to the reviewer’s. When it comes to friends’ opinions, I am content with “I liked it” or “I did not like it.” After I see it, we can talk all night, but not until. Any reference to plot, especially about the end, can be a killer for me.
Friend: “You’ll never guess the ending…”
Me: “Well, now that you said that, I just might.”
Sorry, I like my surprises. If I expect a certain outcome, then my mind will work double time to figure it out. Such a mental expenditure can detract from the viewing experience. This is not to say I want to be completely naïve to a film. It sure helps to know and understand the greater context (if it does exist). Knowing a little bit about the Russian Revolution aided my viewing of Dr. Zhivago. But beyond context, I prefer to have a clean pallet.
A typical film is about a two hour commitment. There are many things I could do, but I choose to watch this film. That said, I expect to be moved. When the credits roll I will still be sitting in my chair, but if the feature was successful, something should be different. In most situations the success of a film over me can be measured by how much I have been moved. The director typically has a message that they are trying to get across. And I should hope that it pushes me in some direction. Anything. I am content to become excited, sad, inspired, sore from laughing, enraged, shamed, and anything in between. Not all of the emotions I receive from films are pleasant ones, but I would rather be in a foul mood than an apathetic one. Within this mantra every genre has its value, from drama to comedy to documentary. After watching the film, my first action would be to take note of how I feel toward it. This is a very superficial and reflex response to the feature (and a very honest review). After making that conclusion, I can then take a more analytical approach. Here is the point where I would read reviews, engage discussion, and basically tear apart the film. So, emotions first, then intellectual perspective. Some movies may strike a strong chord in one court, and fall rather short in the other.
It almost cannot be helped, that when the movie is playing, you feel the director pulling your interests one way. I like to consciously notice this, and ask why? Or, why is this working/not working for me? They (the studio man) make some of these movies into such intense emotional roller-coasters. As viewers they really can take us for a ride. It is like pop music. You know the song sucks, but it is so catchy, and it completely relates to your life specifically. The fun part is catching when this happens. It is as if you see the machine for what it is. And it feels very empowering for the viewer to see the gears in motion. Perhaps there is a great competition taking place between film makers and viewers. Can they create such an illusion that we can not see through it? My mind is wandering now, so I think I will take this opportunity to shut up. Sorry I missed It’s a Wonderful Life, but it sounds as though everyone loved it.
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2 comments:
As you know, Davin, I often go to see a film with a completely different, even opposite point of view than you. For you, going to see a film is like heading off into the wilderness naked - if you don't mind the analogy - to let the land do to you what it will. Whereas I prefer to go in fully clothed, with enough food and supplies to feed an army. I know that we have each tried to persuade each other's film viewing philosophies upon each other, and I must admit, yours has an attractive, romantic appeal to it (getting that first, fresh, virginal viewing!), but I've been led too far down the road of my former film professor's influence - you CANNOT know too much about a [good] film before seeing it. There is entirely too much going on thematically, cinematographically, symbolically, etc., to be burdened down by the relatively simplistic plot developments. In other words, I want to furnish myself with as much information as I can so that my focus lingers on the plot, and even the characters, as little as possible.
Of course I still just "go to a movie" some nights, unprepared, to sit back and enjoy, but if we're talking film study, yeah...
Different strokes (priorities) for differnt folks.
Excited for your return.
Bjorn
It is funny to see read comments from my two friends that are at opposite ends of the film study spectrum, yet both are well footed in "appreciation." I like that. We have all argued, ranted, and speiled about movies together, but I like reading how you lay out your methods.
Davin has been to more movies with me than I have with anyone else. Through this I have witnessed Bjorn's appropriate "naked in the wilderness" analogy. I have never seen anyone so intent on seeing a film. There is always a quiet anticipation, at the edge of tense anxiety, as though you really are in danger of being utterly disappointed.
Bjorn has a method I have always been slightly closer to. Though I feel that he is far better and quicker at evaluating his thoughts. Perhaps the similarity comes from us both being in my first film studies class together? Like Bjorn, I cannot imagine being naked at a movie (figuratively of course.) I walk in with all of my artsy-schmartsy theory in my head and perhaps even tinge of frustration from the afternoon traffic? That always affects our views.
How do I watch? I admit to being far less committed to film watching as Bjorn and Davin, but still enjoy. Most films are not intellectual experiences for me. If they happen to do something to me that causes me to think I will be ignited to get to work on my own stuff. It seems like I am simply physically reacting to films, but that is mostly because I am alone and don't have the means to converse about it right away. Sometimes I just need time to think before I talk. At any rate, I always seem to comment on a film's length (as Davin knows all too well.) They are almost always too long for my taste. My reasons for that stem into a larger topic and my rambling comment seems to be far too long already.
Thanks boyz!
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