Wow, I thought writing a blog about my movie watching experience would be easy. Needless to say, it has not been as simple as I anticipated. First, there's the actual movie watching. I have no shortage or films to watch. Several dozen have been suggested from numerous sources and quite a few were already on my personal list. The issue I find is how to carve out at least a two hour section of my day to actually watch the freaking movie. There have been times that I've wanted to turn one on, but I definitely would not have been given it any attention. To me, that would defeat the entire purpose of making myself watch a film.
Second, where's the time? I know, I know. If you really want to do something, you make the time for it. However, between family, work, daily responsibilities and being a chronic insomniac, when do I have time to actually watch anything?
I'm not exactly sure how this blog is going to progress over the next few months. As of today, it seems to be static. It's completely frustrating for me because I had so much motivation and excitement when I started this journey. I will continue to make the effort, but it looks like even more of my energy will be needed to make this blog work. I have thought about starting another involving music, but I'll continue to focus on this one for now.
As always, thanks for the support from my movie experts. I'll try very soon to give you more material to critique and analyze.
JB
Friday, April 24, 2015
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Why Watch It In the First Place
This is a follow-up from my post about my perspective on film watching. One of my esteemed movie experts presented to me a very thought provoking issue. To wit, if my criteria for watching movies is so narrowly tailored to specific subject matters, then this may serve as the thing that is limiting my love for a diverse grouping of films. This observation is both enlightening and a little problematic for me. I will concede that if a film is about a subject I enjoy, it is more than likely going to be one that I love. However, there are some that fall into the category of being the subject matter I enjoy, but for some reason I didn't like film, e.g., Django Unchained, Birth of a Nation, Beloved.
The difficulty I'm having is with the idea of my love of films being limited to only one or few subject matters. In my opinion, my unique perspective on film watching allows me to transcend industry defined movie genres. While I may view films with a philosophical eye, meaning I want to understand the deeper meaning of a film, this does not preclude me from recognizing the other qualities of a film. If an actor/actress is good in their role, they're going to evoke a certain level of emotion out of the movie watcher. Watching a movie and looking for the meaning or thing that it represents in society does not necessarily mean that one is watching the film in a cold emotional state. It may be possible to separate the two, but I don't believe this is what I do when I watch a film.
When the film credits begin to roll, I believe we all should be able to give the film a thumbs up or thumbs down. How we arrive at our individual opinions is the part that makes movie watching interesting. I believe it speaks volumes for a film to have an impact on a vast majority of society. If we're all using various methods to rate a film and the film is able to impress each of us, then I think that it would have to be considered one of the greats.
The difficulty I'm having is with the idea of my love of films being limited to only one or few subject matters. In my opinion, my unique perspective on film watching allows me to transcend industry defined movie genres. While I may view films with a philosophical eye, meaning I want to understand the deeper meaning of a film, this does not preclude me from recognizing the other qualities of a film. If an actor/actress is good in their role, they're going to evoke a certain level of emotion out of the movie watcher. Watching a movie and looking for the meaning or thing that it represents in society does not necessarily mean that one is watching the film in a cold emotional state. It may be possible to separate the two, but I don't believe this is what I do when I watch a film.
When the film credits begin to roll, I believe we all should be able to give the film a thumbs up or thumbs down. How we arrive at our individual opinions is the part that makes movie watching interesting. I believe it speaks volumes for a film to have an impact on a vast majority of society. If we're all using various methods to rate a film and the film is able to impress each of us, then I think that it would have to be considered one of the greats.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
My Perspective on Films
While speaking with one of my favorite movie experts yesterday, I realized something very important. This blog came into existence because I wanted to record my journey into a diverse movie world. Admittedly, my tendency is to gravitate towards a certain genre of films. Similar to my book reading, I enjoy watching historical pieces, especially those about race, the civil rights movement, slavery, etc. It is probably for this reason that I've been limited in the types of films I venture to watch. (The same thing happens with reading books) That's not to say that I don't enjoy other films, more than if given a choice, you can probably guess which ones I'll watch first. However, I'm going to make a much better effort to force myself into watching other films now.
In a completely separate conversation with another one of my movie experts, I thought it would be helpful to explain how I watch movies. When watching a film, I'm not usually impressed by the technical aspects or graphics. Actors, actresses, directors, producers and all the many others who make movies possible are usually in the background for me as well.
For me, I see movies in a more philosophical way. I was a Biology and Philosophy major in college, so this likely explains why I view movies in this manner. The meaning behind the story is what often captures my attention. Oscar Wilde is noted for saying "life imitates art far more than art imitates life." Considering the implications of the story presented in a film intrigues me the most. I'm of the opinion that every film represents something, whether it be a moral value or a complex societal issue. When watching movies, I'm the person who often takes many mental notes about things I think are being reflected by the various scenes. After watching a movie, asking me for a quote or for a synopsis of one's acting is likely to result in very little conversation. However, I'm sure you'll get more of a discussion if you ask me to give a philosophical dissection of how the film connects with existence.
I say all of this to say that my movie reflections will probably follow a different path from the norm (yet another characteristic I am prone to display). Honestly, to watch a film and just comment on the acting, scriptwriting or production seems like a waste of time. Of course, I will mention those things from time to time, but I'll probably do more discussing of the social, economical, political, historical or cultural issues I see. If I haven't said it before, I'm very appreciative that you all are willing to put up with me on this journey. The insight you, my movie experts, provide is invaluable. It definitely goes a long way in forcing me to step outside of my way of thinking.
JB
In a completely separate conversation with another one of my movie experts, I thought it would be helpful to explain how I watch movies. When watching a film, I'm not usually impressed by the technical aspects or graphics. Actors, actresses, directors, producers and all the many others who make movies possible are usually in the background for me as well.
For me, I see movies in a more philosophical way. I was a Biology and Philosophy major in college, so this likely explains why I view movies in this manner. The meaning behind the story is what often captures my attention. Oscar Wilde is noted for saying "life imitates art far more than art imitates life." Considering the implications of the story presented in a film intrigues me the most. I'm of the opinion that every film represents something, whether it be a moral value or a complex societal issue. When watching movies, I'm the person who often takes many mental notes about things I think are being reflected by the various scenes. After watching a movie, asking me for a quote or for a synopsis of one's acting is likely to result in very little conversation. However, I'm sure you'll get more of a discussion if you ask me to give a philosophical dissection of how the film connects with existence.
I say all of this to say that my movie reflections will probably follow a different path from the norm (yet another characteristic I am prone to display). Honestly, to watch a film and just comment on the acting, scriptwriting or production seems like a waste of time. Of course, I will mention those things from time to time, but I'll probably do more discussing of the social, economical, political, historical or cultural issues I see. If I haven't said it before, I'm very appreciative that you all are willing to put up with me on this journey. The insight you, my movie experts, provide is invaluable. It definitely goes a long way in forcing me to step outside of my way of thinking.
JB
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Ruby Bridges
Title: Ruby Bridges (1998 TV Movie)
Run Time: 96 minutes
Cast: Chaz Monet, Lela Rochon, Michael Beach, Penelope Ann Miller, Jean Louisa Kelly, Patrika Darbo, Diana Scarwid and Kevin Pollack.
Writer: Toni Ann Johnson
Director: Euzhan Palcy
*I will try to add more discussion to this particular review at a later time, but I wanted to stop my procrastinating of actually posting something about an actual film. Here goes...
Today, I write about a 1998 made-for-television film about a little girl named Ruby Bridges. This film recounts her courageous journey in 1960, to integrate the public school system in New Orleans, Louisiana. I considered this film to be a great one because it highlights many of the important social issues faced by the United States during the twentieth century.
It should not be a surprise that the first movie I'm actually going to write about is one involving the civil rights era. For those who know me, studying issues concerning race, politics and law is something I've done for many years. Historically speaking, this particular era in United States history is one of my favorites. I enjoy reading and learning everything possible about this tumultuous time. For this particular film, my reflections will not be a critique of the acting,
Admittedly, it is sometimes difficult to watch the scenes involving adults berating Ruby, as she enters and exits the school building. Moreover, the looks of disdain by the faculty and administration within the school add even more angst to the movie watcher. However, the resolve of this young lady is quite an inspiration. Her display of courage and pride in herself, along with the invaluable support of her family and community, teaches us that any and all obstacles can be overcome.
I would recommend this film to everyone, especially if you want something to show to a younger audience. I believe films such as this one allow all watchers to identify with the obstacles that the main character experiences. Most, if not all, individuals have been a student at some point in their life. As such, it fairly easy to understand many of the aspects of being a young elementary student entering a new school. Without a doubt, this film should be considered one of America's most prized examples of how we have evolved from our once dark past.
Society is that much better because of individuals like Ruby Bridges, who stood up to the tyrannical societal construct of segregation. Hiding from the history of racism in America is not going to allow us to move forward. However, with intelligently designed reminders such as this film, we can learn to achieve the highest ideals of human existence--peace, understanding and love for all.
JB
Run Time: 96 minutes
Cast: Chaz Monet, Lela Rochon, Michael Beach, Penelope Ann Miller, Jean Louisa Kelly, Patrika Darbo, Diana Scarwid and Kevin Pollack.
Writer: Toni Ann Johnson
Director: Euzhan Palcy
*I will try to add more discussion to this particular review at a later time, but I wanted to stop my procrastinating of actually posting something about an actual film. Here goes...
Today, I write about a 1998 made-for-television film about a little girl named Ruby Bridges. This film recounts her courageous journey in 1960, to integrate the public school system in New Orleans, Louisiana. I considered this film to be a great one because it highlights many of the important social issues faced by the United States during the twentieth century.
It should not be a surprise that the first movie I'm actually going to write about is one involving the civil rights era. For those who know me, studying issues concerning race, politics and law is something I've done for many years. Historically speaking, this particular era in United States history is one of my favorites. I enjoy reading and learning everything possible about this tumultuous time. For this particular film, my reflections will not be a critique of the acting,
Admittedly, it is sometimes difficult to watch the scenes involving adults berating Ruby, as she enters and exits the school building. Moreover, the looks of disdain by the faculty and administration within the school add even more angst to the movie watcher. However, the resolve of this young lady is quite an inspiration. Her display of courage and pride in herself, along with the invaluable support of her family and community, teaches us that any and all obstacles can be overcome.
I would recommend this film to everyone, especially if you want something to show to a younger audience. I believe films such as this one allow all watchers to identify with the obstacles that the main character experiences. Most, if not all, individuals have been a student at some point in their life. As such, it fairly easy to understand many of the aspects of being a young elementary student entering a new school. Without a doubt, this film should be considered one of America's most prized examples of how we have evolved from our once dark past.
Society is that much better because of individuals like Ruby Bridges, who stood up to the tyrannical societal construct of segregation. Hiding from the history of racism in America is not going to allow us to move forward. However, with intelligently designed reminders such as this film, we can learn to achieve the highest ideals of human existence--peace, understanding and love for all.
JB
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