Tuesday 5 July 2016

Films ...and LOTS of them!

I watch a lot of films. The medium of film (and animation) is one of my main interests.

I love watching films I've not yet seen and genuinely get excited when pressing 'play' on the DVD player (or Netflix!) because of what to expect: what the story will be, the characters, the cinematography/ editing/ style etc and so on and so on. It's sort of like leaping into the unknown, but without having to leave the sofa!

I used to be [to an extent] narrow minded in what I watch (often veered towards gritty, social dramas or European films by critically acclaimed directors), but these days I'm open to watching all sorts, providing it has some credibility behind it. For example, I watched 'Moneyball', Bennett Miller (2011), a few weeks ago, along with Seven Psychopaths (2012) and also Burn After Reading (2008). Three films I never would have dreamed of watching at the time of their release.

A lot of how I choose what I watch stems from the extensive research I do using a mix of my favourite website everIMDb (check it out if you have not already) and also through other means such as Twitter, Film Festivals, Amazon suggestions and recommendations by other people- scary, I know, but sometimes it's OK!

I think this open minded way of watching films is better, or at least for me it is anyway, because you get to know what's out there and always learn something from a film you watch, whether that be a new way of editing, a new actress/ actor whom performed amazingly, a director who's work you'd like to check out more of or never to watch that film again! Either way, there's always something of benefit by watching something different.

I know it's a huge cliche, but I've also learned not to judge a film (yh, book, but still the same applies..!) by it's cover, or even reviews. One example of this is 'In Bruges', Martin McDonagh (2008). I had this DVD on my shelf for a few years before deciding to watch it and I'm pleased I did- definitely one of the better films I've seen in the last few months. The DVD cover looked like it would be an action drama with bits of stupid comedy, but it was more of a drama, with a needed (standard third act) action sequence, well written dialogue, likable characters and moments of intelligent comedy/ wit throughout. Sometimes it's hard to force oneself out of a comfort zone due to our fears/ apprehensions, yet this clearly shows they are sometimes irrational. Even if you're not crazy about watching films like I am, this analogy fits with a lot of things in life itself, so if in doubt, just go for it! Not always this positive, but while I am, ima embrace it!

Some films of note I've watched (fairly) recently are:

Wendy and Lucy, Kelly Reichardt (2008) 
Old JoyKelly Reichardt (2006)
American SplendorShari Springer BermanRobert Pulcini (2003)
Mommy, Xavier Dolan (2014)
The Savages, Tamara Jenkins (2007)
Garage, Lenny Abrahamson (2007)
Alps, Yorgos Lanthimos (2011)

I think you should check them out, or leave a comment of any recommendations...

Peace xo

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