Post by StevePulaski on Apr 25, 2012 6:43:49 GMT -5
I made an announcement yesterday on Facebook and Twitter that I will be creating a special section on my forum devoted to films, I label, required viewing. So, what is "required viewing?" The phrase might've inspired unnecessary incredulity for some. I believe it is pretty straight forward; they are films that should be seen by everyone, regardless of orientation, race, or sex. Sometimes we feel obligated to stay within our boundaries when we watch movies, and not stray from the nest when it comes to choices. When I began reviewing, I stuck to mainly comedy, horror, and some independent films. Now, I'm on a grandscale. I have come to the realization that if I want to be a film critic, I have to take others' recommendations to heart and be open to virtually any film. Films I thought I'd never review in my life (for example, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Party Monster, and The Passion of the Christ) have now become films that I dub "great." Maybe they'll end up in this vault sometime soon.
I feel we have lost the will to experiment and test our tastes when it comes to film. We are confined to normality and mainstream titles, when we should be looking through smaller windows to find bigger, more extensive works. I'm a firm believer that film is an art often taken for granted. We see the fun and excitement, but we rarely see the power, emotions, and depth that make the art form so entrancing.
Believe me, I know what it's like to try something new. I've went into a lot of films with heavy skepticism and have walked away pleasantly surprised. I'm not always the first to jump at recommendations my friends give me for one particular reason; they never watch mine. One time, a person asked if I had ever seen Remember the Titans? I softly replied "no," before I was told to "go live in f**king Canada!" He was kidding, but I sincerely asked him "how many films have you watched that I recommended?" The tables were turned. "One," he said. "Rhymes with none," I said.
Sometimes, I feel that I'm speaking to a wall when I write reviews. How many take me seriously? How many really listen to my opinion? I find debating with friends challenging because I'm either interrupted so they can say a quote, or so they could challenge my opinion before it has even been spoken. It's frustrating, but I feel incomplete if I don't get my opinion on a subject or a film out there.
But I digress. Some may question the purpose of this section. Don't we already have "The Perfect Four," where I place all the films I have reviewed four stars? Yes, but I don't think all of those are necessarily "required viewing." I consider them to be excellent pictures and some even must sees. But there are a selected bunch I consider required. I see a "must see" film and a "required film" to be two different things. One, you know you have to see, but the other, you're obligated to as soon as possible.
It will be challenging to decide what will be considered "required viewing" and what won't. I have a fear that this may turn into a "see it" section of the forum, rather than a look at films everyone should be obligated to see. I will do my best to avoid that.
After writing over six hundred online reviews and several lengthy blog posts for about three years, I feel the time has come to not only formulate a list of great films, but form a list of films that have either been underrated and unsung for far too long, or just point out indelible classics that you may have missed or need to rewatch. I'm very excited to see this board take off. Two entries will be posted bi-weekly starting on May 1, 2012.
Thanks for the continuous support.
Steve Pulaski.
I feel we have lost the will to experiment and test our tastes when it comes to film. We are confined to normality and mainstream titles, when we should be looking through smaller windows to find bigger, more extensive works. I'm a firm believer that film is an art often taken for granted. We see the fun and excitement, but we rarely see the power, emotions, and depth that make the art form so entrancing.
Believe me, I know what it's like to try something new. I've went into a lot of films with heavy skepticism and have walked away pleasantly surprised. I'm not always the first to jump at recommendations my friends give me for one particular reason; they never watch mine. One time, a person asked if I had ever seen Remember the Titans? I softly replied "no," before I was told to "go live in f**king Canada!" He was kidding, but I sincerely asked him "how many films have you watched that I recommended?" The tables were turned. "One," he said. "Rhymes with none," I said.
Sometimes, I feel that I'm speaking to a wall when I write reviews. How many take me seriously? How many really listen to my opinion? I find debating with friends challenging because I'm either interrupted so they can say a quote, or so they could challenge my opinion before it has even been spoken. It's frustrating, but I feel incomplete if I don't get my opinion on a subject or a film out there.
But I digress. Some may question the purpose of this section. Don't we already have "The Perfect Four," where I place all the films I have reviewed four stars? Yes, but I don't think all of those are necessarily "required viewing." I consider them to be excellent pictures and some even must sees. But there are a selected bunch I consider required. I see a "must see" film and a "required film" to be two different things. One, you know you have to see, but the other, you're obligated to as soon as possible.
It will be challenging to decide what will be considered "required viewing" and what won't. I have a fear that this may turn into a "see it" section of the forum, rather than a look at films everyone should be obligated to see. I will do my best to avoid that.
After writing over six hundred online reviews and several lengthy blog posts for about three years, I feel the time has come to not only formulate a list of great films, but form a list of films that have either been underrated and unsung for far too long, or just point out indelible classics that you may have missed or need to rewatch. I'm very excited to see this board take off. Two entries will be posted bi-weekly starting on May 1, 2012.
Thanks for the continuous support.
Steve Pulaski.
