Skipping Movies

I remember all the controversy surrounding Irreversible when it came out. It is not a film that ever interested me and, like you say with Antichrist, there are a thousand other films I can think of that I would want to see before it. I think that one of the really good take-away quotes from the blog John linked comes as he is wrapping up his post:

I maintain that I am as inquisitive now about the possibilities of the movies as I was two days ago—the only difference is that I’ve realized that it’s okay to step aside and not participate, in a film, in any work of art, if by knowledgeably weighing the pros and cons I can reasonably come to the conclusion that it’s not going to add anything to my life by experiencing it. Now, before I get accused to being too high and mighty, there are plenty of lowbrow shockers, exploitation films and otherwise cheap thrillers I love that don’t exactly “add” anything to my life either, but their pleasures are right there on their sleeves for the enjoying. (And after all, one man’s cheapness is another man’s value.) 

Thanks for that link, John. Really interesting and insightful post. I'm adding SL&tIFR to my RSS. The only reason I really want you to see Black Swan is a selfish one: I have a feeling you will not enjoy it and will write an incredibly interesting take-down of the film exploring angles that I would never have thought about.

Antichrist has been walking around my brain with its shoes on the wrong feet since I saw it. So, if you all will indulge me in one more brief moment to discuss the movie and the horror genre, I have something else to add.

I fear that if I attempt to venture into more horror films, I will end up being very disappointed. Brandon mentioned somewhere that von Trier should just stick to horror; I don't agree but, man, that would be fun. My resistance to the horror genre has a lot to do with the fact that I never thought horror films could be so beautifully shot and well done. My experience with them has always been sub-par and unenjoyable and I worry that I will go back to feeling that way once I start watching more. Part of the reason that Antichrist has affected me so much is due to how unlike the movies I normally watch and enjoy it is. Sometimes when expectations are broken at every turn something really powerful can happen. This movie did not move me emotionally and, arguably, did not "add" anything to my life. What it did do is force a new appreciation on me for a genre I normally disregard. I am far from a horror fan but I need to remember that there can be some good things going on there. It also solidified von Trier as a director that I need to pay attention to in the future and whose films are ones in which I should catch up.

Jeffrey & Lisa, interesting lists re: Top Ten Films I Don't Like But Feel I Should. I'm not sure when I'll get around to making mine. Honestly, I can not really think of many films to add to it right now. I can sum up how I feel about not liking movies that are commonly accepted as "good" (or whatever other stand-in phrase) by using a meaningless tautology: it is what it is. But I get the idea behind the list and so I might take a shot at it soon. Fair warning: My list will probably include The Seventh Seal but I will also be unable to offer a very good reason as to why besides a simple shoulder-shrug. I wish it was still on NWI because I would watch it again and see if I still am as ambivalent about it as I was last year.

John, GMT East sounds fun. Mark was placing a game order a few nights ago and I tagged along on his free shipping for a couple of games that were on sale. I got Terra Nova, Desert Bazaar, Mission: Red Planet and, the one I'm looking forward to the most, Magnet. Let me know if you want to play any of them sometime. I could even meet you at Starbucks or something some day before or after work for a tea and a quick game (as long as it is not Zertz).