Do you guys ever just get sick and tired of watching all these goddamn movies?

[Dead & Messed Up]

Every now and then, once every month or two, I reflect on all the movies I've seen, haven't seen, want to see, want to avoid, need to see, and I just think, "Man, fuck all these movies. I'm so exhausted from all these goddamn movies."

Then the moment passes, and I watch 3 Ninjas Knuckle Up on Netflix "Watch Now."

[Qrazy]

Yes although for me it's less that I'm sick of them and it's more like... 'Wow I'm wasting my life away in front of a screen. I'm experiencing life vicariously through the fictionalized lives of others. I'm slowly degrading my own existence and artistic sensibilities by burying myself in the work of others. My life has gradually become hollow and meaningless.'

Then I watch another film to make myself feel better, but I really just feel worse.

http://www.home-air-purifier-expert.com/images/crying-indian-iron-eyes-cody.jpg

[Skitch]

Thats what video games are for! :)

[number8]

Yes. Especially when it's work.

The weekend before last, I looked at my calendar at the screenings I had to go to during the coming month and the nine DVD screeners stacked on my desk. They're all movies I really want to see, but all the same, I wanted to go back in time and kill the Lumieres.

I've pretty much stopped playing video games months ago. I've abandoned music listening for the most part years ago. I don't read novels as much as I used to. If I ever stop watching movies, I'll only have my comics.

[megladon8]

I can't imagine ever being sick of movies.

While doing "The Cinema" on the radio for two years, I was never once sick of the premieres I went to, the DVD screeners I got...nothing.

No matter the "phases" I go through with music, books, games...movies always appeal.

[Qrazy]

I've pretty much stopped playing video games months ago. I've abandoned music listening for the most part years ago. I don't read novels as much as I used to. If I ever stop watching movies, I'll only have my comics.

Same here except for the comics bit. I regret letting music and literature go by the wayside but I have movies to watch! Or more recently television.

[Dukefrukem]

It's on and off for me. I'll go a on a tear watch a dozen movies in a week, then a week or two with something else. On demand is a great thing.

[Qrazy]

I was half joking but honestly don't you guys ever feel like you're wasting your lives with all the movies we watch? On your deathbed are you really going to look back and think well at least I saw 5,000 movies, now that was something.

[megladon8]

I was half joking but honestly don't you guys ever feel like you're wasting your lives with all the movies we watch?


No.

[Dukefrukem]

I was half joking but honestly don't you guys ever feel like you're wasting your lives with all the movies we watch?

No because i usually watch my movies at 2 o-clock in the morning. What else are you gonna do at 2am? *waits for responses*

[megladon8]

No because i usually watch my movies at 2 o-clock in the morning. What else are you gonna do at 2am? *waits for responses*


Masturbate.

[Qrazy]

No.

I do sometimes. There are some films that I'm very glad I saw and have changed the way I look at the world but when I think back about the amount of time I spent watching films, there's so much more I could have been doing, like making them for instance or making anything.

[number8]

I was half joking but honestly don't you guys ever feel like you're wasting your lives with all the movies we watch? On your deathbed are you really going to look back and think well at least I saw 5,000 movies, now that was something.

This I don't, maybe because I've found a life partner and I'm enjoying my life and my work at the moment, but I think film has reached out beyond hobby for me. It's sort of become my life purpose in itself, so no, I'd never think of it as a waste of time.

[Qrazy]

No because i usually watch my movies at 2 o-clock in the morning. What else are you gonna do at 2am? *waits for responses*

Go to sleep and get up earlier in order to do something more productive.

[Sycophant]

Ever since last Fall when I was dedicating my spare time to post-production on a film I was working on, I've gone from about ten movies a week to three to five a month. It's weird. At the same time, there's been an uptick in my playing of video games, watching TV shows/anime, and even reading. Also, I've begun producing new comics and stories for my blog every day and that usually eats up the 8:30-10:30 p.m. time that was spent watching movies most weeknights.

I've had the same three Netflix rentals sitting next to my DVD player since November. I keep meaning to catch up with what's in theaters and what's around my apartment, but I always seem unable or unwilling to find the time. I kind of miss movies. Cinema's really my first and best love.

[megladon8]

I do sometimes. There are some films that I'm very glad I saw and have changed the way I look at the world but when I think back about the amount of time I spent watching films, there's so much more I could have been doing, like making them for instance or making anything.


But what if cutting down film watching meant cutting those movies out of your life?

I know these life-changing movies of which you speak, and I would wade through oceans of cinematic shit for those any day.

Movies mean a lot to me.

[Dukefrukem]

Masturbate.

bwhahahahaha i knew it. :lol:

[Winston*]

I don't care about film that much these days,

[Qrazy]

This I don't, maybe because I've found a life partner and I'm enjoying my life and my work at the moment, but I think film has reached out beyond hobby for me. It's sort of become my life purpose in itself, so no, I'd never think of it as a waste of time.

I enjoy my life and have a girlfriend as well but I'm speaking more about the amount of time spent immobile staring at a screen or on a broader level appreciating art but not creating. Watching films for a living would definitely make it a more productive activity (in the sense that you're putting food on the table) but don't you ever wish you were creating something yourself versus commenting on the creations of others? I'm honestly not trying to demean your work, I think criticism is valuable and in a way you are creating something. I'm only speaking from my own experience as a result of the film reviewing I did (for high school and college papers). I did not find it ultimately fulfilling... but I guess you do so I've sort of answered my own question.

[Qrazy]

But what if cutting down film watching meant cutting those movies out of your life?

I know these life-changing movies of which you speak, and I would wade through oceans of cinematic shit for those any day.

Movies mean a lot to me.

As would I and have but sometimes I wonder if it's really worth it. I'm not only speaking of movies in this conversation either, I just feel like perhaps I ought to be doing something else with all the time I spend watching and discussing movies... like learning a language, teaching myself to draw more efficiently, going skiing every week instead of every month... things of that nature. The problem for me is that while I do indeed love movies they're not only a passion but also an addiction. They're a procrastination method. I don't think I could stop watching even if I wanted to unless I went somewhere without any screens for a month or more.

[megladon8]

Hmm...it just sounds like differing mindsets/attitudes towards the hobby, then.

Where you see a potential burden, I see the joy of discovery.

It's not like movie watching is interrupting my ability to live my life. I still have time to read, write, draw, work, socialize. There are plenty of hours in the day, and plenty of days in our lives.

[Sycophant]

There are plenty of hours in the day, and plenty of days in our lives.

Oh, man. You and I live in different worlds.

[D_Davis]

Last year I watched around 10 movies.

So yeah - I totally get sick of watching movies. I am starting to watch a few more, now, but nowhere near the level that I was previously.

[Qrazy]

Hmm...it just sounds like differing mindsets/attitudes towards the hobby, then.

Where you see a potential burden, I see the joy of discovery.

It's not like movie watching is interrupting my ability to live my life. I still have time to read, write, draw, work, socialize. There are plenty of hours in the day, and plenty of days in our lives.

There really aren't.

Also what I've been discussing is not an ever present attitude but it's something I do feel from time to time. Particularly when using the hypothetical... will I look back on my life and be glad I spent so much time doing X.

[Sycophant]

Seriously, I don't know if I've ever read a sentence I disagree with more.

[D_Davis]

I was half joking but honestly don't you guys ever feel like you're wasting your lives with all the movies we watch?

Yes - which is part of the reason why I cut down.

For the last four years I've spent way more time observing other people's art, rather than making my own. I had never been like that before, and so I had to put a stop to it.

I've now taken that time I used to spend watching movies and devoted it to making music - and it feels great to be creating again.

[D_Davis]

Seriously, I don't know if I've ever read a sentence I disagree with more.

Yeah. I can't think of a day in which bed time comes and I say, "Great! I accomplished and did everything that I wanted to do today. All that's left is to sleep."

[megladon8]

Oh, man. You and I live in different worlds.


Well, sorry, but sucks to be you, I guess.

You guys can be so damn depressing sometimes. We're all young. Fucking enjoy your life.

[Qrazy]

Yes - which is part of the reason why I cut down.

For the last four years I've spent way more time observing other people's art, rather than making my own. I had never been like that before, and so I had to put a stop to it.

I've now taken that time I used to spend watching movies and devoted it to making music - and it feels great to be creating again.

I bet, well hopefully I can find the motivation to do that within the next few months.

[Ezee E]

I'd rather watch movies then post thousands of posts on an internet message board, but I seem to do both.

And still write, play basketball, work at the firestation, raise a dog now.

Everything's fine.

[megladon8]

I'd rather watch movies then post thousands of posts on an internet message board, but I seem to do both.

And still write, play basketball, work at the firestation, raise a dog now.

Everything's fine.


Indeed.

I have two jobs - one of them requiring me to get up at 3:30am 6 days a week. I have a girlfriend, a family I'm close with. I have bills to pay, errands to run, chores to do.

Yet I still find the time to relax with a movie and a beer, or a video game, or a book, or whatever.

Moderation is key in both work and play, and makes both seem sweeter.

[Raiders]

I hope not. If so, I'm wasting a lot of money to keep a movie message board going.

[Qrazy]

Well, sorry, but sucks to be you, I guess.

You guys can be so damn depressing sometimes. We're all young. Fucking enjoy your life.

I don't think questioning the efficacy of what we're doing with our time is the same thing as not enjoying life.

[ledfloyd]

i watched around 80 movies in january and february. i definitely am a bit exhausted right now. i imagine i will watch closer to 15 than 40 this month. and get alot more reading done.

[Qrazy]

I'd rather watch movies then post thousands of posts on an internet message board, but I seem to do both.

And still write, play basketball, work at the firestation, raise a dog now.

Everything's fine.

With all the time you spend posting and watching movies you could have raised five dogs!

[D_Davis]

I bet, well hopefully I can find the motivation to do that within the next few months.

If you're like me, then these kind of pursuits come and go in waves. I wrote and recorded 8 albums in a 2 year period, and then, for about 4 years, I barely played music at all. Now, the creative energy is washing over me again - and yes, it does feel good.

When I stay up way too late recording a new song, I never regret it come morning, when it is time to get up and go to work. However, if I stay up too late watching movies or playing video games, I do regret it.

It's just the phase I'm in right now.

With so many hobbies and passions, I have to move in phases.

[Sycophant]

You took that a little personally, Meg.

I've probably expended over a third of my life already. There's so much I want to do, learn, experience, and see. I'm never going to get it all in and then I'll be dead.

Yes, I enjoy life. But I'm by no means immune to existential dread.

[D_Davis]

I don't think questioning the efficacy of what we're doing with our time is the same thing as not enjoying life.

Yeah - I love life. I quite smoking last year just so that I might be able to live a little longer. I DO NOT want to die. Ever. Man, that's going to really, really suck.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Yes - which is part of the reason why I cut down.

For the last four years I've spent way more time observing other people's art, rather than making my own. I had never been like that before, and so I had to put a stop to it.

I've now taken that time I used to spend watching movies and devoted it to making music - and it feels great to be creating again.

I'm in about the same place right now. I've been doing more reading, watching, and listening than usual, which has been nice, but I'm getting really itchy to try and produce something; screenwriting isn't enough for me right now.

[Qrazy]

If you're like me, then these kind of pursuits come and go in waves. I wrote and recorded 8 albums in a 2 year period, and then, for about 4 years, I barely played music at all. Now, the creative energy is washing over me again - and yes, it does feel good.

When I stay up way too late recording a new song, I never regret it come morning, when it is time to get up and go to work. However, if I stay up too late watching movies or playing video games, I do regret it.

It's just the phase I'm in right now.

With so many hobbies and passions, I have to move in phases.

Yeah that's how I usually work too but I've been stuck on auto-pilot for about 3-4 years now and have even moved further from movies and started watching more television... which is the wrong direction to be going in!

[megladon8]

You took that a little personally, Meg.

I've probably expended over a third of my life already. There's so much I want to do, learn, experience, and see. I'm never going to get it all in and then I'll be dead.

Yes, I enjoy life. But I'm by no means immune to existential dread.


I didn't take it personally - I didn't think you were taking a jab at me.

I said what I said because this is at least the second time you've said something like this on the board, and I really cannot understand this kind of negative thinking.

You're not even 30 years old. You're talking like someone who's 75 and missed all of life's chances.

If you turn 60 and realize you missed the opportunity to have a family, or to take that course you always wanted to, or to go on that mountain expedition you dreamed of, all because you watched too many movies...then come on here and talk about missed opportunities and never being able to fit it all in.

Honestly, I'm usually a very pessimistic person, but this is really depressing. I'm not even 22 yet...I have no worries about not being able to do stuff with my life, and I am glad I don't.

I don't want to end up like Walt Kowalski, angry at everyone and everything.

[Sycophant]

EDIT: Forget it.

[D_Davis]

Yeah that's how I usually work too but I've been stuck on auto-pilot for about 3-4 years now and have even moved further from movies and started watching more television... which is the wrong direction to be going in!

I did the same thing man. After I moved to Seattle, my musical pursuits pretty much dried up, for about 4-5 years. I dabbled a bit, but I only have 1 short album to show for it. But now I have a live band, and a number of solo recording projects set up, and everything's right again.

For about 4 years I actually planned my time off around how many movies I could watch. I would say, "Got 4 hours until I have to do something, I could watch 2 movies." Time just seemed to vanish when I lived like this - in a dark room, staring at the TV, alone...man.

Now, don't get me wrong. I watched some awesome flicks, and I am sure that some of that art has influenced what I am doing now. But there is no way that I can honestly say that I wasn't wasting my time. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that those hours would have been better spent creating my own stuff - that is a fact.

[Qrazy]

I didn't take it personally - I didn't think you were taking a jab at me.

I said what I said because this is at least the second time you've said something like this on the board, and I really cannot understand this kind of negative thinking.

You're not even 30 years old. You're talking like someone who's 75 and missed all of life's chances.

If you turn 60 and realize you missed the opportunity to have a family, or to take that course you always wanted to, or to go on that mountain expedition you dreamed of, all because you watched too many movies...then come on here and talk about missed opportunities and never being able to fit it all in.

Honestly, I'm usually a very pessimistic person, but this is really depressing. I'm not even 22 yet...I have no worries about not being able to do stuff with my life, and I am glad I don't.

I don't want to end up like Walt Kowalski, angry at everyone and everything.

I'd prefer to facilitate change within myself by putting the pressure on now so that I don't have those massive regrets when I am 60.

[Qrazy]

EDIT: Forget it.

Awww... is life too short for flamewars or not short enough for flamewars?

[Qrazy]

I did the same thing man. After I moved to Seattle, my musical pursuits pretty much dried up, for about 4-5 years. I dabbled a bit, but I only have 1 short album to show for it. But now I have a live band, and a number of solo recording projects set up, and everything's right again.

For about 4 years I actually planned my time off around how many movies I could watch. I would say, "Got 4 hours until I have to do something, I could watch 2 movies." Time just seemed to vanish when I lived like this - in a dark room, staring at the TV, alone...man.

Now, don't get me wrong. I watched some awesome flicks, and I am sure that some of that art has influenced what I am doing now. But there is no way that I can honestly say that I wasn't wasting my time. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that those hours would have been better spent creating my own stuff - that is a fact.

Definitely. Kudos.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I don't want to end up like Walt Kowalski, angry at everyone and everything.

Actually, I greatly anticipate the point in my life where I can growl at Koreans who intrude upon my lawn.

[Sycophant]

Awww... is life too short for flamewars or not short enough for flamewars?

This flamewar could not possibly be fun for anyone.

And it just wouldn't feel right without MadMan.

[Sycophant]

Also, though there is a line that can be crossed (I once spent an entire Sunday lying on my couch and watched an entire season of Frasier and felt so gross when I finally got up), as one who dabbles in all the creation of all kinds of media--film, literature, video games, screenplays, whatever--I do consider by consumption of media--film, literature, video games, screenplays, plays, music, whatever--as somewhat educational. It's important to keep a balance.

[Milky Joe]

Yeah - I love life. I quite smoking last year just so that I might be able to live a little longer. I DO NOT want to die. Ever. Man, that's going to really, really suck.

It won't suck that bad. I don't think it will suck at all, in fact. In FACT, I'll bet you 50 bucks it will suck even less than this life.

[Sycophant]

Oh yeah, I'm not counting on an afterlife, so that may have something to do with my perceptions here.

(But then I think Davis is expecting an afterlife and I largely agree with his outlook on what's under discussion here; but like many things Davis and I agree on, I think it's probably for different reasons.)

[D_Davis]

It won't suck that bad. I don't think it will suck at all, in fact. In FACT, I'll bet you 50 bucks it will suck even less than this life.

I'll drink to that.

My belief system tells me there is something more, but I just don't know for sure, and I don't want to waste my time in the here and now hoping that something is waiting for me after death.

I'll take that bet though - and I'll happily pay it if you're right.

[Skitch]

One could look back and regret spending so much time in front of the tube, but dammit, I love the cinema. I love it so, why not do what I love? I've had this conversation with many a person who hate movies, always I'm accused of wasting my time. Is a person not equally 'wasteful' of their time watching sports, sitting in a museum looking at a painting, or serving food in a food shelter?

Wait...scratch that last one.

[D_Davis]

(but like many things Davis and I agree on, I think it's probably for different reasons.)

It's for the Twinkies, right?

[Sycophant]

It's for the Twinkies, right?

*sighs* No, Davis, it's for the Oreos. *shakes head*

[D_Davis]

*sighs* No, Davis, it's for the Oreos. *shakes head*

*Shakes fist at you Oreo loving heathen!*

(actually, I don't like Twinkies. I should have said it's for the Bottle Caps and Hot Tamales.)

[Milky Joe]

I'll drink to that.

My belief system tells me there is something more, but I just don't know for sure, and I don't want to waste my time in the here and now hoping that something is waiting for me after death.

I'll take that bet though - and I'll happily pay it if you're right.

Certainly, death not sucking isn't an excuse to waste this life away. It's just something to look forward to, and not to fear. It's the fear that makes the idea of death unbearable for people. I feel sorry for those people.

[Qrazy]

One could look back and regret spending so much time in front of the tube, but dammit, I love the cinema. I love it so, why not do what I love? I've had this conversation with many a person who hate movies, always I'm accused of wasting my time. Is a person not equally 'wasteful' of their time watching sports, sitting in a museum looking at a painting, or serving food in a food shelter?

Wait...scratch that last one.

In terms of watching sports yes definitely even more so.

[megladon8]

Potential flame war? What did I miss?

[Sycophant]

"Flamewar" would've been a bit of a misnomer.

[Milky Joe]

In terms of watching sports yes definitely even more so.

That's only if you believe that great sport and great art have to be mutually exclusive. They don't.

[D_Davis]

Certainly, death not sucking isn't an excuse to waste this life away. It's just something to look forward to, and not to fear. It's the fear that makes the idea of death unbearable for people. I feel sorry for those people.

Yeah - it's not I am afraid, it's that I just really like being alive. Something happened to me when I turned 32 - I started thinking about death A LOT. I mean, A LOT, A LOT. I've stayed up for nights in a row thinking about being dead. It's crazy. Never thought about it my whole life up until about 2 years ago.

It's more of a kick in the pants to get crap done!

Hmm...this thread has taken a very interesting turn!

[Sycophant]

I have been thinking about death since I was like 7.

[Watashi]

Film is pretty much my life right now. Work and school feel like chores to me.

[Qrazy]

It could have turned into a flamewar if you guys would put a little more effort into it.

[megladon8]

Just to clear it up I never meant to give the impression that I think my way of living is in any way superior to others'.

If I seemed condescending or judgmental in any way, I apologize.

Having lived with a crippling anxiety disorder through most of my childhood and teenage years which kept me from even being able to leave the house, I am just recently (ie the last 3-4 years) starting to be able to see my life in a positive light, so I guess this may taint my own world-view.

Hehe...I said "taint".

But yeah, seriously, sorry if anything I said bothered anyone.

Moving on...

[Qrazy]

That's only if you believe that great sport and great art have to be mutually exclusive. They don't.

They don't, but they usually are.

[Sycophant]

It could have turned into a flamewar if you guys would put a little more effort into it.

Sorry to disappoint, Qrazy. Next time I see an opening, I'll make sure to arm myself with a flamethrower and my most acid tongue and start a megafuckshitstorm of a flamewar over some piddling semantics, 'kay?

[Qrazy]

Just to clear it up I never meant to give the impression that I think my way of living is in any way superior to others'.

If I seemed condescending or judgmental in any way, I apologize.

Having lived with a crippling anxiety disorder through most of my childhood and teenage years which kept me from even being able to leave the house, I am just recently (ie the last 3-4 years) starting to be able to see my life in a positive light, so I guess this may taint my own world-view.

Hehe...I said "taint".

But yeah, seriously, sorry if anything I said bothered anyone.

Moving on...

It didn't. No worries.

[megladon8]

Can we at least all safely agree that moderation is a good thing?

[Qrazy]

Sorry to disappoint, Qrazy. Next time I see an opening, I'll make sure to arm myself with a flamethrower and my most acid tongue and start a megafuckshitstorm of a flamewar over some piddling semantics, 'kay?

Only if you're fucking enjoying your life as you're doing it.

[Sycophant]

Can we at least all safely agree that moderation is a good thing?

Replace "moderation" with "excess" and we've got a deal.

[Qrazy]

Replace "moderation" with "excess" and we've got a deal.

And replace good with soul-crushingly terrible and you've got a deal with me too.

[Sycophant]

Only if you're fucking enjoying your life as you're doing it.

Are you kidding? Semantics argument! How could I not enjoy that?

[Milky Joe]

I mean, A LOT, A LOT. I've stayed up for nights in a row thinking about being dead. It's crazy

To quote an American hero, "Once again..." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW31ruQG1Xk&feature=related)

[Qrazy]

Are you kidding? Semantics argument! How could I not enjoy that?

Glad to hear it.

[D_Davis]

To quote an American hero, "Once again..." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW31ruQG1Xk&feature=related)

Yes - that's my favorite Hick's bit.

A heroic dose!

[number8]

I enjoy my life and have a girlfriend as well but I'm speaking more about the amount of time spent immobile staring at a screen or on a broader level appreciating art but not creating. Watching films for a living would definitely make it a more productive activity (in the sense that you're putting food on the table) but don't you ever wish you were creating something yourself versus commenting on the creations of others? I'm honestly not trying to demean your work, I think criticism is valuable and in a way you are creating something. I'm only speaking from my own experience as a result of the film reviewing I did (for high school and college papers). I did not find it ultimately fulfilling... but I guess you do so I've sort of answered my own question.

But I do. I write screenplays. :P

[Qrazy]

But I do. I write screenplays. :P

Ahhh k I knew that sort of I think but forgot. Well that's great then.

[DavidSeven]

I don't have time for movies. I remember when I did. That was a good time. The best time. Don't take it for granted.

[Mysterious Dude]

These days, I only watch movies after 7:00 p.m. Sunlight is too nice of a thing to waste.

[Qrazy]

These days, I only watch movies after 7:00 p.m. Sunlight is too nice of a thing to waste.

Glad to see you liked Fat City although I like it more than you.

[The Mike]

I rather feel like Burgess Meredith in that Twilight Zone episode in regard to movies, but I don't wear glasses. Atomic apocalypse, FTW!

But seriously, if there was a way I could not have to work and be able to fully pursue all the movies I want to see, I would be chim-chim-chiree. :pritch:

[Amnesiac]

Films provoke thought. They provoke you to articulate those thoughts. It's a didactic experience. I don't think it's useless didacticism. Perhaps there is the threat of getting lost in petty pedantics, but that's not a crippling threat and it doesn't devalue the merit of committing yourself to the consumption of movies. This process in and of itself is incredibly rewarding.

For me, there is a joy in attempting to grasp hold of a medium as complex and ephemeral as the cinema... trying to account for its twists, turns, mysteries, affects, preoccupations. It's this captivating & enchanting force and attempting to account for that force, while at the same time giving yourself over to it, is immensely satisfying. And I'm not necessarily talking about escapism. For instance, there are a plethora of voices existing within the cinema. Engaging with those voices can't be described as a useless endeavor. I'm not trying to verge on platitudes here as I'm being quite earnest... the creative process is a fascinating thing to watch and dissect, brings us closer to the subjectivity and preoccupations of our fellow men and women (well, at least those who are in the business of movie-making).

I've always been drawn to the creative process. At the end of the day, a well crafted film may be a (sometimes enigmatic) window into the complexity of man... or at the very least, a testament to the capability and character of man. It's inextricably tied to our potential, our agency, our ability, our personalities, our times, our vulnerabilities, etc.

I mean, I can't even be satisfied that this little blurb has even accounted for why the cinema matters. It probably hasn't. I've probably skimmed the surface, at best. But I can't feel guilty for absorbing myself in it because the creative faculties of man are incredibly important to me and they seem to have found their best avenue of expression through the cinema.

I don't know. I can't help but look at it as a wonderful passion... films can truly reach out to a human being in this profound, nearly inexplicable way. I get something from it I can't get from any other medium, really.

[Yxklyx]

Not really, it's only like 2 hours a day and the average American watches 4.5 hours of TV a day (of which I watch zero).

[Sxottlan]

Sometimes I wonder if I should have a different hobby than film. I realize it's not exactly a hobby that requires much socialization. I've long grown to love seeing a movie by myself. I get pre-occupied when I actually go with someone.

My job is all about deadlines, so I often resent how even on my days off I'm racing to get to a movie theatre by a specific time (I've missed the very beginning of an inordinate number of films lately). And with my current night shift schedule, I can barely make it to the matinees that I like to frequent.

Perhaps the nature of how films are displayed is what bothers me more. I don't know. I live alone, but rarely rent movies anymore. After the Oscar season, I probably won't rent anything until summertime. When I do rent, I have to make sure I'm not doing anything else that night and will often choose something because it's short.

This is due to the increase in other pre-occupations. Chief among them are video games. And there too I'm starting to wonder if I need to stop playing and move on. Yet there are some games that create that sense of awe and wonder that I don't want to stop exploring more.

Same with movies. For the longest time, I really had absolutely no hobbies or passion for anything in particular. My first college roommate was the one to get me into movies. Then it became a weekly habit. I was recently looking at the calender of releases for 1990 and being astonished at how many months passed between screenings that I had seen.

The thing is, there's a very good chance that I'm going to movies in place of other social interaction. As mentioned earlier, I'm pretty much totally alone. Have a good friend, but he has a family so we don't even watch movies at his house anymore. Don't have a girlfriend and don't look to be getting one any time soon.

So is my love of film more for escape than for appreciation of the medium? I'm not sure some days. Like recently I was just dying to rewatch Nausicaa just for the sense of place that it created.

At time point now, I've been really into movies for 12 years; started the internet discussions nearly a decade ago. I don't regret the love, but I will admit to sometimes wondering what else I could be doing. Some hobbies seem arbitrary, but at this point I think film is enough in my blood that I won't give it up.

As for the urge for producing work of my own, besides doing some behind the scenes work on a couple of local films nine years ago (which also helped cement my interest in film), I actually do produce content that is seen by people on a daily basis. It's just that it's fact-based instead of fiction. I'm a producer for a local news station and regularly write content and edit on Avid. Still, every so often I want to write fiction again.

Perhaps I just need to make more of an effort to make film a social occasion with friends or co-workers.

[Skitch]

It could have turned into a flamewar if you guys would put a little more effort into it.

Too busy watching movies. :)

[balmakboor]

No. I don't get tired of movies. Since I started writing weekly reviews, I do find myself looking forward to watching something I don't have to write about. The jury is still out on whether weekly movie reviewing is a fun job or just another form of drudgery.

[Adam]

I think about this a lot. I'm 19 right now, gonna be 20 in a couple of months, and I haven't seen half as many films as most of you guys. I look at my netflix queue and it's ridiculous and now I'm looking at the director consensus threads here and there are just so many essential films and filmmakers I haven't even begun to scratch the surfaces of. And I do feel like I have to make a decision whether or not it's worth it to keep watching movies at the pace I've been going these last few years. On the one hand, I do love films and I get a lot out of them. But I mean how many of them really leave an impression on me and make me think? One in ten? One in twenty?

Like some other folks in this thread, I want to do something creative with my life. Not necessarily in film, but something. I want to make my artistic contributions and I worry that, by taking in so many other artists' work, I'm inhibiting myself from being truly creative in my own right. So I dunno. I have a pretty fulfilling life right now. I'm going to a middle-of-the-road liberal arts college and I'm writing a lot of stuff that I'm semi-proud of. But, still, I feel like I've wasted a lot of life so far and I wonder if I should reconsider all this movie watching

[Sycophant]

I worry that, by taking in so many other artists' work, I'm inhibiting myself from being truly creative in my own right.

I don't believe it works like this at all.

If you feel like you're wasting your time with movies, you probably are.

[Adam]

I don't believe it works like this at all.

Well I'm not sure it works like that either. But I can see how it could, if that makes sense. It's like I've seen a lot of my favorite comedians give interviews where they say they try to avoid watching other comics perform. They're afraid they'll subconsciously rip them off and I can definitely understand the idea that having so many other "voices" clouding your thoughts could make it difficult for you to forge out a creative identity of your own

But, yes, again, I agree with you that it might not work like that and it's probably different for everyone, anyway


If you feel like you're wasting your time with movies, you probably are.

See that's the thing, you know? I don't necessarily feel that way all the time now, but I'm worried I will in ten or fifteen years after the fact

[Sycophant]

Standup comedy is probably somewhat special in that regard.

At 25 or 30, if you don't regret the way you spent your time when you were 18 or 19, regardless of how you spent it, you are probably a strange person.

[Kurosawa Fan]

At 25 or 30, if you don't regret the way you spent your time when you were 18 or 19, regardless of how you spend it, you are probably a strange person.

This is rock solid fact.

[Sycophant]

Oh, man. This thread.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Oh, man. This thread.

I like this thread. :)

[Qrazy]

Standup comedy is probably somewhat special in that regard.

At 25 or 30, if you don't regret the way you spent your time when you were 18 or 19, regardless of how you spent it, you are probably a strange person.

Pretty sure there are some major gradations there. If in 10 years you're a successful filmmaker versus say a porta potty maintenance man, you may have fewer regrets.

[Dukefrukem]

Why am I regretting my 18th and 19th years on this planet?

[Eleven]

At 25 or 30, I'm gonna regret the crappy movies I saw when I was 18 or 19.

[Dukefrukem]

At 25 or 30, I'm gonna regret the crappy movies I saw when I was 18 or 19.

Oh for sure. I spent a loooooooot of money on shitty shitty shitty movies. I've reduced my blind buying DVD rate significatnly.

[Mysterious Dude]

I think I might like movies more if I was a fanboy. Or one of those critics who loves a particular director and always thinks their latest movie is a masterpiece (i.e. fanboys). But because I always seek variety in my film viewing, and can't wait to watch an Australian film from the sixties because I've never seen one before, and when I finally do see that film, it's inevitably disappointing. Fanboys are much easier to please.

[Sycophant]

You trynna say something, Antoine? "Fanboy" is a fightin' word.

[megladon8]

I don't think I'll ever regret any of the films I've seen, good or bad.

Even when I say that a movie is so terrible I wish I hadn't wasted my time wit it, I'm still glad I spent time with a new movie.

I just love, adore and cherish movies.

[Mysterious Dude]

You trynna say something, Antoine? "Fanboy" is a fightin' word.

I'm just saying that fanboys probably wouldn't bother to sit through Daisies or The Affairs of Anatol like I did, so they might enjoy movies more. I've set myself up for constant disappointment.

[Sycophant]

You should probably start being easier on yourself (and maybe others), man.

[Mysterious Dude]

You should probably start being easier on yourself (and maybe others), man.
It's my birthday. I'm having some sort of crisis.

[Sycophant]

Ah, sorry to hear that, man.

[Spaceman Spiff]

I've honestly become more and more apathetic towards cinema as a whole as I've grown older. I used to motor through 10 movies a week, but now I'll only see a handful or so a month. Maybe 10 in a good month, and only things that I really, really want to see.

[kuehnepips]

It's my birthday. I'm having some sort of crisis.

What?

Where is your birthday thread? Damn.

Oh, DaMu: No.

[Mysterious Dude]

The other thing about fanboys is that they tend to watch the same movies over and over, and that satisfies them, whereas I'm always seeing movies I've never seen before, which, again, leads to inevitable disappointment.

[Sycophant]

I do consider "fanboy" to be a pejorative term. Your definition's way too broad.

[Mysterious Dude]

I do consider "fanboy" to be a pejorative term. Your definition's way too broad.

I don't consider it pejorative.


I'm a total and unabashed Brian De Palma fanboy.


I need to re-see Ashes of Time and Fallen Angels. But yeah, I'm a total fanboy.


I'm looking forward to watching '39 Steps' and 'Strangers,' too, for I fully expect that "Hitchcock element" to be there. I'm a pretty big fanboy now, I'd like to claim


The Invincible Iron Man animated movie is one of the worst movies I have seen all year. And that's coming from an Iron Man fanboy.


My Blueberry Nights is a dissapointing work even (/especially?) for a Wong fanboy like me.

Even setting aside the fact that many people don't seem to have a problem calling themselves "fanboys," I actually don't have a problem with people being fanboys. I think they probably experience less variety in films, but if it makes them happy, why should it bother me?

[Spun Lepton]

The other thing about fanboys is that they tend to watch the same movies over and over...

And the other thing about (blanks) is they always (blank behavior that I don't do). I can say this because I'm not a part of (blank group), so I'm obviously qualified to make such ridiculous statements.

:|

[Qrazy]

And the other thing about (blanks) is they always (blank behavior that I don't do). I can say this because I'm not a part of (blank group), so I'm obviously qualified to make such ridiculous statements.

:|

As a former fanboy I feel qualified to say that he's right.

[Spun Lepton]

As a former fanboy I feel qualified to say that he's right.

As a current fanboy, I call bullshit.

[Qrazy]

As a current fanboy, I call bullshit.

You don't watch the same films you're a fanboy of repeatedly? Because that's all he's saying. When I was a fanboy I watched The Lord of the Rings non-stop. Frankly I think watching the same films repeatedly is pretty much a definitional necessity of being a fanboy. If you're not doing that I'm not sure how you're a fanboy (of whatever you're a fanboy of). Antoine's use of the term as a general approach to film rather than specific films and directors is what I find a bit odd. I assume he just means the casual fan of film who loves a select few movies.

[megladon8]

Only fanboys watch a movie more than once?

[Qrazy]

Only fanboys watch a movie more than once?

The act of watching the same film repeatedly is precisely one of the elements that makes someone a fanboy. So no, people can watch a film more than once. But if they repeatedly watch a film because they really love it, then they are a fanboy (in relation to that film/director). I don't know what a 'general' fanboy would be.

[Qrazy]

As a for instance, I am a fanboy of Aleksei German. I can overlook what I perceive to be minor flaws in his work because I love them a great deal on a broader level.

[megladon8]

I consider myself a fanboy of Batman and both Nolan's films.

Yet I only saw The Dark Knight once in the theatre, and twice since it came to DVD.

[Qrazy]

I consider myself a fanboy of Batman and both Nolan's films.

Yet I only saw The Dark Knight once in the theatre, and twice since it came to DVD.

You don't deserve the title of fanboy! I saw that film 30 times the day before it opened.

[Spun Lepton]

I'm a horror movie fanboy, which means I love the genre and am typically more forgiving of its flaws. It doesn't mean I watch the same movie over and over again. If I watch a movie more than once, it means I probably purchased the DVD and have shown it to friends.

[Qrazy]

I'm a horror movie fanboy, which means I love the genre and am typically more forgiving of its flaws. It doesn't mean I watch the same movie over and over again. If I watch a movie more than once, it means I probably purchased the DVD and have shown it to friends.

Well there you go. You're a fanboy of the genre, so you watch more films from that genre.

[Mysterious Dude]

And the other thing about (blanks) is they always (blank behavior that I don't do).
The phrase I used was "tend to," not "always." I am sure that every fanboy has his own distinct habits, but I don't think it is inaccurate to say that they tend to watch the same films over and over.

[Spun Lepton]

The phrase I used was "tend to," not "always." I am sure that every fanboy has his own distinct habits, but I don't think it is inaccurate to say that they tend to watch the same films over and over.

Fair enough.

[B-side]

I wish I had a film I felt compelled to watch more than maybe twice. Too many films to see. Rewatches often feel like wastes of time for me. Not that they are, but I'm too caught up in this flow of film watching to be concerned about rewatching something. Too many films to see, too little time.

[Ezee E]

I wish I had a film I felt compelled to watch more than maybe twice. Too many films to see. Rewatches often feel like wastes of time for me. Not that they are, but I'm too caught up in this flow of film watching to be concerned about rewatching something. Too many films to see, too little time.
I've been like that. But I've started to realize that instead of pumping out movie after movie, I get more enjoyment out of rewatching a few that I really like, and taking my time with new ones.

[Sycophant]

I think there's value in watching a lot of new and varied films. Bit there's also value in discovering and exploring a specific filmmaker or movies from a specific time, place, and genre. I take something from my first viewing of my first Dario Argento film, and I take something from my 16th viewing of a Wes Anderson or Takeshi Kitano film.