The Cinematherapy Oscars Project
When movies aren't a sure thing, and tickets cost upwards of $8.50, they're something I tend to put pretty low on the list of entertainment. When the awards shows roll around each year, I don't watch, because I've seen only one (or possibly none) of the nominees. Half the time, I don't even get what people are raving about when it comes to certain acclaimed films.
At the same time, though, it does make me feel a little culturally deficient.
The idea to remedy this problem: Cinematherapy Goes to the Oscars. This book views films as a reflection of the times in which they were created/nominated, and of course (sorry, fellas) from the perspective of inspiration for women.
How this is going to work: Every week, typically on Thursday night but Friday night at the latest, I will post about a movie (selected from the book) that I have watched during that week.
A few more miscellaneous details:
Of course, all blogreaders are invited to read and/or watch along with me! And comment! I don't claim to be an expert on film (what with one film class from my undergrad days--but oh, I loved that class), so contributions to the discussion are strongly encouraged! All I ask is that you be respectful, as usual.
First up: Chicago
O.K., Smokey. Roll 'em.
At the same time, though, it does make me feel a little culturally deficient.
The idea to remedy this problem: Cinematherapy Goes to the Oscars. This book views films as a reflection of the times in which they were created/nominated, and of course (sorry, fellas) from the perspective of inspiration for women.
How this is going to work: Every week, typically on Thursday night but Friday night at the latest, I will post about a movie (selected from the book) that I have watched during that week.
A few more miscellaneous details:
- I have chosen about 48 films, expecting to complete the project by year's end. That said, I'm off to a late start, so I probably will do two in one week occasionally.
- I will be going in chapter order in the book, which is by decade, starting with 2000-2004--2004 being the publication date of the book--and going backwards.
- Every third film in the chapter was chosen, unless I saw it already or didn't have the stomach for it. (Seriously--Monsters' Ball comes to mind, for example.)
- I will post the list of films from each chapter in advance, with a few possible alternates in case I can't track some down.
- I will try to watch them in order of the list, but the order will be subject to how soon I can obtain a copy of the film. I will try to give notice if I am deviating from list order.
- I reserve the right to take two nonconsecutive weeks off (barring any horrible personal disasters, ptui, ptui)
- Movies will be provided by the local video rental store and the library. If I get desperate, possibly "Video on Demand," but I hope not.
Of course, all blogreaders are invited to read and/or watch along with me! And comment! I don't claim to be an expert on film (what with one film class from my undergrad days--but oh, I loved that class), so contributions to the discussion are strongly encouraged! All I ask is that you be respectful, as usual.
First up: Chicago
O.K., Smokey. Roll 'em.
Comments
I can relate to what you said about feeling somewhat culturally deficient if I haven't seen the films honored at the Oscars or read the books they're based on. But honestly? Sometimes films are just a sad waste of celluloid and represent a pointless waste of brain cells. Unfortunately, you can never be sure until after you've already watched them!
But I'm up for it- looking forward to your discussion of more movies.
;)