Friends of the Experience #4

It's a cross country style line-up today with Midwest, East, South, and West all represented. My thanks going out to Jennifer in Chicago, Vince in LA, Steven in Texas, Travis in Vermont, and Paul in Ohio for their kind words and donations to the site's March fundraiser.

Jennifer is an avid knitter --you can see her creations at her own blog. Like many die hard moviegoers she got hooked on less conventional fare while in college. She writes:

One of the most pivotal moviegoing experiences for me was seeing The Cook The Thief His Wife and Her Lover which so beautifully joined an artistic sensibility with a poetic and dark story. Saw it three times in the first week of its release. While I love a good realistic drama, what really excites me most about movies is those where I see something extraordinary that I couldn't see in any other medium, where I can immerse myself in the story while at the same time marvelling at the storyteller's art.

Well said Jennifer. I've only seen Peter Greenaway's controversial arthouse hit once and the thing I remember most about it was the color shifts. Oh, and Helen Mirren --she's been a queen (of cinema) for a long time actually. I should program myself a whole Greenaway festival because I even like the one no one else does ... 8 ½ Women.

Vince is a longtime reader and he requires rewatchability in his favorite film

It's about serial killers, so I don't know what that says about me, but I still love it. It's a film that achieved a perfect balance of dramatic earnestness and high camp, in my opinion, which is rarely seen, and went on to a surprise win of Best Picture ... The Silence of the Lambs.

Most of my favorite films came from the mid-80's to early 90's, which coincided with my pre-teens and teens, though. I'm still waiting for a new release to come along and sweep me away.

Isn't that just the sad plight of we movie obsessives: always waiting in the dark to be swept into a new world? More often than not our feet stay firmly planted on the ground but it's completely worth it for the possibility.
Steven was quick to contribute but slow to name one favorite on account of: too much pressure. I hear him loud and clear... (I actually hate the question, too. I have hundreds) Steven elaborates

I have different favorites for different moods. The Color Purple when I need to cry, Contact when I need to think, The Princess Bride when I want to feel loved, Clue when I need to laugh and Pee-Wee's Big Adventure when I need mindless entertainment.

He also tells me that he started reading TFE due to the Oscar coverage but now reads year round. Which is exactly what I like to hear. Sure, the site and blog are more singleminded during awards seasons but movies are 24-7 and loving them should be too.
Travis discovered the film experience through Joe Reid who some readers will know as a frequent guest blogger here, whose work can also be found at television without pity. Travis' favorite:

Dr. Strangelove -- the poster to which is hanging in my office. I show parts of the film to my students every semester, and not only is it of educational value, but I STILL laugh at the War Room scenes even though I've seen them at least a dozen
times.

Ack. another film I need to see again. The War Room scene is the only one I remember! I saw the film way back in high school.

Finally, there's Paul who also has his own blog Opal Films --he's currently trying to work through a top 100 style list. Good luck! He also contributes to the nifty Screengrab and passes along a note to which I relate more than I'd like to

My favorite movie is Belle de Jour, which is a film that I'm so close to and so kinda intimidated by that I'm hestitant to write much about it. That's odd, I think, since I have no trouble writing on and on about other movies I love, particularly 8 Women.

I have the same problem. I'm trying to beat it down by forcing myself to write more positive reviews: hence the personal canon project. But it is harder to write about the transcendant than it is to write about the problematic. And FWIW: Belle de Jour is incredible. If any of you reading haven't seen it --Up to the top of your rental queue immediately. Submit!

What About You, Commenters?
Have you ever seen the same movie three times in one week?
Does your favorite movie depend on your mood. Or is it unchanging?
Are you waiting for a new release to sweep you away?