tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post767155372115408479..comments2024-03-28T06:14:54.076-04:00Comments on And So It Begins...: My 10 Most Memorable Movie Watching ExperiencesAlex Withrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15887018476048271594noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-48424185962705418292015-10-26T14:44:18.183-04:002015-10-26T14:44:18.183-04:00Love this comment. That connection you had to Schi...Love this comment. That connection you had to Schindler's List... that's what loving movies is all about. Loving any artistic medium is tough, because we go through <i>so much</i> of that thing, always in search of greatness. I see a shitload of movies, but it's so rare to have such a lasting, personal connection to one. Great, great stories in your comment there.Alex Withrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15887018476048271594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-53796456393884284612015-10-24T08:30:53.552-04:002015-10-24T08:30:53.552-04:00I can't really remember the date or time I wat...I can't really remember the date or time I watched THE EXORCIST, I was around 8 or 9 years old I think but it had a powerful-horror impact to me after having experience that classic, I just I know this because this was not a day to forget to me; after seeing it, I go to bed, I close my eyes, and there she is walking weird stuff doing that spider-walk in my fucking head. And there it goes; a fucking nightmare to me. It's great that I remember watching this for the first time than recalling where am I or what old am I the first time I saw the movie that made me wanna be a filmmaker for the rest of my life: JURASSIC PARK, but oh well both grew on me, stayed with me, for the rest of my life.<br /><br />SCHINDLER'S LIST; I saw this 4 years ago and it literally changed my whole personality, my whole view on cinema, it was September 27th of 2011. I popped it, no idea what 'm about to get and yeah, it absolutely, completely changed me. I just know, that I feel, like, I just the greatest movie ever made. And it made me convinced that I've got, got to see alot of great pictures from the past; m talking about from the 70s, 60s, 50s, 40s, 30s and on and on. This the film that made me realized too, that classic is important.<br /><br />Well, that's one of those two movies. But yeah, I gotta do one like this soon on Facebook and shared my Top 10 Memorable Movie Watching. And as always, I really, really having a great time bouncing through incredible stories, ideas and all that stuff in this site! Thanks! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07341349233129816964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-46041476015223305462013-03-11T11:45:17.746-04:002013-03-11T11:45:17.746-04:00Hey man, don't apologize to me! I'm honore...Hey man, don't apologize to me! I'm honored that you'd even read it. I thought it was cool how 2001 made both of our lists as well. That one is hit or miss for most people. Hell, I wasn't the biggest fan of it when I first saw it either. Now? Easily my Top 5 of all time. Love the hell out of it.Alex Withrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15887018476048271594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-39865166560305616912013-03-09T17:05:05.294-05:002013-03-09T17:05:05.294-05:00Sorry that it took so long for me to get back to y...Sorry that it took so long for me to get back to you. This is really awesome, man. I love that you went with movie watching in general and not just theatrical screenings. Makes it even more personal, and those are some great stories. Really enjoyable read, and I'm glad that we both share 2001 as a top experience. So far I am 1-for-2 on introducing that film to new people, in terms of them enjoying it. Not a bad percentage, I guess. :)Erichttp://twscritic.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-29244498419925465522012-10-25T11:36:39.944-04:002012-10-25T11:36:39.944-04:00You just listed two of my Top 5 movies, so props t...You just listed two of my Top 5 movies, so props to you man! I love both of those movies for many reasons, including the scenes you mentioned. They will live with me forever.Alex Withrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15887018476048271594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-51247282650656632332012-10-25T00:56:29.720-04:002012-10-25T00:56:29.720-04:00Two films...........Taxi Driver and The Deer Hunte...Two films...........Taxi Driver and The Deer Hunter.............just slayed me completely! I needed to drink after both those films. <br />The slaughter at the end of Taxi Driver was just so astonishing and powerful......I didn't actually think he was going to go through with it. But go through with it, he did........and so calmly. That powerful music......that banging drum......superb, blistering film making! Scorsese was God!<br />Chris Walken........finally realizing it was Michael sitting in front of him playing Russian Roulette.....but alas.....it was too late! Then they all sit around singing 'God Bless America'! So fucking moving!<br />Whatever the hell happened to Michael Cimino?<br />Two.......um.........movie experiences I will never forget!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10622456195892684575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-72550598640594786082012-08-01T17:09:52.097-04:002012-08-01T17:09:52.097-04:00@Alex Withrow: You're welcome! That analogy se...@Alex Withrow: You're welcome! That analogy seemed correct. If I ever make a movie, study the end credits ( :Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09395044055566348346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-35190199304023723522012-08-01T16:05:43.596-04:002012-08-01T16:05:43.596-04:00Wow Chris. Just... wow. What a kind, creative comm...Wow Chris. Just... wow. What a kind, creative comment you've left here! First off, I'm really glad you dug this post - movies are my world, so the fact that you enjoyed me attempting to translate that here really makes it worth it.<br /><br />Your movie experience made my day. That was such a cool thing for you to say. And the credit in the end was the very least I could do to offer my thanks to you for your continued support. Having this movie come together was most definitely like trying to make the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle fit into place. Excellent analogy there, my friend! <br /><br />Keep on keepin' on, and thanks again.Alex Withrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15887018476048271594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-40909493824628292122012-08-01T15:31:30.910-04:002012-08-01T15:31:30.910-04:00This post is so personal and really tells us a lot...This post is so personal and really tells us a lot about your love for film! <br />I love how this list ties in with your banner-which is even more meaningful to you than I imagined :) and yes, you are right, Earrings and Shame have a similar tone. <br /><br />A memorable or profound movie experience for me? I’m going with 28th of July 2012, when I saw Earrings, which was unique in that I know the filmmaker, and the credits even featured my name at the end, that moved me deeply. Its nice to be thought of in that way as a small piece in your life's jigsaw puzzle.Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09395044055566348346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-70182201734036914002012-08-01T08:26:12.154-04:002012-08-01T08:26:12.154-04:00I get and appreciate everything you are saying, be...I get and appreciate everything you are saying, because everyone is truly entitled to their own opinion, but I simply could not disagree with you more. Granted, Shame definitely isn't a film for everyone (nor is Fassbender's work in it), but I think both the film and his performance are beyond flawless.<br /><br />Just a difference of opinion is all! Thanks for stopping by!Alex Withrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15887018476048271594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-68742632536918990502012-07-31T21:57:43.934-04:002012-07-31T21:57:43.934-04:00I'm kind of surprised to hear such praise for ...I'm kind of surprised to hear such praise for Shame. I went into it knowing it would be a shocking and challenging film, but honestly.. I was let down. <br /><br />The entire movie is Michael Fassbender being miserable. I understand that the point is to show how entirely his life is consumed by his addiction, but I couldn't feel any empathy towards him because he didn't even seem like a real human being. He was a caricature. Completely 1-dimensional.<br /><br />And the "we had a tough life" non-backstory was NOT fulfilling in that regard. Give me SOMETHING to show me that he's a person I should care about (not in the sense of being a good person, but in the sense of being a fully-formed individual).<br /><br />- Tippiwww.onthescreenreviews.comhttp://www.onthescreenreviews.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-12881088273159039372012-07-29T18:25:27.080-04:002012-07-29T18:25:27.080-04:00Thanks Stephanie!
1. (siiiiigh), well, what can I...Thanks Stephanie!<br /><br />1. (siiiiigh), well, what can I say. After that, I, like The Gimp, was no longer sleepin'. But seriously, I have really cool parents who didn't make a fuss about telling me what I asked. Very open and honest. (I failed to mention that that movie also informed me what rape was, so, yeah, my mom had her hands full that day haha).<br /><br />2. Thank you for saying that. Couldn't agree more. You have to keep going.<br /><br />3. Haunting scene. <br /><br />4. SO GOOD!<br /><br />5. Thanks! I was just, ah, I was stunned when I saw that film.Alex Withrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15887018476048271594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-31604167158850868412012-07-29T18:21:56.333-04:002012-07-29T18:21:56.333-04:00I remember you telling me that Veronique story... ...I remember you telling me that Veronique story... we got some amazing gals, I'd say. <br /><br />LOVED all of your stories. Our reactions to Gerry (and our anticipations) were very similar. That's too cool. <br /><br />And Stroszek... whoa. Just... whoa.Alex Withrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15887018476048271594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-37574930649751330052012-07-29T18:19:40.529-04:002012-07-29T18:19:40.529-04:00Thanks Sati! I couldn't agree with you more ab...Thanks Sati! I couldn't agree with you more about finding immense satisfaction when friends love the movies you show them. Showing Lebowski newbies that flick is always hysterical.<br /><br />Sounds like your Artist screening was a lot better than mine. I saw it in a packed house of 40+ year olds, and many never shut the hell up. I guess they thought because the film was silent, they were allowed to talk. Real bummer. Had to see it again at a time when I knew no one would be there!Alex Withrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15887018476048271594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-35815663894979213622012-07-29T18:16:26.829-04:002012-07-29T18:16:26.829-04:00Oh wow, whatta reaction! I definitely cried during...Oh wow, whatta reaction! I definitely cried during the threesome scene. I've never seen anything remotely close to that before. It continues to floor me.Alex Withrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15887018476048271594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-58347350373889169452012-07-28T16:22:46.770-04:002012-07-28T16:22:46.770-04:00Wow ... what a great post! Much of it was either l...Wow ... what a great post! Much of it was either laugh-out-loud funny or heart-wrenching. You are a magnificent writer, and I don't say that lightly. A few random reactions, in no particular order:<br /><br />1. I can't even tell you how disturbing I find it that your first introduction to the concept of male homosexuality was through the "gimp" scene. :-D And -- oh my God -- I don't envy your mother the conversation she got to have with you afterwards. ;-)<br /><br />2. Antwone Fisher was a moving film, and the way you described your emotional connection to it is amazing. I bet most of us, at one time or another, have been through something absolutely unbearable, something we hadn't thought we could ever survive, and had to keep going.<br /><br />3. My daughter and I really liked Precious -- it was both painful and hopeful. The scene where the protagonist's mother throws a television at her and her newborn baby is burned into both our brains.<br /><br />4. Hunger is an amazing movie. I want to watch it again soon. <br /><br />5. Love what you said about Shame! As you know, I didn't love it and relate to it as you did, but you articulated something I feel deeply about my experiences with movies and books: “Oh, wow. Someone else gets it.” Exactly!!!<br /><br />I can't answer the question about my most memorable movie watching experiences ... I'd have to give it a lot more thought.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-91506265298971892012-07-27T18:20:26.139-04:002012-07-27T18:20:26.139-04:00Amazing list with really unforgettable choices. Th...Amazing list with really unforgettable choices. The 2001 one reminds me of the time I showed my girlfriend The Double Life of Veronique, which is now her favourite movie. She watched that one over and over and I had to smile and agree it was something very special. Because it definitely is.<br /><br />I also love that you've got HUNGER and SHAME on here. Viewing those movies for me I was completely blown away. I think HUNGER affected me more deeply than SHAME but holy fuck both of them packed a hell of a punch.<br /><br />I think I did a post similar to this a while ago, but I'll highlight some of the absolute defining moments of cinematic viewing in my lifetime:<br /><br />1: Seeing Werckmeister Harmonies for the first time and crying once, at the end. Then watching it again the very next day and weeping in near hysterics on at least three different occasions.<br />2: Watching a shitty quality video of Edward Yang's A Brighter Summer Day on Google Video (the film is insanely rare and almost impossible to find anywhere else) but still realizing what a work of genius it was, and how I was constantly riveted for the entire four hour runtime.<br />3: Seeing Satantango in one sitting from 6pm to 1am and absolutely falling apart afterwards.<br />4: Seeing Tarkovsky's Andrei Rublev for the third time recently and applauding through my tears when it was finished.<br />5: Expecting Gus van Sant's Gerry to be bad, discovering it was an amazing and perfect film, and thinking: "This is the kind of movie I want to make."<br />6: Werner Herzog's Stroszek. Best movie ending of all time. You should've seen the look on my face during those final ten minutes.Tylerhttp://magnoliaforever.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-83006140042827331452012-07-27T17:58:17.502-04:002012-07-27T17:58:17.502-04:00Yeah, I cried during the threesome scene. Basicall...Yeah, I cried during the threesome scene. Basically from the time he goes into the club onwards. But it wasn't crying. I literally could not breathe so it turned into shrill screaming. It was so weird!Stevee Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12284769251750574447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-32042936510781511722012-07-27T17:20:12.162-04:002012-07-27T17:20:12.162-04:00This is just wonderful. Superbly written and you c...This is just wonderful. Superbly written and you can clearly see how much you love movies just from this post. Loved the story about Babel. <br /><br />Though I love watching movies alone my most memorable experiences probably come from brining dvds and watching them with my friends - it's such a great feeling when someone you love loves the movie you adore. I love watching Snatch and The Big Lebowski with people who never seen it before because their laughter always brings me so much joy. <br /><br />From the cinema viewings it must be the Artyist because it was completely silent despite the theatre filled with people. Even teenagers with popcorn didn't say anything and sobbed a little.s.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13987831438787776712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-14698668030574892142012-07-27T14:54:34.426-04:002012-07-27T14:54:34.426-04:00Yesssssss!Yesssssss!Alex Withrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15887018476048271594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-43495047516048867782012-07-27T12:11:57.352-04:002012-07-27T12:11:57.352-04:00Oh my goodness, Brave Little Toaster...how is this...Oh my goodness, Brave Little Toaster...how is this not slightly horrifying! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UfsEj7AOGIRuthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175638828147935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-47070769458516094022012-07-27T11:00:22.698-04:002012-07-27T11:00:22.698-04:00Thanks Dan, your comment really meant a lot. Very ...Thanks Dan, your comment really meant a lot. Very kind of you.<br /><br />Given how much I love your lists, I'm sure your Top Viewing Experiences list will be killer.Alex Withrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15887018476048271594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-82370663943159060502012-07-27T10:59:05.092-04:002012-07-27T10:59:05.092-04:00Thanks Lesya! I can't wait to read your experi...Thanks Lesya! I can't wait to read your experiences. <br /><br />Yep, Seventh Seal three times in one sitting. I can't fully explain it. It transported me.Alex Withrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15887018476048271594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-32645816370782479802012-07-27T10:58:06.509-04:002012-07-27T10:58:06.509-04:00I'm with you, that scene in The Pianist is jus...I'm with you, that scene in The Pianist is just... well, I'll be desensitized from it. It's so cold and accurate.<br /><br />Great picks for memorable experiences. Loved your reasoning behind Purple Rose and Fight Club. I need to scope out Fight Club again soon. So awesome and badass.Alex Withrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15887018476048271594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4784665635104956142.post-28746413665854635332012-07-27T10:56:08.250-04:002012-07-27T10:56:08.250-04:00Thanks buddy, and I couldn't agree more - chro...Thanks buddy, and I couldn't agree more - chronicling the event and impact of seeing a great film is really important. Sometimes they change things, and it's good to remember those moments.<br /><br />Really glad you enjoyed Shame and 2001. The getting carded (multiple times) bit was really funny, and, yeah, 2001... such ambition indeed.Alex Withrowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15887018476048271594noreply@blogger.com