Reigniting Passions

I love movies. I can't help it. I love them. Even the bad ones (the bad ones are like that weird cousin you don't really like, but you still feel obligated to look out for cause its still family.) I've had a love affair with the cinema for quite some time. I always liked movies, but who doesn't right. I think I may have located the source of the turning point from like to love, however.

Back in Utah, my family would always host an Oscar party. My mom attended to the food and socialization aspects, while my dad would read up on all the nominees. My dad thoroughly enjoys movies as well (that's probably where I get it from). Anyway, one year, my dad was to be out of town working on the weekend of the big night, so I took up the reins in his stead. Which meant looking into the nominees, reading the reviews, so I could at least give a brief synopsis if there was a film someone hadn't seen. My dad was gone that weekend the following year as well and that's when I decided. Rather than read critiques, why not just see the movies and form some of my own. At least of the Best Picture nominees. That particular year I saw 4 of the 5(Freaking Letters from Iwo Jima). I soon developed a taste for great movies which led to me wanting to become a film student.

Film, like most art forms, is unique. It requires much visual creativity, finesse, and respect for the medium and what it can do. I often feel that people don't realize what a powerful thing movies can be. No matter if you are watching Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story, or Accepted, you are making connections. You are surrendering yourself to another being (albeit, fictional) for at least 90 mins. You are making yourself vulnerable. Open to feeling something. A powerful movie with the right story can easily change your life.

I want to be a filmmaker. I want to create something that will cause change. Film has caused a change in me and I have a strong desire to pay it forward. I often loose sight of this goal. Getting side tracked by working where I do and dealing with co-workers. Letting my attention be drawn elsewhere. Its not until a great movie comes along that my passion and dreams are reignited. I have seen two movies this week that did exactly that.

127 Hours and Black Swan.

Both are brilliant films honed by brilliant directors. Each great for different reasons save one. There is such care brought to the telling of these stories. These are not films that were concocted to make money (a.k.a. The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise). No. These were stories that should be told. While one is also a tale of man vs. nature, both of these films showcase protagonists that need to conquer themselves. Danny Boyle and Darren Aronofsky are master storytellers because they put their heart and soul into the telling. I would be shocked if they are not invited to the Kodak theater in March. I hope, someday, I will be invited too.