How to watch a movie

I’m not all business here – today I’m going to teach you how to watch a movie (this is a post from my old blog updated for 2012 – I do that every so often when I have an old thought I want to revive.)

Anyway, I’m a big movie buff / borderline film snob, and I got a few classic films for Xmas (including the Giorgio Morodor version of Fritz Lang’s Metropolis.) I immersed myself in that one last night, and it was awesome. But I view movies a little different than your average Joe, so I wanted to post a little something about the art of watching a movie for those that are interested.

Now, it may seem odd that I post this, because “watching a movie” takes no more effort than, say, “looking out the window”. In fact, depending on if the sun is in your eyes or not, the movie might be infinitely easier.

But to me, there’s a profound difference between watching a movie, and watching a movie.

Most people simply watch movies. But a few watch movies. Here’s the difference (besides the overly clever use of italics):

• You can watch a movie over a few sittings. Just pause the DVD and come back later.
• You watch a movie in one sitting. Straight through.
• You can watch a movie with interruptions. Kids, phone, dinner, etc.
• You watch a movie with no interruptions. Go away.
• You can watch a movie with friends – you goof, yell at the screen, comment, etc.
• Watching a movie with friends is hard, unless they are watching it also.

You probably get the point. In other words, when you watch a movie, you actually carve out time to really watch it. And you allow yourself to get absorbed in it. You understand the characters, what’s going on, etc – the movie gets your full attention.

Now, whether I watch a film or simply watch one depends on the film. I merely watch “Transformers 2″. But I watch “The Seventh Seal.” To me, it’s really the only way you can truly enjoy such a film.

I’ve been told by people “I wish I could get into movies like you do”.

Well, it’s easy – just watch them.

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