Catch Me If You Can: A Movie Watching Tutorial.

My film of the week.

Recently, after watching a number of films with my friends, most of which I offer comments on during and after, it has been suggested I write a tutorial on how to enjoy the various levels of a film. How to watch a film the way I do, if I may be so egotistical. There are numerous aspects and layers to a film that, when observed, can add tremendous enjoyment to even the worst of films. In fact I suggest watching a film multiple times, if you have copious amounts of free time or just love movies like Inception, because each time you can analyze the film from a different aspect. For those of you Christians reading this, its similar to the practice of Lexio Divina, only  more time consuming.

The first way I suggest, and look at a movie myself, is void of any analytical thought that doesn't help me understand the basic plot. Basically watch the movie as if you know nothing about them. Just feel and let the movie move and transport you, from your couch into a world beyond the Vail of light a sound across a screen. Even here you subconscious and conscious might notice certain aspects of the film. this is because of you your unique character and experiences, and its what makes movie so amazing. we can take what we want from a movie, kinda like stealing from the tip jar at Starbucks with inner and corporate encouragement. directors and producers want audiences to relate to movies individually, to connect with things based on our own experiences. its in this connection that we find enjoyment. A useful analogy is the mirror from the first harry potter film called the mirror of Erised. The mirror, or movie, shows us a reflection of ourselves but also the things we want most. I often smile at tender family moments in movies because more than anything I desire a close future family with my wife and kids.

So for now, just enjoy a movie. realize that you are connecting and seeing the very things you want to be, even if that is found in seeing things you don't want to be. these clues about yourself will reveal you desires and what triggers your best and worst responses.

Look for my next blog: Finding the Story as you Walk Through.
this will be on enjoying film narrative with a special look at Inception.