Last Saturday I decided that I will try to make Mondays my ‘watch-movie-alone-day’. Previously I have only watched movies alone at the cinema 3 times - the first time was the re-released version of Star Wars with the new scenes and special effects. The second time was Legally Blonde 2 - I had a free ticket. Emphasis on the free ticket. The third movie was The Cooler.
All of the previous experiences were totally enjoyable affairs. Decide movie. Go cinema. Buy ticket if have to. Watch. Eat popcorn. Go home.
No hassle in having to plan the watching of the movie.
Watching movies alone is really time efficient. No need to spend time coordinating which movie the group of friends want to watch. No need coordinating which date and time. No need coordinating how many tickets are needed; no need checking whether partners are coming. No need booking of tickets to make sure we get the seats we need. Maybe one day Widgeo.us will help solve the problem of coordinating movie outings. I can only hope.
How about just two people going to watch a movie? I have started to increasingly feel that watching a movie is a passive anti-social activity and if I am going out with just one friend, watching a movie is the last thing that should be done especially if we want to catch up. For two hours, all that is happening is both of us staring at a screen. Unless of cause I turn and make comments within a screening which can be pretty irritating - not everyone is that kind of movie-goer. Or if I clap and cheer when something awesome happens like Optimus Prime transforming - which can also be pretty irritating to some people.
How about the gf?
I’ve come to a certain point where I believe that watching a movie should be the last recourse when trying to do something as a couple. While it warms the heart, I think the gf shouldn’t be subjected to watching a movie just because the boyfriend wants to and they want to spend time together - it is a waste of the gf’s time which can be better used for her own interests as well as rest. The only time a couple should watch a movie together is when both parties are interested in the movie.
So, anyway, I watched Indiana Jones 4 last night and I totally liked it. Some spoilers ahead.
1. I liked how I got faked to think they were looking for the Lost Ark from the first Indiana Jones movie. After all, the movie started with the same cavernous warehouse that the first movie introduced at the end. The director was nice enough to toss a bone by showing the Ark in a damaged crate as the movie raced away from the warehouse.
2. I liked the reference to Sean Connery’s Jim Malone from “The Untouchables” when Indiana Jones commented to Shia LeBeouf’s Mutt Wiliams about bring a knife to a gunfight.
3. Cate Blanchett sporting the classic femme fatale hairdo. Nice. I love it when movies make it easy to spot the bad guy.
Marie | 27-May-08 at 9:59 am | Permalink
hats off to u. I admire those that watch movies alone. and still aspiring to do it myself too, instead of constantly bugging some1 to tag along, and then them turning up late.
iantimothy | 27-May-08 at 10:08 am | Permalink
You should try it. It is actually quite a uplifting experience. Don’t think about it too much. Just surprise yourself in making that decision.
Ridz | 27-May-08 at 11:37 am | Permalink
Heh, I actually watch movies on my own quite a bit…i’m not sure how to describe it but it’s a mixture of the words ’surreal’ and ‘liberating’. Heh
Anyway, we’d love to solve that problem one day too.
Yuuka | 28-May-08 at 4:13 am | Permalink
I`ve never looked at movies as a social activity (I go to catch the film itself) - unless I`m planning to go out with some guy I might not have anything to talk about with (possibly awkward/reluctant date). It occupies you for two hours and gives you a common topic to bring up if you run dry.
That said, I have to check your blog more often. I want to comment on so many recent posts but I`ll feel like a nuisance if I do. *
*
iantimothy | 28-May-08 at 10:51 am | Permalink
oh my goodness.. I think lots of girls have pulled what you did on other guys on me. sad case man, i am.
do comment if you got the time. I most definitely want to know what other people are thinking.
Thanks for sharing!
TP | 29-May-08 at 10:19 pm | Permalink
Speaking of the movie (or the criticism of it):
What gives?! More Scientology propaganda? (Also, the pacing towards the beginning of the end of the film becomes erratic and leaves obvious plot holes.)
But going onto the topic of solo watching: if the show warrants my interest, I take to watch it. I think I might savvy watching The Notebook some time in the future.
iantimothy | 29-May-08 at 10:41 pm | Permalink
Hmmm…I didn’t draw the connection between the movie and Scientology. Time to do some Googling! Thanks.
I heard The Notebook is one movie worth watching. Hmmmm…