The Fallacy of Snobbery
May 5th 2008 07:19
Some of my friends (and occasionally my wife) accuse me of being a film snob. I usually toggle between embracing the label and taking umbrage with it. It all depends on the last film I saw. If its 'Transformers' I'm offended ("I just saw Transformers!"). But after perhaps 'There Will Be Blood', I accept it as a badge of honor.
The overall problem I see is that a preference does not a snob make. Truth be told I do prefer to see a film by a great or up and coming director or one that has a unique take on narrative or photography than going to the multi-plex and seeing the latest popcorn flick. But I often go to see the popcorn flicks, sometimes it's even my idea! In fact, over the course of a year, I will probably see more popcorn flicks than so-called 'arthouse' films (somebody please invent a new word). You're probably already thinking that I'm showing my hand by using the term 'popcorn flick', a perjorative. But is it? Thats your own bias, don't put that evil on me! Don't let me catch you saying 'chick flick'! I'll be all over that mess!
Where things go off the rails normally is when I'm asked for a suggestion about what's out that's good to see. Why people ask me when they know they're going to mockingly stick their finger down their throat is beyond me. Here is the thought process that normally dictates how I reply: You don't need me to tell you about 'The Bourne Ultimatum', there are buses, magazine ads and skywriting for that. But for the same reason that you suggest a good wine to me, because you know I am uninformed about wine, I suggest 'The Counterfeiters'.
Fun is fun. The most fun I had all last year at the movies was 'Transformers'. I indulged in joyous recollections of my favorite scenes with my buddies just like everybody else. However, I also spent alot of time discussing the merit of 'The Lives of Others', probably the most satisfying movie I saw that same year. Satisfaction and happiness are not the same thing, they are watered by different streams.
I must mention one pet peeve. People who bring up movies only so they can offer comments like "Well, if it doesn't have Pooh Bear or Dora the Explorer, I haven't seen it." I get it, you've reproduced, you live for your children, sacrifice and all that. Yay! But honestly, if you have less than 8 children and you NEVER see a film you want to see whether its in a theatre or in the privacy of your own bedroom... YOU WERE NEVER INTO MOVIES IN THE FIRST PLACE. Now you need to state an excuse to prevent having to admit that you'd be out of the loop anyway.
I've probably undone my entire argument now. Might as well go out swinging then...
'Moulin Rouge' was awful...just plain awful.
"It's ass whoopin' time Auteur Theory"
The overall problem I see is that a preference does not a snob make. Truth be told I do prefer to see a film by a great or up and coming director or one that has a unique take on narrative or photography than going to the multi-plex and seeing the latest popcorn flick. But I often go to see the popcorn flicks, sometimes it's even my idea! In fact, over the course of a year, I will probably see more popcorn flicks than so-called 'arthouse' films (somebody please invent a new word). You're probably already thinking that I'm showing my hand by using the term 'popcorn flick', a perjorative. But is it? Thats your own bias, don't put that evil on me! Don't let me catch you saying 'chick flick'! I'll be all over that mess!
First hit on Google Images under 'Chick flick'
Where things go off the rails normally is when I'm asked for a suggestion about what's out that's good to see. Why people ask me when they know they're going to mockingly stick their finger down their throat is beyond me. Here is the thought process that normally dictates how I reply: You don't need me to tell you about 'The Bourne Ultimatum', there are buses, magazine ads and skywriting for that. But for the same reason that you suggest a good wine to me, because you know I am uninformed about wine, I suggest 'The Counterfeiters'.
Fun is fun. The most fun I had all last year at the movies was 'Transformers'. I indulged in joyous recollections of my favorite scenes with my buddies just like everybody else. However, I also spent alot of time discussing the merit of 'The Lives of Others', probably the most satisfying movie I saw that same year. Satisfaction and happiness are not the same thing, they are watered by different streams.
I must mention one pet peeve. People who bring up movies only so they can offer comments like "Well, if it doesn't have Pooh Bear or Dora the Explorer, I haven't seen it." I get it, you've reproduced, you live for your children, sacrifice and all that. Yay! But honestly, if you have less than 8 children and you NEVER see a film you want to see whether its in a theatre or in the privacy of your own bedroom... YOU WERE NEVER INTO MOVIES IN THE FIRST PLACE. Now you need to state an excuse to prevent having to admit that you'd be out of the loop anyway.
Cassavetes for the Play-Date Chauffeur Set
I've probably undone my entire argument now. Might as well go out swinging then...
'Moulin Rouge' was awful...just plain awful.
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Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
'Moulin Rouge' was wonderful, just plain wonderful.
Michaelie
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
I like this comment :
I'm still thinking about the rest of it ....
Lilla ...