Due to unforeseen technical problems, I was unable to be involved in the last hour of class and missed the last presentations. I am very sad about this but from what I have read so far they seem great! 🙂 This week’s movie was Matinee and it really drove me into a happy depression as if I was replaying the memories of a loved one. Going to the movies was a huge part of my childhood and young adult life and is even a thanksgiving tradition in my family. I was in a Deja Vu moment for half the movie replaying all of my favorite movie theatre experiences.  Some of my first dates, spending time with my family, spending time with my friends, and even a crazy gimmicky moment when a mermaid in the movie walked into the theatre and gave everyone free candy shell necklaces. Could you ask for anything more? I don’t think I would have reminisced as much if I had gone right before this pandemic happened but it feels as if I haven’t gone in years due to Alfred’s limited theatre selection.  I thought the way the main character describes this experience at movies was a rather refreshing view. I also felt rather connected but also discounted to the film and at the same time because we are in very similar situations but also very different. A pandemic and a missile crisis are similar but disease and bombs are too very different things. Overall I thought it was a great way to round out the semester before our last viewing and our last blog.

The readings for this week were eye-opening I especially liked Castles gimmicks. I had never really thought of this to be a tool and film directors and producers could use to engage there audiences more. I wasn’t for personal gain but to help the audience have a more indulgent viewing experience. It really connected back on some of the other readings we’ve had throughout the semester such as the Alamo draft house where they used a similar gimmicky tactic to draw their audience in. Overall I miss being in our “midnight movie” class setting where people would be reacting to other people reacting to the movie.  In my personal opinion having this class online really takes the fun out of watching these somewhat horrible but also great, extremely entertaining movies with all of you.