Here we are at the end, something that is way too common today. Everything is ending and we do not have enough beginnings. The class is coming to an end, the semester has ended, and my senior year is coming to an end. This is the best time to look back and see how fast everything is ending. I would have near of thought that we would be at this point already. Just yesterday we got an extra week of spring break and then we were being rushed home for online classes. Things felt unfair, but I am glad that we still got to have this class and enjoy films. A part of me wanted to have a few more movies to watch and that what the class gave me. Being home and seeing so many presentations on favorite films, made me gout and watch some I never would have during the semester at school.

When looking back at all that we have gone over, it feels easy to thing of ones I loved and did not like as much. Not saying that the films are not good, but they just do not meet what I would consider re-watchable. Really just leaning that towards Pink Flamingos, due to the wildness this film brings. We learned right away this is a film to offend and push what you are comfortable with. It did that and more. I can at least say that I have watched it and it lives up to everything we were warned about. The rest of the films we watched were pretty good and I am glad to have seen them.

My favorite film of the year was Dazed and Confused, but I had a few that were close. I really like this one because it does not follow your normal idea of a film. There is not too much conflict and it is more about young adults trying to enjoy the best of life. Even with all the hazing and paddling, at the end they all got together and had a good time. I think that is why I liked it some much, I am in dire need of a social aspect like this and would love nothing more than having all my friends over to hangout and have fun. Some close runner ups would be Detour, Blacula, Warriors, and Detroit Rock City. I am leaving Once Upon a Time in Hollywood for later because it is another major part of this blog.

We are going to start with Detour and work our way down my list. I loved this film for the use of shading and lighting. When he would be feeling down, or we were going onto a flashback the camera would focus on his eyes. I found that powerful due to the idea that the eyes are a way into someone’s soul and his eyes showed how broken and beat down he was.

Next, we will talk about Blacula, this was a great film and taught us so much on the blaxploitation movement. I enjoyed how this took a classic idea of Dracula and made a simple twist to open it up to a new audience. Now on to my close second and it was hard to pick because Detroit Rock City was good, but The Warriors just connected with me more. The film was fun and had a lot of great action to it. Anytime I see glass bottles I can hear them clanging together asking “Warriors, come out to play” or even Professor Schlegel telling us about his buddy at the wedding. The movie focuses on gang life and how one moment can change it all. The other part I like is the use of the radio host, to let the other track the Warriors as they make their way back to Coney Island.

After this, we will have to talk about Detroit Rock City and how much fun this is. I mean these are the best because I can relate to the idea of trying to sneak around and go see a concert with your friends. I have been to a bunch because in my town we have SPAC, Saratoga Performing Art Center, and it is very easy for me to go and see concerts here. I just wish now I took the chance to see KISS when they came a few years ago. I love how it feels as if nothing will go right and then it all comes together in the end. I need this feeling in a film, or it is just unsatisfying.I wanted to add this video to my blog because I enjoyed it so much. I talked briefly about it in my final project, but I wanted to share even if we are past Detroit Rock City. It was cool to hear from the director and the steps it took to make this film come to life. The fact he read it a few years before it came across his desk or that the budget for the music changed so much because they have some many classic hits. I know it is long, but I enjoyed it.

Now on to our movie for the week, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. This film was the hardest one of the bunches for me to watch due to it being so new and not being available to rent on most sights but powered through and thanks to the internet was able to find watchable version. I have always liked Quentin Tarantino and his many works. One of my favorite things is how he takes real events and gives them the Hollywood twist we expect. In Inglorious Bastards, we get to see American succeed and take down Hitler and his Nazis. We know these events and enjoy seeing how things change to end on a positive note. This movie left me a little puzzled because I do not know too much of the background this movie takes place. For myself, I did not know much on the topic of the Manson Family or what happened to Sharon Tate.

Following the plot of this movie and getting to the final climax, I would not know it was a Quentin Tarantino movie till the final fight. I am used to his use of gore and over the top fights, something we did not get to see until the end of the movie. These are what I love most about his movies and jeep me entertained; from the pit bull going to town, Cliff bashing the girls head, and Dalton torching the last girl. It makes for one hell of an ending and gives us the twist of real life. At the end, this fight makes me want to get a pit bull because that was awesome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f7P7tZXJZI

For myself, I like the connections that the film makes with real life. I had to go and watch a few different YouTube clips to clear these up for me. I found that the WatchMojo video was the best and I can usually find myself looking towards these videos at time. At some point, we have all watched these clips and enjoyed them. The use of real details with simple twist makes the ending a much better viewing experience for all of us. With so many questions I had after, I was watching more clips about the Manson family to better understand their purpose in the film.

What a great way to wrap up the semester. I really loved the movie selections this year and whether I loved them or hated them, I am glad that I was able to see them at least once. This is my favorite part of the class, is getting to view films I never would on my own. I am also thankful for all your cult movie choices because they are now on my list of things to watch. No better time than during a pandemic to watch movies. These classes have helped to show me there is more to movie and how to really appreciator them, but to also to explore outside your comfort zone. Hope everyone is safe and have a great day!