Well folks, this is it. After over a dozen pieces, two semesters and countless tickets lying forgotten in my calendar, “Adventures of an A-Lister” is officially coming to an end. However, before I say goodbye, I have to highlight my journey. From being chased down by rats in Boston Common to sitting in shock at ticket prices to silently sobbing in an empty theater, this column has been an adventure through and through.
Although every ending is bittersweet, there are many things I hope we can all take away from this experience.
There will always be more movies
This thought is borderline overwhelming, but I also find comfort in the knowledge that there are hundreds of thousands of movies, with new ones being released every week. Very few of these hundreds of thousands may be stellar pieces, but every film is an accomplishment within itself. Films have the ability to captivate their audiences, and as cinema continues to grow, new worlds will continue to be created. While I love a good classic narrative, there are several pieces that will always remain my favorites of all time, including what I consider one of the best films of the modern age, “The Lego Ninjago Movie” (2017). No further elaboration is necessary.
Solo movie dates for the win
When I first began this column, I quickly discovered the challenge of constantly taking myself to the movies. As a classic socially anxious young adult, I tried to only see new releases with friends. Unfortunately for my anxiety, I now see films during random free business hours multiple times a week when my friends are at the library or in class. The only solution was simply to begin taking myself to the movies — and it’s perhaps one of the best decisions I have ever made. To be able to leave without coordinating schedules, find the best seat in the theater, horde snacks and jot notes while not being distracted by talkative friends has allowed me to have a more immersive experience at the theaters. Feeling lonely? Strike up a conversation with others in your theater before or after the film. Have lots to say? Take down a few notes to use as talking points later in the day. A bit bored? Smuggle in a light meal and go to town. The solo movie date is truly unbeatable.
The ‘why?’ of film
I am often asked why I chose to do a column on films if I already watch dozens a semester for film classes and fill up my free time watching even more. The short answer? I’m trying to catch up on the hundreds of classics I never saw earlier in my life. The long answer? I find film completely fascinating. Whether it’s a film that delves into complex characters and situations or it’s simply a fun, unserious watch, every movie captures a moment, memory or idea in a time capsule. Film is a way to document not only shared history but also the possibilities of our shared future. Film creates space for innovation, but also hard conversations about the evils of man and the fleeting but deep hopes of society. Films allow for the impossible to seem possible and the ordinary to feel extraordinary. With every film, you can dive into a new world — whether poorly constructed or not — and be forced to look at its flaws in plain sight. Film offers an experience like no other, one in which we can be both immersed and hyper-aware of the life that pulses through all of us, bleeding through worlds. Why film? Because there is truly nothing like it.
If I were asked a few years ago if I thought I would spend night after night in a dark theater, quickly jotting down shorthand notes before a night scene plagues the screen, I would probably raise my eyebrows in quiet confusion. However, after having spent night after night in a dark theater while quickly jotting down shorthand notes before a night scene plagues the screen, I truly cannot see my life any other way.
If there is anything I hope you were able to take away from this experience, it’s that everyone should watch more films. You never know where they may take you.
