MetaFilter Film Club v2.0 July 7, 2010 9:01 AM Subscribe
MetaFilter Film Club v2.0. Anyone interested?
East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 and I have been talking about trying to revive the MetaFilter Film Club.
If people are interested, the first thing to decide is if we want to do a stand-alone forum dedicated to discussing the movie(s) of the month (and general film talk) or just go with MetaChat.
We should also talk about how many films per month we want to do and how to nominate and vote on films.
East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 and I have been talking about trying to revive the MetaFilter Film Club.
If people are interested, the first thing to decide is if we want to do a stand-alone forum dedicated to discussing the movie(s) of the month (and general film talk) or just go with MetaChat.
We should also talk about how many films per month we want to do and how to nominate and vote on films.
I would totally be up for this as long as the films will be stuff that one would not be required to wreck their Karagarga ratio to contribute to.
posted by griphus at 9:25 AM on July 7, 2010
posted by griphus at 9:25 AM on July 7, 2010
What di griphus just say?
posted by cjorgensen at 9:30 AM on July 7, 2010
posted by cjorgensen at 9:30 AM on July 7, 2010
Count me in.
posted by reductiondesign at 9:32 AM on July 7, 2010
posted by reductiondesign at 9:32 AM on July 7, 2010
Karagarga is a tracker for old/obscure/art films. It is also a tracker with very, very restrictive ratio rules and few chances for invites. Basically what I said was "let's not make the films too obscure, kay?" except I decided to be all cyber-hip about it.
posted by griphus at 9:36 AM on July 7, 2010
posted by griphus at 9:36 AM on July 7, 2010
I'm in, but only if it works better that SportsFilter. Haven't been able to verify my email address to finish my account set-up, and I can't reach anyone via their contact form.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 10:18 AM on July 7, 2010
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 10:18 AM on July 7, 2010
Yes! I can do this! \o/
posted by Throw away your common sense and get an afro! at 10:44 AM on July 7, 2010
posted by Throw away your common sense and get an afro! at 10:44 AM on July 7, 2010
I'm interested too, but I'll probably tend to nominate things I have sitting around that I feel like I should watch but haven't seen yet.
posted by paisley henosis at 10:48 AM on July 7, 2010
posted by paisley henosis at 10:48 AM on July 7, 2010
I'm interested. Someone memail me if this happens, because I'll almost assuredly forget to ever check back on this thread.
posted by ivey at 11:38 AM on July 7, 2010
posted by ivey at 11:38 AM on July 7, 2010
I am interested.
posted by Duffington at 11:41 AM on July 7, 2010
posted by Duffington at 11:41 AM on July 7, 2010
Totally in.
posted by brundlefly at 12:17 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by brundlefly at 12:17 PM on July 7, 2010
I participated in the former film club. I used to watch the films of the week, but never found time to discuss it.
It might make it interesting to restrict it to films within the last 24 months. It seems that a lot of people want a communal experience going through the Western Canon, but for those of us who've already walked through it ... it is a bit of a bore to watch the same classic film again.
posted by geoff. at 12:24 PM on July 7, 2010
It might make it interesting to restrict it to films within the last 24 months. It seems that a lot of people want a communal experience going through the Western Canon, but for those of us who've already walked through it ... it is a bit of a bore to watch the same classic film again.
posted by geoff. at 12:24 PM on July 7, 2010
Sounds good.
posted by joost de vries at 12:39 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by joost de vries at 12:39 PM on July 7, 2010
Start small, go with Metachat. If it grows, then you can take it to another level.
One film a week sounds good.
posted by new brand day at 12:46 PM on July 7, 2010
One film a week sounds good.
posted by new brand day at 12:46 PM on July 7, 2010
It might make it interesting to restrict it to films within the last 24 months. It seems that a lot of people want a communal experience going through the Western Canon, but for those of us who've already walked through it ... it is a bit of a bore to watch the same classic film again.
Hm. What about only choosing non-English films? Or, what about taking advantage of which Criterion/Eclipse movies are on NetFlix Streaming? Or of going the cult route? The psychotronic route?
I'd love to have a discussions going on about Tideland, Don't Look Now, Seconds, Possession (1981), or Funky Forest, to throw up several random examples.
posted by Sticherbeast at 12:47 PM on July 7, 2010
Hm. What about only choosing non-English films? Or, what about taking advantage of which Criterion/Eclipse movies are on NetFlix Streaming? Or of going the cult route? The psychotronic route?
I'd love to have a discussions going on about Tideland, Don't Look Now, Seconds, Possession (1981), or Funky Forest, to throw up several random examples.
posted by Sticherbeast at 12:47 PM on July 7, 2010
I don't care to restrict to time period or production language, but would be interested in trying to stay off-canon (definition being difficult, this would be open to interpretation and etc, but I'd have a lot more fun talking about Big Bang Love, Juvenile A or The Day I Became a Woman than, say, Wild Strawberries or Blue Velvet, just because so much has already been said about those).
posted by shakespeherian at 12:55 PM on July 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by shakespeherian at 12:55 PM on July 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
Good points about off-canon. I think we could go this route with the category (or genre)-based nominations. A category like "last 24 months" for those who prefer off-canon and "re-visiting classics" for those who prefer it. Can even do a category based on a specific language or decade. Lots of ways to mix it up from month to month.
posted by starman at 1:06 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by starman at 1:06 PM on July 7, 2010
How about a movie a week, rotating between The Last 24 Months, Off-Canon, "Foreign" (non-English), and Revisiting a Classic?
posted by Sticherbeast at 1:12 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by Sticherbeast at 1:12 PM on July 7, 2010
Another angle: non-canon films of canon directors. Tideland, Welles' The Trial, Bed & Board, The King of Comedy, etc.
what i really want to do is write a syllabus
posted by shakespeherian at 1:15 PM on July 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
what i really want to do is write a syllabus
posted by shakespeherian at 1:15 PM on July 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
I like the non-canon films of canon directors angle, especially since those movies are often more enjoyable than the films that have been crystallized as capital-C Classics.
posted by Sticherbeast at 1:19 PM on July 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Sticherbeast at 1:19 PM on July 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
I'd be interested; one aspect of film that's always interested me (and that I've always wanted to start a Web site about, but haven't had time) is “puzzle movies” -- things like Memento, Lynch movies, Man Bites Dog, etc., where there's a lot of latitude to discuss not just the film and its merits but what... exactly... happened.
My dream site was one where there'd be forums to discuss the movies and a kind of vote-up vote-down system for explanations, where people can keep refining ideas about films until a generally good theory develops.
In short: yes, interested, and if you're looking for a point of focus, movies that require some thought to interpret obviously lead to interesting conversations.
posted by Shepherd at 1:26 PM on July 7, 2010
My dream site was one where there'd be forums to discuss the movies and a kind of vote-up vote-down system for explanations, where people can keep refining ideas about films until a generally good theory develops.
In short: yes, interested, and if you're looking for a point of focus, movies that require some thought to interpret obviously lead to interesting conversations.
posted by Shepherd at 1:26 PM on July 7, 2010
I'm in. And my KG is super-padded, so you can totally get obscure with it, y'all!
posted by defenestration at 1:27 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by defenestration at 1:27 PM on July 7, 2010
KG ratio*
posted by defenestration at 1:28 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by defenestration at 1:28 PM on July 7, 2010
I'd be interested; one aspect of film that's always interested me (and that I've always wanted to start a Web site about, but haven't had time) is “puzzle movies” -- things like Memento, Lynch movies, Man Bites Dog, etc., where there's a lot of latitude to discuss not just the film and its merits but what... exactly... happened.
If you like these sorts of movies, you should check out Nicolas Roeg (esp. Bad Timing and Performance) and Andrzej Zulawski (esp. Possession and La Femme Publique).
posted by Sticherbeast at 1:29 PM on July 7, 2010
If you like these sorts of movies, you should check out Nicolas Roeg (esp. Bad Timing and Performance) and Andrzej Zulawski (esp. Possession and La Femme Publique).
posted by Sticherbeast at 1:29 PM on July 7, 2010
Be careful, Shepherd, I have very noisy opinions about Lynch w/r/t the whole 'puzzle movie' concept.
posted by shakespeherian at 1:32 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by shakespeherian at 1:32 PM on July 7, 2010
I have an idea:
Halfway through the month, everyone submits an idea for a theme.
X of these are chosen at random and voted upon.
Over the next week, everyone throws in suggestions for films of that theme.
This time, (X>4) of these are chosen at random and voted upon.
The top four become the week's four films.
posted by griphus at 1:34 PM on July 7, 2010
Halfway through the month, everyone submits an idea for a theme.
X of these are chosen at random and voted upon.
Over the next week, everyone throws in suggestions for films of that theme.
This time, (X>4) of these are chosen at random and voted upon.
The top four become the week's four films.
posted by griphus at 1:34 PM on July 7, 2010
Something tricky about this is making sure that people have access to the movies we want to see. Ever since Kim's closed, it's been a bit difficult to get obscure stuff on short notice here in NYC. I don't want to just limit it to NetFlix Streaming, but it's something to bear in mind.
posted by Sticherbeast at 1:34 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by Sticherbeast at 1:34 PM on July 7, 2010
What about the Kim's on 2nd ave, Stitcher? I haven't been there, but their window-selection looks, well, not terrible.
posted by griphus at 1:36 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by griphus at 1:36 PM on July 7, 2010
What about the Kim's on 2nd ave, Stitcher? I haven't been there, but their window-selection looks, well, not terrible.
True, but I'm cheap, and I'd rather rent than buy if I can help it. (The "new" Kim's does not rent.)
Then again, I do have NetFlix, so as long as I have three days' notice or so, that works.
posted by Sticherbeast at 1:39 PM on July 7, 2010
True, but I'm cheap, and I'd rather rent than buy if I can help it. (The "new" Kim's does not rent.)
Then again, I do have NetFlix, so as long as I have three days' notice or so, that works.
posted by Sticherbeast at 1:39 PM on July 7, 2010
Halfway through the month, everyone submits an idea for a theme.
[etc.]
This seems pretty sound.
I will say, however, that I'd be intrigued by what would happen if people volunteered to take turns curating themes. I wouldn't feel particularly disenfranchised if, say, shakespeherian put together a syllabus on a theme and subsequently guiding the discussion. I'd be happy to do the same.
posted by Sticherbeast at 1:44 PM on July 7, 2010
[etc.]
This seems pretty sound.
I will say, however, that I'd be intrigued by what would happen if people volunteered to take turns curating themes. I wouldn't feel particularly disenfranchised if, say, shakespeherian put together a syllabus on a theme and subsequently guiding the discussion. I'd be happy to do the same.
posted by Sticherbeast at 1:44 PM on July 7, 2010
Yes, very yes! I can get my hands on most of Recent and a little of Foreign & Classic.
Also, if/when we decide to go the stand-alone forum route: I think there's some ad-free forums out there, but also I have unused "unlimited" bandwidth on HostMonster that I am happy to donate towards this, for as long as this is going. (Currently it's paid up for the next 2 years.)
posted by mondaygreens at 1:49 PM on July 7, 2010
Also, if/when we decide to go the stand-alone forum route: I think there's some ad-free forums out there, but also I have unused "unlimited" bandwidth on HostMonster that I am happy to donate towards this, for as long as this is going. (Currently it's paid up for the next 2 years.)
posted by mondaygreens at 1:49 PM on July 7, 2010
A weekly NYC meetup/screening could be fun. I could host, but I don't have a good home theater setup. I could at least provide the film.
posted by defenestration at 1:53 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by defenestration at 1:53 PM on July 7, 2010
I will say, however, that I'd be intrigued by what would happen if people volunteered to take turns curating themes. I wouldn't feel particularly disenfranchised if, say, shakespeherian put together a syllabus on a theme and subsequently guiding the discussion. I'd be happy to do the same.
I'd be much more in favor of this system (whether it involves me personally or not), because I think the more complicated and multi-step and run-off hanging-chad-counting you make the system, the quicker participation will drop off, I'd expect.
posted by shakespeherian at 1:55 PM on July 7, 2010
I'd be much more in favor of this system (whether it involves me personally or not), because I think the more complicated and multi-step and run-off hanging-chad-counting you make the system, the quicker participation will drop off, I'd expect.
posted by shakespeherian at 1:55 PM on July 7, 2010
We could certainly forgo the voting... put a list together of everyone who would want to be a curator, and pick 1 person per week: if it is your turn you get to pick the movie and (ideally) facilitate the discussion?
posted by starman at 2:23 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by starman at 2:23 PM on July 7, 2010
I dig it.
posted by Sticherbeast at 2:24 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by Sticherbeast at 2:24 PM on July 7, 2010
The next questions are: on which website will we congregate, and who's going to be involved?
posted by Sticherbeast at 2:25 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by Sticherbeast at 2:25 PM on July 7, 2010
I would love to curate, no idea about website. What happened to the previous forum that was set up for this?
posted by shakespeherian at 2:27 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by shakespeherian at 2:27 PM on July 7, 2010
I think the only problem is if we get 50+ people wanting to curate it could be a year until it's your turn. But we can always have side discussions going if there is a movie you want to talk about.
We could either use the previous forum or I have a similar phpbb forum all set to go (just needs a domain name).
posted by starman at 2:28 PM on July 7, 2010
We could either use the previous forum or I have a similar phpbb forum all set to go (just needs a domain name).
posted by starman at 2:28 PM on July 7, 2010
Hm, I own http://filmic.org/ and I'm not using it for anything. I'd donate it.
film·ic (flmk)
adj.
Of, relating to, or characteristic of movies; cinematic.
posted by defenestration at 2:36 PM on July 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
film·ic (flmk)
adj.
Of, relating to, or characteristic of movies; cinematic.
posted by defenestration at 2:36 PM on July 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
defenestration: to chuck a perfectly good person out a window.
posted by cjorgensen at 2:47 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by cjorgensen at 2:47 PM on July 7, 2010
Hah. Yeah, I know with the MeFi crowd I shouldn't do the whole paste-the-definition thing—and sheesh, I even botched that—but whatever, I'm offering an apt domain here!
posted by defenestration at 3:11 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by defenestration at 3:11 PM on July 7, 2010
That's awesome, defenestration!
posted by Sticherbeast at 3:13 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by Sticherbeast at 3:13 PM on July 7, 2010
I'm in as long as no-one makes me watch Primer again. My brain still hasn't recovered from the last time.
posted by afx237vi at 3:36 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by afx237vi at 3:36 PM on July 7, 2010
pane e tulipani
posted by infinite intimation at 3:41 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by infinite intimation at 3:41 PM on July 7, 2010
Ugh: Canadian, so my options are even more limited than Netflix streaming will allow. I may have to drop in and drop out.
posted by Shepherd at 3:47 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by Shepherd at 3:47 PM on July 7, 2010
I'm in.
posted by thankyouforyourconsideration at 4:00 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by thankyouforyourconsideration at 4:00 PM on July 7, 2010
defenestration, I was more digging on the fact that I know what "defenestration" means! Sorry, wasn't a dig. That a great domain. I have thisflapfirst.com and a couple other, but that beats them.
I like the idea of a movie thing, but am not sure what it entails. If we could get filthylightthief to do a write up of each file selected I'm all for it.
posted by cjorgensen at 4:05 PM on July 7, 2010
I like the idea of a movie thing, but am not sure what it entails. If we could get filthylightthief to do a write up of each file selected I'm all for it.
posted by cjorgensen at 4:05 PM on July 7, 2010
Yay film club.
Last time we had a club it didn't last long for a couple of reasons:
The schedule was too rigid. There was one film scheduled a week and the discussion only opened on the week the film was scheduled, so it felt like a bit of a chore watching every film. I agree with starman that it's better to do four films a month and people can watch as many as they want, whenever they want. The discussions should remain open indefinitely.
The site used a separate website where traffic dropped quickly. I think using MetaChat, as the book club does, would lead to more eyeballs and repeat visits. (Then again, the previous site never actually got posted to the front page of MetaTalk, so it's not surprising people didn't know about it.)
There are obviously downsides to using MetaChat: the admins may not want to have 6 film posts a month, there are no on-site polls. But I think it would be good to start with MetaChat and see what happens (notwithstanding that filmic.org is a badass domain).
A simple voting method would be that everyone can vote for as many movies as they like, and the top four win.
I don't know about the curator idea. Maybe it would work for one film a month. People are welcome to vociferously promote their movie choices in the nomination or voting threads.
I don't think the voting should be done by genre. That would lead to the same argument every month :) . It would also cause non-pigeonholeable movies to be overlooked.
In my personal opinion, if a movie isn't easily available on DVD, but can be procured "from the internet", it shouldn't be ruled out. People don't have to see every movie.
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 4:35 PM on July 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
Last time we had a club it didn't last long for a couple of reasons:
The schedule was too rigid. There was one film scheduled a week and the discussion only opened on the week the film was scheduled, so it felt like a bit of a chore watching every film. I agree with starman that it's better to do four films a month and people can watch as many as they want, whenever they want. The discussions should remain open indefinitely.
The site used a separate website where traffic dropped quickly. I think using MetaChat, as the book club does, would lead to more eyeballs and repeat visits. (Then again, the previous site never actually got posted to the front page of MetaTalk, so it's not surprising people didn't know about it.)
There are obviously downsides to using MetaChat: the admins may not want to have 6 film posts a month, there are no on-site polls. But I think it would be good to start with MetaChat and see what happens (notwithstanding that filmic.org is a badass domain).
A simple voting method would be that everyone can vote for as many movies as they like, and the top four win.
I don't know about the curator idea. Maybe it would work for one film a month. People are welcome to vociferously promote their movie choices in the nomination or voting threads.
I don't think the voting should be done by genre. That would lead to the same argument every month :) . It would also cause non-pigeonholeable movies to be overlooked.
In my personal opinion, if a movie isn't easily available on DVD, but can be procured "from the internet", it shouldn't be ruled out. People don't have to see every movie.
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 4:35 PM on July 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
This sounds interesting.
But please God, no Tideland.
posted by fleacircus at 4:45 PM on July 7, 2010
But please God, no Tideland.
posted by fleacircus at 4:45 PM on July 7, 2010
Love to do this. I'll keep checking this thread and MeMail me if I can help out setting it up (having no specific skills, but, as always, I try to compensate this with enthusiasm).
posted by ouke at 5:08 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by ouke at 5:08 PM on July 7, 2010
People who want more modern films and fewer classic ones: I think that's a solid argument, and we could require that half of the selected films are from the past decade, for example.
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 5:16 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 5:16 PM on July 7, 2010
Definitely interested.
posted by Put the kettle on at 5:22 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by Put the kettle on at 5:22 PM on July 7, 2010
I'd be interested, but I admit that I find this intimidating.
I'm a film watcher. I'll go see almost anything. I enjoy the whole film-watching experience. I even like re-watching favorite movies on DVDs (and keep a large library for the purpose), something my spouse really doesn't care to do at all.
Often, though, I'll come on to Metafilter and find a thread wherein folks are talking movie talk. In which someone completely demolishes a movie I personally found entertaining.
Just tears it to pieces, utterly condemning anyone who even remotely found a single moment of worth within a film that I, personally, really enjoyed.
That's really all that's making me hesitate here.
posted by misha at 5:49 PM on July 7, 2010
I'm a film watcher. I'll go see almost anything. I enjoy the whole film-watching experience. I even like re-watching favorite movies on DVDs (and keep a large library for the purpose), something my spouse really doesn't care to do at all.
Often, though, I'll come on to Metafilter and find a thread wherein folks are talking movie talk. In which someone completely demolishes a movie I personally found entertaining.
Just tears it to pieces, utterly condemning anyone who even remotely found a single moment of worth within a film that I, personally, really enjoyed.
That's really all that's making me hesitate here.
posted by misha at 5:49 PM on July 7, 2010
Can I say I'd rather not invade MetaChat? I've been on metafilter for 3 years and never got the point of MetaChat.
posted by cjorgensen at 5:52 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by cjorgensen at 5:52 PM on July 7, 2010
cjorgensen: "Can I say I'd rather not invade MetaChat? I've been on metafilter for 3 years and never got the point of MetaChat"
Seconded. MeFightClub has their own site, and they seem to be doing fine. Plus, if this is going to be a club, we ought to have our own space, rules, etc.
posted by griphus at 6:04 PM on July 7, 2010
Seconded. MeFightClub has their own site, and they seem to be doing fine. Plus, if this is going to be a club, we ought to have our own space, rules, etc.
posted by griphus at 6:04 PM on July 7, 2010
I hosted and managed the forum software of the former filmclub (and I can do the same for this one if there's no hosting available) and I think the main problem was that there was no real organization behind it. It was thrown together very quickly and it showed at the time of choosing the first movie and in everything else. The interest faded (very understandably) before we were able to do anything.
I think something really interesting could be made with some time and effort behind it, and something like MeFightClub but for movies would be a nice goal to strive for.
posted by Memo at 6:10 PM on July 7, 2010
I think something really interesting could be made with some time and effort behind it, and something like MeFightClub but for movies would be a nice goal to strive for.
posted by Memo at 6:10 PM on July 7, 2010
I'm in, and join the calls for no MetaChat. Especially since we have someone offering us the use of a domain.
posted by resiny at 7:43 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by resiny at 7:43 PM on July 7, 2010
OK, there seems to be a lot of interest here so I'm feeling better about the club being on a separate site. I'd like for people to make new threads based on movies they happen to have seen recently, or for general film discussion, neither of which would be very sustainable on MetaChat.
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 7:46 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 7:46 PM on July 7, 2010
OK, there seems to be a lot of interest here so I'm feeling better about the club being on a separate site. I'd like for people to make new threads based on movies they happen to have seen recently, or for general film discussion, neither of which would be very sustainable on MetaChat.
Seconded. I very much like the idea of the film site also hosting general film discussion.
posted by Sticherbeast at 7:48 PM on July 7, 2010
Seconded. I very much like the idea of the film site also hosting general film discussion.
posted by Sticherbeast at 7:48 PM on July 7, 2010
But please God, no Tideland.
Incidentally, I saw Tideland opening weekend at the IFC Center. The place was packed. Many couples were there. Gilliam fans are a numerous and cheerful bunch.
The movie began with that hilarious intro, in which Terry Gilliam tells the audience that children bounce when dropped and that the movie they're going to see is going to be very, very, very strange. Everyone laughed. Everyone was still in a good mood.
So then the actual feature started. It played. The audience deflated. It ended, and the lights went up as soon as the credits rolled.
Jake and I just burst out laughing. The rest of the audience was in perfect silence, stunned and confused. They shuffled out quickly. Jake and I were still laughing. We sat and chatted through the credits.
The usher comes by and sees us hanging out.
"Any good?"
"Oh yeah, I thought it was great."
"That's good. Because, uh, it seems to get that same reaction every time."
posted by Sticherbeast at 7:53 PM on July 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
Incidentally, I saw Tideland opening weekend at the IFC Center. The place was packed. Many couples were there. Gilliam fans are a numerous and cheerful bunch.
The movie began with that hilarious intro, in which Terry Gilliam tells the audience that children bounce when dropped and that the movie they're going to see is going to be very, very, very strange. Everyone laughed. Everyone was still in a good mood.
So then the actual feature started. It played. The audience deflated. It ended, and the lights went up as soon as the credits rolled.
Jake and I just burst out laughing. The rest of the audience was in perfect silence, stunned and confused. They shuffled out quickly. Jake and I were still laughing. We sat and chatted through the credits.
The usher comes by and sees us hanging out.
"Any good?"
"Oh yeah, I thought it was great."
"That's good. Because, uh, it seems to get that same reaction every time."
posted by Sticherbeast at 7:53 PM on July 7, 2010 [1 favorite]
Definitely interested, too.
posted by octothorpe at 8:18 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by octothorpe at 8:18 PM on July 7, 2010
I'm in. I miss my undergrad film seminars. I'm not picky re: MeCha or not MeCha, though I think the argument in favor of a stand-alone site gets stronger the more frequently we plan to do this -- a once monthly thread in MetaChat doesn't seem terrible (though I'm not a regular user, so maybe it would be seen as such?). On the other hand, I can't imagine a film-specific subgroup having enough traffic to justify a full forum like MeFightClub.
posted by Alterscape at 8:22 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by Alterscape at 8:22 PM on July 7, 2010
Alterscape - we seem to have a fairly significant number of people here interested. In addition, we would probably want a subforum for discussion of the "official" movies of the month, a subforum to go through whatever procedures we decide on for selecting movies, and a subforum for discussion of movies outside of the official selections. Once you get all that a forum of our own doesn't really seem at all excessive.
posted by resiny at 8:34 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by resiny at 8:34 PM on July 7, 2010
So, I might be asking about obvious stuff here, but the idea of this is, we pick some movies, we all watch them, and then talk about them?
I'm asking because it's not quite obvious what "Metafilter Film Club" would be. But if it's basically what I described above, I'm definitely in.
posted by Joakim Ziegler at 8:45 PM on July 7, 2010
I'm asking because it's not quite obvious what "Metafilter Film Club" would be. But if it's basically what I described above, I'm definitely in.
posted by Joakim Ziegler at 8:45 PM on July 7, 2010
Yes it is that thing. It could also be for general film discussion. I'm open to TV discussion as well, but that wouldn't be part of the "canon" of films we select.
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 9:30 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 9:30 PM on July 7, 2010
Incidentally, I saw Tideland opening weekend at the IFC Center.
Man, the reaction to Tideland makes me wonder if I'm a Gilliam fan for a very different reason than most people are Gilliam fans. It seemed perfectly Gilliamy to me, and I'm still not entirely sure what else anyone expected.
posted by shakespeherian at 9:33 PM on July 7, 2010
Man, the reaction to Tideland makes me wonder if I'm a Gilliam fan for a very different reason than most people are Gilliam fans. It seemed perfectly Gilliamy to me, and I'm still not entirely sure what else anyone expected.
posted by shakespeherian at 9:33 PM on July 7, 2010
I also liked Tideland, although I think it might be a bit... extreme for a lot of people. I can definitely see why some might not like it.
So, it seems like lots of people are up for this, what's next?
posted by Joakim Ziegler at 10:47 PM on July 7, 2010
So, it seems like lots of people are up for this, what's next?
posted by Joakim Ziegler at 10:47 PM on July 7, 2010
Sticherbeast: How about a movie a week, rotating between The Last 24 Months, Off-Canon, "Foreign" (non-English), and Revisiting a Classic
Eh, I'd way rather watch Citizen Kane again than watch Hot Tub Time Machine even once.
Honestly, I couldn't name 6 movies from the past 24 months that I would be interested in seeing / recommend, off the top of my head.
posted by paisley henosis at 11:59 PM on July 7, 2010
Eh, I'd way rather watch Citizen Kane again than watch Hot Tub Time Machine even once.
Honestly, I couldn't name 6 movies from the past 24 months that I would be interested in seeing / recommend, off the top of my head.
posted by paisley henosis at 11:59 PM on July 7, 2010
Well, Hot Tub Time Machine is imo a really bad recent film. But Greenberg f.i. has received quite good reviews. I'm looking forward to watching that.
I think rotating the four categories mentioned is a great idea.
posted by joost de vries at 2:48 AM on July 8, 2010
I think rotating the four categories mentioned is a great idea.
posted by joost de vries at 2:48 AM on July 8, 2010
Honestly, I couldn't name 6 movies from the past 24 months that I would be interested in seeing / recommend, off the top of my head.
I like some recent popcorn hit movies but there's not much to discuss about them. What can you really say about Iron Man 2 other than it was a well constructed action movie and that Robert Downey, Jr. can carry almost any movie by himself. That's why the discussion always turns to external topics like demographics or financial issues because the movies themselves are so relentlessly product-ized that there's nothing to talk about within the movie.
That said, I'm sure that there are lots of recent movies that didn't make it to the AMC 16-Plex that we can talk about.
posted by octothorpe at 5:24 AM on July 8, 2010
I like some recent popcorn hit movies but there's not much to discuss about them. What can you really say about Iron Man 2 other than it was a well constructed action movie and that Robert Downey, Jr. can carry almost any movie by himself. That's why the discussion always turns to external topics like demographics or financial issues because the movies themselves are so relentlessly product-ized that there's nothing to talk about within the movie.
That said, I'm sure that there are lots of recent movies that didn't make it to the AMC 16-Plex that we can talk about.
posted by octothorpe at 5:24 AM on July 8, 2010
So, here's what I have set up for a forum. It's close to what you had, Memo, with a few tweaks. If people like it we could point filmic.org at it or if it's easier to use the previous forum I'm cool with that.
I think whichever one we use we should continue to customize it (for example I'd like to do a randomized image from a famous movie in the header).
posted by starman at 5:50 AM on July 8, 2010
I think whichever one we use we should continue to customize it (for example I'd like to do a randomized image from a famous movie in the header).
posted by starman at 5:50 AM on July 8, 2010
Just signed up at the forum. Looks great.
I nominate Soldaat van Oranje. Without subtitles because, hey, where's the challenge otherwise?
(actually it's one of Paul Verhoevens early movies and as I recall not that bad. But possibly quite clunky by international contemporary Hollywood movie standards...)
It has a young Rutger Hauer as a posh frat boy who joins the resistance against the Germans.
posted by joost de vries at 6:10 AM on July 8, 2010
I nominate Soldaat van Oranje. Without subtitles because, hey, where's the challenge otherwise?
(actually it's one of Paul Verhoevens early movies and as I recall not that bad. But possibly quite clunky by international contemporary Hollywood movie standards...)
It has a young Rutger Hauer as a posh frat boy who joins the resistance against the Germans.
posted by joost de vries at 6:10 AM on July 8, 2010
Does look great.
I have a feeling a lot of people who came in here and posted "I'm in" will forget to come back in check without a reminder. Would it be worthwhile to send out a MeMail to everyone who wanted in pointing them to the site?
posted by resiny at 6:48 AM on July 8, 2010
I have a feeling a lot of people who came in here and posted "I'm in" will forget to come back in check without a reminder. Would it be worthwhile to send out a MeMail to everyone who wanted in pointing them to the site?
posted by resiny at 6:48 AM on July 8, 2010
Once we decide if we're sticking with this site, sure.
posted by shakespeherian at 6:59 AM on July 8, 2010
posted by shakespeherian at 6:59 AM on July 8, 2010
I take your point, resiny. Also, filmic.org is indeed terribly badass.
posted by Alterscape at 7:31 AM on July 8, 2010
posted by Alterscape at 7:31 AM on July 8, 2010
I'd be interested, but I admit that I find this intimidating.
I firmly believe that a straightforward analysis of a film is just as valuable as a nuanced or deconstructionist analysis. When looking at a film we're interested in several domains and each of them is important:
I firmly believe that a straightforward analysis of a film is just as valuable as a nuanced or deconstructionist analysis. When looking at a film we're interested in several domains and each of them is important:
- The domain of the character's conscious thoughts and intentions .(motivation).
- The domain of the character's subconscious, the reasons they behave as they do and the way that the fictional world affects and influences the characters
- The domain of the filmmakers' conscious intentions, and how they want an uninitiated audience member to experience the film, and the references they make to prior art
- The domain of the filmmakers' influences, biases and subconscious decisions.
- The business and technical aspects of filmmaking
- The question of whether a film is successful in doing what the filmmakers set out to do, or whether it is notable or valuable in some other way
I'll point filmic.org to it tonight. MeMail me the info, starman?
posted by defenestration at 8:53 AM on July 8, 2010
posted by defenestration at 8:53 AM on July 8, 2010
I nominate Soldaat van Oranje. Without subtitles because, hey, where's the challenge otherwise?
So did make any rules for availability? For instance, Soldier of Orange is not on Netflix and is out of print and the cheapest used copy on Amazon is $40.00.
posted by octothorpe at 9:24 AM on July 8, 2010
So did make any rules for availability? For instance, Soldier of Orange is not on Netflix and is out of print and the cheapest used copy on Amazon is $40.00.
posted by octothorpe at 9:24 AM on July 8, 2010
I think limiting it to movies available on Netflix seems like a reasonable boundary.
I don't think there are going to be many movies "in print" that will be unavailable on Netflix, and it seems unlikely that any of our choices would fall into that category.
posted by resiny at 9:36 AM on July 8, 2010
I don't think there are going to be many movies "in print" that will be unavailable on Netflix, and it seems unlikely that any of our choices would fall into that category.
posted by resiny at 9:36 AM on July 8, 2010
By available on Netflix, do you mean at all, or only streaming?
posted by shakespeherian at 9:38 AM on July 8, 2010
posted by shakespeherian at 9:38 AM on July 8, 2010
Honestly, I couldn't name 6 movies from the past 24 months that I would be interested in seeing / recommend, off the top of my head.
Off the top of my head, I can think of The Living Wake, Terribly Happy, Bronson, Dear Zachary, Son of Rambow, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, Hunger, The Ghost Writer, Where The Wild Things Are, and Up.
Speaking for myself, a film club would be good encouragement for me to check out more recent movies that I would have otherwise ignored or skipped...
posted by Sticherbeast at 9:39 AM on July 8, 2010
Off the top of my head, I can think of The Living Wake, Terribly Happy, Bronson, Dear Zachary, Son of Rambow, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, Hunger, The Ghost Writer, Where The Wild Things Are, and Up.
Speaking for myself, a film club would be good encouragement for me to check out more recent movies that I would have otherwise ignored or skipped...
posted by Sticherbeast at 9:39 AM on July 8, 2010
I think limiting it to movies available on Netflix seems like a reasonable boundary.
Agreed. I'd like to see Soldaat van Oranje, but without access to it, I can't!
posted by Sticherbeast at 9:50 AM on July 8, 2010
Agreed. I'd like to see Soldaat van Oranje, but without access to it, I can't!
posted by Sticherbeast at 9:50 AM on July 8, 2010
By available on Netflix, do you mean at all, or only streaming?
I would imagine just being on NetFlix would be enough, especially since the Streaming libraries are not the same (or even accessible) internationally.
posted by Sticherbeast at 9:52 AM on July 8, 2010
I would imagine just being on NetFlix would be enough, especially since the Streaming libraries are not the same (or even accessible) internationally.
posted by Sticherbeast at 9:52 AM on July 8, 2010
shakespeherian - I meant at all. Instant streaming would narrow things down way too much.
Off the top of my head I think Netflix has a slightly larger selection than Blockbuster--which I know some people use--but it seems unlikely that the movies we choose would fall into that gap.
posted by resiny at 9:53 AM on July 8, 2010
Off the top of my head I think Netflix has a slightly larger selection than Blockbuster--which I know some people use--but it seems unlikely that the movies we choose would fall into that gap.
posted by resiny at 9:53 AM on July 8, 2010
The big difference between Netflix and Blockbuster is that if we watched to watch The Dreamers or Lust, Caution or somesuch, Blockbuster has the edited-down R-rated version, as they don't carry any NC-17 titles.
Also I was totally unaware that Netflix streaming libraries are different from country to country.
posted by shakespeherian at 9:59 AM on July 8, 2010
Also I was totally unaware that Netflix streaming libraries are different from country to country.
posted by shakespeherian at 9:59 AM on July 8, 2010
Also I was totally unaware that Netflix streaming libraries are different from country to country.
I may be wrong about that, but I'm under the impression that not everyone with access to NetFlix has access to NetFlix Streaming. Perhaps some people from Not-America-Land could set me straight.
posted by Sticherbeast at 10:03 AM on July 8, 2010
I may be wrong about that, but I'm under the impression that not everyone with access to NetFlix has access to NetFlix Streaming. Perhaps some people from Not-America-Land could set me straight.
posted by Sticherbeast at 10:03 AM on July 8, 2010
I'd certainly be interested.
But know this, I tend to be pretty loud and dogmatic in my efforts to get people to understand the power that secret societies hold in Hollywood film-making. I mean did you see Kangaroo Jack? The movie might as well have been an hour and a half long commercial for the Priory of Sion and the control they wield over the commercial fishing industry.
I'm not saying it's all I talk about, but I like to make sure that everyone is aware of what's there.
posted by quin at 10:08 AM on July 8, 2010
But know this, I tend to be pretty loud and dogmatic in my efforts to get people to understand the power that secret societies hold in Hollywood film-making. I mean did you see Kangaroo Jack? The movie might as well have been an hour and a half long commercial for the Priory of Sion and the control they wield over the commercial fishing industry.
I'm not saying it's all I talk about, but I like to make sure that everyone is aware of what's there.
posted by quin at 10:08 AM on July 8, 2010
Man if I ever get a shot at curator I'm going to turn around and make everyone watch Marmaduke.
posted by shakespeherian at 10:24 AM on July 8, 2010
posted by shakespeherian at 10:24 AM on July 8, 2010
Also I was totally unaware that Netflix streaming libraries are different from country to country.
I think I phrased things badly -- it's not that the Netflix streaming library is different in Canada, it's that there is no Netflix in Canada in any form. No other streaming media services, either -- Zip.ca is Canada's largest rental-by-mail firm, and they don't offer streaming.
posted by Shepherd at 10:53 AM on July 8, 2010
I think I phrased things badly -- it's not that the Netflix streaming library is different in Canada, it's that there is no Netflix in Canada in any form. No other streaming media services, either -- Zip.ca is Canada's largest rental-by-mail firm, and they don't offer streaming.
posted by Shepherd at 10:53 AM on July 8, 2010
Ah, okay. I was also unaware of that, though, so my amazement stands as noted.
posted by shakespeherian at 11:01 AM on July 8, 2010
posted by shakespeherian at 11:01 AM on July 8, 2010
I think I phrased things badly -- it's not that the Netflix streaming library is different in Canada, it's that there is no Netflix in Canada in any form. No other streaming media services, either -- Zip.ca is Canada's largest rental-by-mail firm, and they don't offer streaming.
Wow. That stinks. How's the DVD selection for Zip.ca?
posted by Sticherbeast at 11:02 AM on July 8, 2010
Wow. That stinks. How's the DVD selection for Zip.ca?
posted by Sticherbeast at 11:02 AM on July 8, 2010
Eeeeeeehhhh vast in one sense -- they have a copy of almost everything -- but bad in the sense that they have a copy of almost everything. Statistically, I stand a good chance of being the only Zip subscriber in the country to ask for Andrzej Wajda's Siberian Lady Macbeth, but if it's out... it's out.
I'm not currently a subscriber, but might talk to Ze Spouse about signing up again.
posted by Shepherd at 11:52 AM on July 8, 2010
I'm not currently a subscriber, but might talk to Ze Spouse about signing up again.
posted by Shepherd at 11:52 AM on July 8, 2010
*looks up Vigilant Citizen*
Wow. There really is nothing weird or funny I can say that the internet hasn't already done first and better.
posted by quin at 11:54 AM on July 8, 2010
Wow. There really is nothing weird or funny I can say that the internet hasn't already done first and better.
posted by quin at 11:54 AM on July 8, 2010
That said, I'm sure that there are lots of recent movies that didn't make it to the AMC 16-Plex that we can talk about.
Well, last night I saw "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" which was a good crime thriller about a rich Swedish family that doesn't resemble Fanny och Alexander in the least (where are thou Ekdahls?)
The week before I saw the wonderfully shot, A Single Man, which didn't get that much press, for whatever reason. It was wonderfully shot and the most European Art House movie I've ever seen from an American director (not surprising given it is Tom Ford).
And this is all in the post-Oscar doldrums. Last Oscar season there were a ton of great films that never got any buzz and are certainly worthy of a viewing: An Education, Let the Right One In, A Prophet, etc.
This is really a great time to be a fan of movies, you're no longer limited to the whims of the cineplex or the local art house.
Part of me wants to start a blog and then have invite-only commentators, but I've never had the motivation.
posted by geoff. at 12:24 PM on July 8, 2010 [1 favorite]
Well, last night I saw "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" which was a good crime thriller about a rich Swedish family that doesn't resemble Fanny och Alexander in the least (where are thou Ekdahls?)
The week before I saw the wonderfully shot, A Single Man, which didn't get that much press, for whatever reason. It was wonderfully shot and the most European Art House movie I've ever seen from an American director (not surprising given it is Tom Ford).
And this is all in the post-Oscar doldrums. Last Oscar season there were a ton of great films that never got any buzz and are certainly worthy of a viewing: An Education, Let the Right One In, A Prophet, etc.
This is really a great time to be a fan of movies, you're no longer limited to the whims of the cineplex or the local art house.
Part of me wants to start a blog and then have invite-only commentators, but I've never had the motivation.
posted by geoff. at 12:24 PM on July 8, 2010 [1 favorite]
If you ever do, let me know.
posted by shakespeherian at 12:36 PM on July 8, 2010
posted by shakespeherian at 12:36 PM on July 8, 2010
Ok, for anyone that hasn't checked it out yet it looks like we're picking some films already. Join up here!
posted by starman at 1:12 PM on July 8, 2010
posted by starman at 1:12 PM on July 8, 2010
The forum website seems to be down.
posted by octothorpe at 4:41 PM on July 12, 2010
posted by octothorpe at 4:41 PM on July 12, 2010
Was it? It's up now, anyway.
posted by paisley henosis at 6:48 PM on July 12, 2010
posted by paisley henosis at 6:48 PM on July 12, 2010
Yea, came back as soon as I posted that.
posted by octothorpe at 6:59 PM on July 12, 2010
posted by octothorpe at 6:59 PM on July 12, 2010
The MeFi film club is now Filmic.org. Come talk movies, people!
posted by defenestration at 5:59 PM on July 13, 2010
posted by defenestration at 5:59 PM on July 13, 2010
You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments
Another idea for this time around is to have a little more flexible time frame for discussion. So, let's say we have 4 films per month. We nominate and vote a couple weeks beforehand so people will have a jump start watching the films, and when the first of the month rolls around, all four discussion threads open up and stay open indefinitely.
As far as nominating and voting goes, I like the idea of nominating films by genre or category ("anything goes" could be one of the categories each time) and each person gets one nomination and one vote per category.
posted by starman at 9:02 AM on July 7, 2010