The Sheila Variations

I enjoyed reading all of these. There is something about people who really love film, I mean REALLY LOVE movies. I never tire of listening to them, or of reading their thoughts. I'm not one of those people who have an elitist attitude about movies, that believe it must always be a SACRED art. I like a good chase scene, gratuitous sex, and mindless, fun entertainment as much as the next guy. But, movies are capable of incredible things--meaningful, life-changing, educational, mysterious, core-shattering things. That we don't get more of that is a constant source of disappointment to me. There are many movies that I personally love, even though they are very flawed, because they attempt the unexpected, or reach for something magical, or reveal or expand on a great truth in ways that really move me. That kind of movie isn't for everyone. It's a similar dynamic in other arts. Not everyone is meant to listen to Scriabin, or John Coltrane, or George Crumb. Not everyone likes Pollock, Matisse, or Gauguin. Stupidly, that used to bother me. I was young, and...ignorant. There is, of course, nothing wrong with enjoying the simple pleasure of dancing to disco, or loving the paintings of Thomas Kinkade, or being a fan of silly horror films--whatever paddles your canoe. However, I really love reading those who live and breathe movies--from the ridiculous to the sublime. I love disagreeing with them, I love it when they point out something I never noticed or just wasn't perceptive enough to get, I love it when they mention a movie I've never seen--but can tell I will like it, and, like anyone, I love it when they rave about one of my personal favorites--movie, actor, director, music, etc. That's my idea of a great read.