Do you like movies? Why or why not?
Yes I enjoy movies especially those that capture my interest in taking me to a place of romance and intrigue, hold me in spell bound mystery or captures the laughter in my soul that I relive hours later from the comedic influence of the actors I left behind.
Where do you usually watch movies?
In today’s world most movies I see are on TV. I feel this limits those opportunities because of the varied streaming services available. Many movies are advertised but unfortunately they are often being shown on sites that I don’t subscribe to.
What do you look for in a movie? Is there a specific genre?
As I previously stated I enjoy a movie that holds my interest whether it be romance, mystery or comedy. Science fiction and avatar type films aren’t interesting to me but with the younger family members I do also enjoy Disney films.
Is there an outside source (book, actor, recommendation) that usually informs your viewing? Do you have any actors that you tend to watch movies for?
I usually hear movies advertised on some morning programs or recommendations from family or friends. My husband was an avid follower of movies both in reading about upcoming events, planning or watching old movies. He was his own critic, we enjoyed viewing together.
Some actors and actresses I enjoy: Diane Keaton, Julia Roberts, Maggie Smith, Sandra Bullock, Reese Witherspoon, Meryl Streep, Melissa McCarthy, Helen Mirren , Steve Martin, Martin Short, Richard Dreyfus, Jack Nicholson, Nathan Lane, Tom Hanks, Robert DeNiro, Morgan Freeman
Some actors and actresses I enjoy: Diane Keaton, Julia Roberts, Maggie Smith, Sandra Bullock, Reese Witherspoon, Meryl Streep, Melissa McCarthy, Helen Mirren , Steve Martin, Martin Short, Richard Dreyfus, Jack Nicholson, Nathan Lane, Tom Hanks, Robert DeNiro, Morgan Freeman
Do you have a favorite movie? If you can remember, what was it like watching it for the first time?
My favorite movie was and is It’s a Wonderful Life by Frank Capra. Not sure about the first time I viewed it but I remember the empathy I felt for George Bailey throughout the film. George a dedicated person in the community always thinking of others and putting himself last while hanging on to his own special dreams. As film progresses with a major bank mishap George blaming himself falls into deep depression believing he’s a true failure contemplating the worst. An outstanding character sent from above Clarence, the angel brings George’s mind back to seeing how much his life has meant and how much he was needed and did for Bedford Falls and he brought George back from the pit of despair. His parting words “No man is a Failure” reminds the observer to always overcome our times of despair and sadness because it truly is A Wonderful Life!
If you can remember, what’s the first movie you remember seeing?
The first movie I remember seeing was when I was seven years old, my grandmother told me she was taking me to the movies. How excited I was. It wasn’t designated a child’s movie nothing like movies today. This was at a local theater also a first for me and the movie was The Daughter of Rosie O’Grady. I remember how wonderful I thought it was. So much music and dancing in beautiful brightly colored gowns! I had no idea what it was about just thought how lucky I was to be there plus ate popcorn and the surprise of it all was that my grandmother was given a dish when we left to go home. (This was a collective dish people got to save for home use. Starting a collection).
Do you have a specific memory you have with a specific movie (not necessarily your favorite)?
I always enjoyed Alfred Hitchcock movies, whoever was watching we would carefully pay attention to see who was first to see Alfred in the movie. It was known that he always appeared at least once in every one of his pictures. Group of friends went to see Psycho, it was very scary. I remember hating to go into any dark room after seeing that movie. Even years later this was one movie I really didn’t care to see again. When I went with my husband to California years later, it still was eery to see that site on the movie studio.
What do you think is the best process in selecting a film to watch?
I would like to read a summary, if I like the actor that would play an important part for me. Ratings and recommendations would be less important because both could sometimes be far from what I would consider enjoyable.
Do you think your relationship with movies has changed since you started watching?
Ahh I’m an old lady, I’ve evolved in my thinking about many things but while I’m pretty tolerant of some things I pretty much still like the old time films.
Movie Memories:
I recently watched The Birdcage with Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, and Gene Hackman. I had remembered seeing this years ago and remembering how my husband and I enjoyed it. Didn’t remember Gene Hackman and since his obituary was in the news the other day I decided to watch it. I loved seeing it again. Very enjoyable and this is why I enjoy comedy. It good to laugh! And It’s a Wonderful Life!