Lollipops and The Sunshine Blogger Award

The Sunshine Blogger Award?

My first thought was surprise and huh, me? Thank you, Barry of Cinematic Catharsis! And then my brain had rivers of gratitude running through it that anyone would appreciate the few words I scribble here and there. But like usual, I also had to hear a song rolling on through my head.

Sunshine Lollipops and Feelin' Good

I was more than honored to accept the nomination, knowing my talents lie on the outskirts. I will answer the questions to the best of my ability. I am putting in a disclaimer about following all the rules though. Here they are:

   1. Post the award on your blog.

   2. Thank the person who nominated you.

   3. Answer the 11 questions they sent.

   4. Pick another 11 bloggers and let them know they are nominated.

   5. Give them 11 new questions.

Here's a go at the questions:

1. What famous (or infamous) lost film would you love to be re-discovered? Well, I'm not a film expert by any means, but I do love the innocence, fantasy and storytelling in silent movies. I would really like to see a complete film of The First Men in the Moon (1919). We can see from the stills that they allowed the set and costume designers to run wild with their imaginations. I wouldn't be surprised if industrial strength solvents were on deck, heightening the storybook in their minds. They were aiming for magic and art, and my money is on them succeeding at just that.

2. What hobbies do you enjoy outside of movie blogging? Daytripping. Little walking adventures and bus trips. Seeing what weirdness I can find in the world and taking a photo or two. Trying to find what's left of Americana before the "grey box-itis" gets the best of it. Hopefully I've taken a few photos that can get the smile reflex working for some people. And once in a while I might throw a few words on paper and document an odd happening or two.

3. What do you believe to be the most annoying trend in modern cinema? With a few welcome exceptions, I find modern cinema extremely annoying. So much so, I would say that my sparse viewing of anything made past 1999 probably disqualifies me from the question... but I think I'll answer anyway. But I hate my answer because it's probably everyone's answer. The word "trend" is a good indicator of the major problem. Somehow back in the Golden Age of Hollywood, they tried to entertain, but filmmakers also tried to be better in their arts and to expand our mind's view of the world. Granted there are exceptions, but it seems like the money people today insist on formulas. "What made a trillion dollars last time? Do that... but have them wear something different". I may be one of the few people that has never seen a superhero movie past the Christopher Reeve Superman. I am so out of it.

I also have a problem with mainstream cinema's depiction of everyday life. Take the 1972 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Ronnie Neary was pretty representative of a middle class mom. The house wasn't perfect by today's standards. Ronnie and Roy were average folks. I seldom watch a new movie, but why is it when I accidentally watch part of the drivel they make today, the family lives in a mansion, and they're all decked out in whatever the fashion is and driving roadworthy vehicles. I suppose it's mostly gag inducing so-called comedies I'm talking about. I am so out of it. 

4. Which actor or actress was your first film crush? Easy. Errol Flynn. The smile. The twinkle in his eye. The green tights. And swordsmanship. The "devil may care" attitude. I just fainted.

5. Name a non-musical film that would make an excellent musical. Ha! That's a good question. I like musicals, but not every movie should be a musical. A somber moment can be broken pretty instantaneously with a song and dance. First let me mention something of the opposite thought. I love Marlon Brando, but holy cow, in my book he should have never been in Guys and Dolls. Ok. The only movie I could think that could hold its own with a few songs would be Fatso (1980). Dom DeLuise could bring us to tears with a song about his lovelorn life and longing for Lydia, but then a few moments later our moods would be buoyed with a chorus from the gentlemen in the kitchen singing the praises of chocolate eclairs and a nice serving of sausage and peppers.

6. Name a movie that you love, even though it's not objectively good. What do you like about it? I've been stumped on this question for days. I open my laptop, look at it and close the laptop. Maybe I like too many movies that aren't objectively good. Usually older movies, some real upbeat, some real downbeat. Maybe it's just because their views of things weren't seen through a large corporate haze. Yes, I know the studios were "big" back in the day, but didn't the bigwigs get emotionally involved with the films? Am I just romanticizing? The stories reached me. Twisted my heart or made me smile. All the while letting me in on how the average Joe got through his day.

7. What was your most memorable moment visiting a movie theatre? You know, back in the day movies ran for a long time in theatres. They were also re-released. It must have been 1971 that Easy Rider was playing in the hometown theatre. This was right outside of Queens for context. Things were a little less controlled in that time and space. What happened was not a screening of a movie, but an experience. There wasn't one person there that wasn't ready to light up a pipe. It was one big pot party. Take a look around and you might see more than just heavy petting going on. Hedonism with a capital H for going to Hell.

8. Name a movie within the past 20 years that seems destined to be regarded as a classic someday. Oh, I really wouldn't know. I just haven't seen that many newer movies. I did see A Complete Unknown and loved it. It wasn't complete perfection, but close enough. As a matter of fact, it brought tears to my eyes. It did a pretty good job documenting the feel of a time. I went to see it again just to double check my reaction and it held true the second time. Maybe in the not too distant future people will long for a more free-spirited time and this will be a feel-good movie. After a long day attending to the needs of our new overlords, the data centers, a person could come home and put their feet up, click their brain chip and wish they lived in the time of humanity.

9. Do you still collect physical media (DVD's, Blu-ray's, etc.)? Why or why not? No. I am not against the idea, I think that would be a good thing. Too many streaming services control too many movies and shows. Movies that you could once watch on TV for free are now abducted by media corporations. I just went through a major downsizing a number of years ago. Not in a position to be stockpiling again.

10. Do you have a signed piece of movie memorabilia? If so, what is your most treasured item? No. Nothing signed. I have had a number of movie posters and lobby cards in my possession, but my little sentimental piece that I've hung onto is an original advertisement for Invaders From Mars (1953). It's around here somewhere, in one of two places, just trust me.

11. If you could attend the premiere of any film from the past, which one would it be? Perhaps Dracula (1931). Released earlier in the year before Frankenstein, so kind of a very early on major horror movie. Can you imagine the shock of seeing this gothic horror on a huge screen? Shadows, creaking coffins, the undead and huge spider webs. A mysterious man with hypnotic eyes entrancing and beckoning his defenseless victims. Supernatural evil firing the synapses of the God part, or un-God part, of our brains. Walking home on a dark February night, the ice crystals creating a shimmering white fog. Who is that in the shadows? 

Or maybe The Shiek (1921). That's a whole phenomena that I don't have a complete grasp on. Rudolph Valentino apparently set the world on fire, according to my mom. The 1920's were a special time. People were fascinated with the exotic... mummies, spiritualism and jazz. Must have been quite the time to be alive.

Ok. Now I'm supposed to nominate 11 film bloggers and ask them 11 questions. 11:11. I honestly don't know of 11 people to nominate that already haven't been picked. I can think of a couple, but that doesn't meet the requirements. So I must do some kind of punishment work to get extra credit. I suppose a poem.

For I am not a movie geek

in the general sense of the term

I may enjoy a story of time gone by

And on that I will stand firm.

From Mata Hari to Bonnie and Clyde:

Adventure abounds

Tragedy ensues

Mysteries solved

Fear awaits

Love unrequited

Comedy slapsticked

Happiness fulfilled.

We keep trying to find some meaning

In the messes we've made here on Earth

There's not an answer, but our stories together

Might help us determine some eternal worth.