Today, I shared with him scenes from Torch Song Trilogy and Fame which I felt would get him hooked. Even within each episode of Fame there were sequences and scenes that made his eyes open wider, that inspired him, that made him feel something.
The episode dealt with the issue of growing older, worry about being irrelevant and possibly being unwanted or unneeded as a result. Despite the fact that it is such a heavy and sensitive subject, the episode was written in an entertaining and inspiring way using vehicles like humor, wit and the history of dance.
I realised this is what I grew up with. Film and TV with heart, substance and content that teaches and inspires. The language in these movies and TV shows I watched growing up is so poignant and the choice of words so well chosen that it does the intended; to make people think, feel, learn, laugh or cry.
Even watching the movie version and TV version of Fame, made me come to certain realisations.
Back in the 80s and early 90s, a movie had budget and time to create something that was a lot more polished. Compared with creating for TV where you had to put something together in a shorter time with limited budget. Thus the difference in screen quality and often, depth of themes and performance.
Advances in technology have improved the quality of TV and film on many levels. Its made many things that were previously only available to films with big budgets, easily and readily available to TV as well. This has narrowed the divide between TV and film to the point that there is sometimes little difference between the two.
Which brings me to why I don’t enjoy movies.
Given that I’ve learnt so many things, cried so many tears, laughed so many times with films and TV programs through the years.
And given that I can easily get access to light-hearted entertainment … entertainment of good quality by switching on cable … why would I want to go watch a movie at a theatre unless it promises to engage, move and/or enrich me.
I’m sure a lot of people just watch movies to be entertained. I guess I’ve always been one to look for something more. That’s just eccentric little me lah.
