Shared Cinematic Experiences Across Continents
The love of movies is a global experience.
Back in December of 2023 I heard that Godzilla Minus One would be getting a limited run here in the United States. I was pretty busy at the time and figured I would catch it later. Then that run was extended because the film was doing so well. The buzz was too loud to ignore so I made the time to see it. I was floored by it. It’s such a a great film. It’s a Godzilla film by way of Spielberg, a World War 2 period film, and with a dash of a Hallmark movie. I mean, I know how it sounds but believe me when I tell you that it works.
I didn’t expect it to win Best Picture or anything but I was pleased to see it nominated for Best Special Effects. I was even more excited to see it win. The speech the filmmakers gave was, well frankly, beautiful. This line in particular stood out to me from director Takashi Yamazaki:
“My career began 40 years ago after the shock of seeing 'Star Wars' and 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.' To someone so far from Hollywood, even the possibility of standing on this stage seemed out of reach.”
Man, how can you not love movies? I mean, as a filmmaker myself I feel what he is saying in my bones. We have these core memories from something we saw on the screen. It takes hold of us and never really lets go. This man was in Japan and I was in Michigan. Yet, when we saw these images from Lucas and Spielberg we just fell in love. How many other people had the same experience? I’m not sure about Mr. Yamazaki but I tried to find other career paths, they just didn’t take. I couldn’t deny that wherever I was meant to go that film was going to take me there.
It’s worth not only watch this speech, which is one of the most joyous Oscars speeches I have ever seen, but the sketch before it. Michael Keaton still kills it when he plays Bruce Wayne.
Anyway, back to the love of movies. Even if love of filmmaking doesn’t take everybody down the winding and often frustrating path of being a filmmaker, it’s a love that presents itself in a variety of ways. That love can range from becoming a diehard fan that memorizes lines and decorates with memorabilia to watching one film over and over again. A love for movies is pretty common.
It was great to see that love for movies celebrated at The Oscars this year.
What I Heard:
As an SNL fan I really love The Fly on The Wall Podcast with Dana Carvey and David Spade. This week they have on Michael Keaton. I mentioned above that the Michael Keaton bit at The Oscars was great and Keaton talks about what went into it. What I love is that he gave some thought about what he should wear for it.
What I’m Watching:
I was skeptical about a Mr. and Mrs. Smith show when it was announced and another creator was onboard.
What Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane did with this concept after the previous creator left is impressive. It basically just takes the title of the movie and the most basic element of the premise and did their own thing. They made a cool, funny, and gorgeous looking show.