I have been re-reading Ray Bradbury’s book The Joy of Writing. (It is another one of my “dumper books” at the moment). The first chapter is one that resonates with me at the moment. He talks about his unusual sources for “inspiration” because he finds value to them. Even though they are not what is “popular” with the people in his life. And he will continue on with them despite the “opinion” of others. He found the “value” others were not willing to see with those sources.
I have to say I know very much what he is talking about at this moment.
I know what I read, watch, listen to is not what most of the people in my life are in to. But those things are what are on my “path”. And I try to point out their existence to others to find. I have to say to this. “I will never put utter shit out there for people.” I may not know its “full value” but there is something there to be “discovered”.
I began thinking about this today upon hearing of the passing of Roger Ebert. In my younger days, Roger Ebert along with Gene Siskel was my first introduction to debating back and forth when it came to movies. There was no Internet back then. I also did not know anyone personally at the time willing to have a discussion/debate like they did. I did not always agree with them but they did engage me. And that made me think. I remember in my film classes they were “demonized” for what appeared to be a simplistic approach to criticism. However, in retrospect they were they beginning foundation of how I looked at movies. They also were the first ones who pointed out smaller budgeted movies and foreign films that were worth a view. I learned a lot more from their segments than from many of the “wordy” pages I was required to read about movies in class.
The problem with many reviews/discussions of film (or any other artistic work) is that the either aims “over the head” or “below the belt”. I think and I try to with my own is “to aim at the head”. It is not my goal to be “100% right or wrong.” For me what matters is the conversation that happens. Sadly, lately it has not been much or in fact any. However, I need to keep moving on. No choice with this “path”.
I hope I made you take a moment just to think.
The only way forward is to debate, converse, engage. I may be right. I may be wrong. At his stage, I am really holding on to neither side. But I know this without the “conversation” I cannot claim for sure either side.
It is not only what you are talking about. But who you are talking to.
People unlike plants need movement to grow.
I need more people to help bring things to my table.
The following is a clip where they debated Empire Strikes Back. And listen to the debate. The nature of what is being criticized and why really has not changed much over time.
And take a moment to watch more from them. Search YouTube.
Realize what they brought.
Here is a post from film critic A.O. Scott who was his replacement on the show. It is about what we had and what we no longer have.