Does a films ability to be repeatedly viewed make it great?
Discussion
Pondered this last night after watching Everything Everywhere All At Once with some friends. Did I enjoy it ? Yes. Did I think Michelle Yeoh was good? Very much so? Would I watch it again late at night if I came across it whilst channel surfing and get hooked? Not sure if I would to be honest. There are, on the other hand, plenty of films that for me do fall into that category, Godfather(s), Apocolypse and many others. Is this an indicator of quality, or that the latter just have some ability to quench some base cravings, like a McDonalds or a kebab but doesn’t necessarily mean they are at the the 3 star Michelin end of the spectrum. Granted, the films I referenced are 3 star but many ‘lesser’ films can be watched again and again. In short, EEAAO, not as good as the hype ‘cus I probably won’t watch it a second time
wolfracesonic said:
Pondered this last night after watching Everything Everywhere All At Once with some friends. Did I enjoy it ? Yes. Did I think Michelle Yeoh was good? Very much so? Would I watch it again late at night if I came across it whilst channel surfing and get hooked? Not sure if I would to be honest. There are, on the other hand, plenty of films that for me do fall into that category, Godfather(s), Apocolypse and many others. Is this an indicator of quality, or that the latter just have some ability to quench some base cravings, like a McDonalds or a kebab but doesn’t necessarily mean they are at the the 3 star Michelin end of the spectrum. Granted, the films I referenced are 3 star but many ‘lesser’ films can be watched again and again. In short, EEAAO, not as good as the hype ‘cus I probably won’t watch it a second time
Some ‘terrible’ films are most re watchable. Armageddon for instance. Brilliant but crap. Interesting question.
There are definitely films I can watch repeatedly but not many, and I don't know quite what it is that makes the difference.
There are those films that become elevated because of not knowing something that is revealed later, although if they're done well enough I don't think this rules them out. I watched the Sixth Sense again a few weeks ago and it's arguably even better knowing the twist. And maybe even better if you watch a film like that with somebody who doesn't know.
Then there are others that only work in a certain environment. I thought Dunkirk was a fantastic cinema experience but I tried to watch it again at home and it was a bit rubbish, frankly. I switched it off after about half an hour.
I do want to watch Everything, Everywhere again. I really enjoyed it but saw it on a plane which isn't ideal as I missed chunks of it. I was completely disengaged from it during the dildo scene for example, due to being starkly aware of how many people could see my screen
There are definitely films I can watch repeatedly but not many, and I don't know quite what it is that makes the difference.
There are those films that become elevated because of not knowing something that is revealed later, although if they're done well enough I don't think this rules them out. I watched the Sixth Sense again a few weeks ago and it's arguably even better knowing the twist. And maybe even better if you watch a film like that with somebody who doesn't know.
Then there are others that only work in a certain environment. I thought Dunkirk was a fantastic cinema experience but I tried to watch it again at home and it was a bit rubbish, frankly. I switched it off after about half an hour.
I do want to watch Everything, Everywhere again. I really enjoyed it but saw it on a plane which isn't ideal as I missed chunks of it. I was completely disengaged from it during the dildo scene for example, due to being starkly aware of how many people could see my screen
I watch films to be entertained, a lot of films from the 80's/90's do this brilliantly which makes most of them re-watchable even if they may not be 3 star Michelin in terms quality plot.
Then you have films that do both like Shawshank/Green Mile etc again I can watch these multiple times.
I wouldn't watch Banshees again if it was on, even though people gushed over it and thought it was great.
If its entertaining I'll rewatch it, if it's got an actual quality plot/story then even better.
Then you have films that do both like Shawshank/Green Mile etc again I can watch these multiple times.
I wouldn't watch Banshees again if it was on, even though people gushed over it and thought it was great.
If its entertaining I'll rewatch it, if it's got an actual quality plot/story then even better.
I think it's one of the things that could make it great. I've seen This is Spinal Tap 3-4 times and still love it.
But a film can also be great because it was great to watch once. I also love The Swimmer with Burt Lancaster and have watched that twice. I'd not watch it again though because having seen how it ends, that seems pointless.
By the way, the 3-4 times I've watched Spinal Tap is about the limit. I might watch it again but have no desire to.
But a film can also be great because it was great to watch once. I also love The Swimmer with Burt Lancaster and have watched that twice. I'd not watch it again though because having seen how it ends, that seems pointless.
By the way, the 3-4 times I've watched Spinal Tap is about the limit. I might watch it again but have no desire to.
Makes it great to you yes, definitely, doesn't necessarily make it a great film though.
They're what I call 'comfort' films. The ones you can watch over and over, not necessarily be concentrating all the way through but still enjoy as you practically know the script.
For me it's films like BTTF, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Top Gun, Shawshank, Bond and Harry Potter etc. Your typical Sunday afternoon film that you find whilst channel hopping and leave on.
They're what I call 'comfort' films. The ones you can watch over and over, not necessarily be concentrating all the way through but still enjoy as you practically know the script.
For me it's films like BTTF, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Top Gun, Shawshank, Bond and Harry Potter etc. Your typical Sunday afternoon film that you find whilst channel hopping and leave on.
I like Guy Richie films, especially the gangster style flicks. However, I was extremely disappointed with ‘The Gentlemen’ to the point I’d almost forgotten about, then I viewed it for a 2nd time and thought it was absolutely brilliant.
I think some films, you just don’t get, the first time around.
I think some films, you just don’t get, the first time around.
robsa said:
I have literally watched Quadrophenia over 100 times, and I absolutely love it, but I don't think anyone would ever label it as a 'great' film.
On the flip side, I've seen Citizen Kane a handful of times and that's enough for me. And 'It's a Wonderful Life'.
O/TOn the flip side, I've seen Citizen Kane a handful of times and that's enough for me. And 'It's a Wonderful Life'.
The interior night club scenes were filmed at The Royalty, my local club in Southgate, N. London, vack in the day.
It's now a gym.
Five films that I have watched probably a dozen times each, none of which I would class as "great":
Contact
Independance Day
U-571
Top Secret!
Flash Gordon
Five films that I have watched a similar number of times which I do regard as "great":
This is Spinal Tap
Wall Street
The Life of Brian
Dial M for Murder
Casino
Contact
Independance Day
U-571
Top Secret!
Flash Gordon
Five films that I have watched a similar number of times which I do regard as "great":
This is Spinal Tap
Wall Street
The Life of Brian
Dial M for Murder
Casino
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