Deepfocuslens
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Forming a Review
🕑 Added 2021-01-12 20:36:38 +0000 UTCWhen I first see a film and plan a review for it, I often don't have many strong opinions on it initially, but instead have little disconnected branches of thought floating in space that I hope to weave together in some coherent way. A blank document on my computer screen is naturally intimidating, as it is for many. However, I find that once I start jotting down notes, it often pours out very organically, and rarely do I ever get stumped or lost in the ideas. If anything, writing it down provides the clarity, allows the ideas to materialize that were already bouncing near the surface. I just need the reference point. For example, I'm reviewing PIECES OF A WOMAN this week, and like a lot of movies I see, the more I write, the more I realize that my opinions on this film are more than what they seemed. When I stared at the blank document at the beginning of the writing process, PIECES OF A WOMAN was just a movie I need to review. Now, it has become a full-on surgical procedure.
Comments
Ryan
yup, you can rent it on Fandango NOW though its about $20. It was cheaper to see it in theatres.
Oskitello
It will be available on January 15.
Deepfocuslens
I don't think it's available to stream tho
Ryan
I would be curious to see your take on Promising Young Woman that just came out. It's doing well in Letterboxd but I personally thought it was tonally off given the subject matter.
Emma & Brian
just finished watching it, definitely going to watch again tomorrow, but I can see why one would be compelled to review it. For sure have given me a lot to think on (both because it's got some heavy personal parallels and the film itself) Looking forward to watching it again and to hearing what you think whenever you're done
Deepfocuslens
Thanks for saying so. Well, everyone is influenced in some form, and everyone is trying to please someone out there. But overall, yes I'd say you never have to worry about me being disingenuous or trying to pander to a demographic. I don't lie or sugarcoat. Simple and direct is my approach. No gratuitous fluff. As a reviewer and as a human being.
Tyler Shobe
It's so unique and kind of refreshing to have a reviewer that's "out of touch." That seems to be in your favor since there's nothing to color your view one way or the other. A lot of reviewers seem to try their best to both keep up with the times but also not let that knowledge affect their prejudice regarding a movie. You seem to naturally avoid that by just not engaging with public opinion at all.
Deepfocuslens
Most of the time if it's a new movie I have no idea how it's being received. So even if I wanted to adjust my reviews accordingly, I wouldn't have the context to do so.
Deepfocuslens
Nope. Almost everything I do in life is against the grain. I'm used to it, therefore I don't need to exploit my opinions.
Tyler Shobe
Do you feel like your writing approach changes if you know your opinion is going against grain in any sort of way?
Deepfocuslens
People ask how I can do it without feeling any pressure but...it's not like I am standing in a room of thousands of people. I am sitting alone in front of a camera. So, that helps. I don't get nervous in front of my camera. BUt I likely would be quite nervous in front of a crowd of thousands.
Deepfocuslens
Haha not really actually. I don't really think about the audience at all. I just approach it as if I was doing a project for a college class or something. Nothing has changed really since I started this. I don't concern myself with what others think in terms of the actual review content.
Tyler Shobe
I do a lot of writing on Letterboxd, primarily just for me, but I feel something similar. When I first start writing, I figure I'll get a paragraph out and be done but then I just keep going, find different things to talk about which lead to other ideas and I want to expand upon and then before I know it what was suppose to be a 5 minute diary entry has turned into this 30 minute endeavor that just keep pouring out until I tell myself to stop. I imagine it's probably a little different when you're writing for an audience that's going to include thousands of people other than yourself.
Oskitello
Glad you will review it. Can't wait to hear you Doctor Maggie :)
Tony Moro
Watch more Red Letter Media and use more deadpan sarcasm lol
Deepfocuslens
interesting
Wolfman Brandon
I always compare reviewing something to being a lawyer. Figure out whether it's good or bad then provide the evidence that's mostly on the screen to prosecute or defend the film. Also, objections can be given or received by others to debate a certain point.
Tony Moro
You should review the Ultimate Cut of Batman V Superman because it mirrors a lot of what’s going on right now.
