A Sharing of Movie Memories

Hi! I'm Mumblebee. Super new here.

Since I introduced myself a couple of days ago, I've been trying to think of a way to contribute to TI. Unfortunately I don't have a huge wealth of diversified skills or knowledge to draw from. I don't know how to troubleshoot a PS4 or replace smashed phone screen. One area I know something about is cinema. I'm particularly interested in how people engage with a film. So in the interest of cultivating something special in this corner of the forum, I'd like to start with a question.

For a second I want you to think about a memorable film experience you've had. Something that came to you at the perfect time at your life because of who you are, or who you were with, or what you were doing that day or how you were watching it. I think a lot of that magic comes most easily when we're kids. You're 10 and sleeping over your best friend's place and he somehow got a copy of Fight Club. Or Memento. Or Princess Mononoke. It's nothing like you've ever seen before. It grips you somewhere deep, resonates with the person you're in the process of becoming. And when the movie ends, you slowly look over at your friend. There's no chance either of you are going to sleep tonight.

For those willing to share, I'd love to know one of your movie memories. If you can, be specific. Set the scene. Tell me who you were with, if anyone (sometimes a movie's most special when you're watching it alone). How old you were. Why you decided to watch it on that particular day. Most importantly, why was it most special to you?

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I'll start.

A few years ago, I was home for the summer. It was late August, and my little brother was about to leave for college in a few days. On a whim, we decided to go to the small, downtown art theater and see Boyhood. I don't know who suggested it, but it was unusual for us at the time. When you're just starting to become an adult, you have to figure out how to transition a lot of your close relationships into adulthood with you, and the two of us had never really spent time hanging out in the world together without our parents.

The small theater was already packed when we got there, so we ended up taking two seats in the front row. That's how I remember the movie, looking up at this gigantic story undertaking told over the course of 12 years. I watched as this little boy became a man before my eyes. Growing up at the same time as my brother. Going to college mere days before he himself would leave. By the time it was over I was weeping.

I know it's not a perfect film, and that some intelligent people have valid issues with parts of it, but it will forever be one of my favorites for that viewing alone. And I'm so incredibly grateful it came to me how it did.