Why I prefer to inform myself about films rather than watch them
At the moment I'm spending a lot of time on Netflix and co. without having watched anything at the end. Because searching for what I want to watch is often more fun than watching the film itself. An ode to film research.
"Hey Carolin, we've just added a film that you might like."
The push notification on my mobile comes from Netflix. It's Sunday, 7.25 pm. I'm sceptical but curious and open the email. "Coffee & Kareem" is suggested to me. The brief summary and the first visual impression make me feel like I've been taken for a ride. This, Netflix, is what you want me to like?
Before the rage in my stomach gets any bigger, I recollect a certain impartiality and switch to "Rotten Tomatoes". The film review website is supposed to make a second impression. Reviews are collected there and made measurable using the Tomatometer scale: with 19 per cent, the film is clearly considered bad by critics, but only 31 per cent of viewers were convinced by it.
You're out, "Coffee & Kareem". You won't get a third chance.
Maybe a new streaming service?
But I come across all sorts of other films on Rotten Tomatoes that sound good. I switch to Wikipedia for a simple plot overview, read online articles for more in-depth, albeit personal, assessments from the respective authors and then hop back to Netflix to see if the film is available there. If yes, it goes on my list. If not, I try to find out which streaming library it's available in.
So I end up on IndieFlix, a streaming platform for independent films, and think about starting a 7-day trial. Or I'll take out a plan right away. I like the vibe of the platform. In the end, I decide to sleep on it for a night. But before that, I continue my search for a film worth watching on streaming services that I already pay for.
"Climax" was recommended to me by a work colleague. I'm familiar with Gaspar Noé, the director: I've already seen his "Enter the Void". Noé's films are challenging and captivating, not easy fare.
Thinking about it, I suddenly find myself stuck in a list of Noé's personal favourite films and google "La Maman et la Putain" by Jean Eustache. The film premiered at the Cannes International Film Festival in 1973. Speaking of Cannes: who has won the Palme d'Or in recent years?
In 1991, the prize went to Joel Coen for "Barton Fink". I really like the Coen brothers, what are they up to? That's right, Joel Coen is married to Frances McDormand. The actress took part in "Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri". I thought that was good. Maybe there's something on Netflix with McDormand that I haven't seen yet.
Negative. Unfortunately, I can't find any films with her on Netflix, but "Tallulah" is suggested. For whatever reason. The plot sounds good, I like actress Ellen Page. The film ends up on my list. Will it be enough to watch it now? A glance at the clock. It's late. 11.14 pm. I'm definitely not going to watch another film now.
Next time.
Film lists as an expression of beautiful evenings
The evening is over and I haven't seen a film. That doesn't matter. Because I often love the research more than the films themselves. My lists are getting fuller and fuller; I hardly ever finish them. My film lists are like little islands of bliss. An expression of successful research. The little symbols remind me of my wonderful plunges down the rabbit hole of film reviews and databases. That's where I collect important social issues, directors I respect and fascinating-sounding experiments. I don't have to watch a film to have a successful Sunday evening. I just have to read about it.
P.S.: A week later, I did watch "Climax" on Netflix. You should do it too.
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My life in a nutshell? On a quest to broaden my horizon. I love discovering and learning new skills and I see a chance to experience something new in everything – be it travelling, reading, cooking, movies or DIY.
