GroshLink

I really appreciated A. O. Scott's "Everybody’s a Critic of the Critics’ Rabid Critics," (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/movies/25scott.html, NY Times, 7/21/2010), generated by the reviews of "Inception."  Below's his "conclusion," opening up further reflection/conversation.  

Film culture on the Internet does not only speed up the story of a movie’s absorption of a movie into the cultural bloodstream but also reverses the sequence. Maybe my memory is fuzzy, or maybe I’m dreaming, but I think it used to be that “masterpiece” was the last word, the end of the discussion, rather than the starting point.

But in this case we end up with where we should have started, wondering what the movie is about, what it means, puzzling over symbols and plot points. It’s almost as if we’re all in a movie that’s running backward, like “Memento.” Which was totally overrated. Unless it was a masterpiece. I’m going to have to see it again.

When I shared Scott's article with Theresa, she mentioned her agreement with the over-rated nature of the current review structure (in both positive/negative directions).  With regard to the question of when a "piece" becomes a "masterpiece," she used the illustration of the Beatles, i.e., when did the Beatles become such a monumental band ("a masterpiece" or those which churned out "masterpiece" albums and/or songs)?  

So, we find "masterpiece" too much for a new release (let alone use in a "pre-release" commentary).  Maybe in the larger culture, on-line critics provide the much needed yes/no filter to sift through the overwhelming stream of new media options.  It seems that some "take it all in" (or as much as they can) despite how bad it is, whereas others prioritize based on what is supposedly a "must see" by those they consider "well-informed."  I guess for us, other concerns set the stage (Note:  Earlier post related to "Inception," What do you dream about? Who is in your dream world? -- http://groshlink.net/archives/2010/07/20/what-do-you-dream-about).

As for "Inception," I'm afraid that at present I can envision/dream enough of it for myself.

Confession 1:  Scott's typically the first film review I read on new releases.  As such, I've read his review (http://movies.nytimes.com/2010/07/16/movies/16inception.html), along with some others (e.g., Steven D. Greydanus. Christianity Today. 7/16/2010. http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/movies/reviews/2010/inception.html), and watched some trailers.  Result:  "Inception" has been wait listed for so we can enjoy the summer with our family (and extended family).  Nothing like the "masterpiece" of God's creation, God's story, family, friendships, the Body of Christ. ... which reminds me of a post which I wrote about "Inception" on July 20, What do you dream about? Who is in your dream world? (http://groshlink.net/archives/2010/07/20/what-do-you-dream-about).

Confession 2:  I don't want to come across as "holier" than the silverscreen and leave the impression that movies (and the media in general) have been taken out of our family's mix this summer.  So to come clean, in addition to the reading frenzy (some below, more coming a future post on this topic), recently ...  

• The twins enjoyed "Toy Story 3" with one of their Aunts.  Afterwards they 
  • turned in reading lists to Barnes & Nobles and Borders
  • secured a new pile of books and one more video to add to our family's crowded shelves
• Theresa and I rewatched "Amazing Grace."  Wow.  To God be the glory!  Note:  earlier post of related interest, http://groshlink.net/archives/2007/09/15/human-trafficking-and-enslavement-symposium.
• Harry Potter has received a lot of attention in text and film from others in the family.  Still not of interest to me. ... A post for another day.