07 ♦ Watching movies, true blue movies; exposure on a TV screen

[rhapsody_in]

Some of you have mentioned “movies.” I know that they’re photographic or drawn films made by compressing hundreds of images per minute to simulate motion, and that the more advanced have synchronized soundtracks as well – like these communicators do, only with artistic vision. [She quirks her lips a little.]

But all I’ve ever seen are nickelodeons, which last only a fraction of these entries we make. If I’m going to begin looking at movies, which do I start with? Hell, which did you first see?

Moreover, how do you turn it on and make it go?

Comments

[velocette]

The last movie I went to was porn. I don't remember the title but I suppose it doesn't matter--no one goes to those to pay attention to that kind of detail.

[Himself included, though he goes to movies to watch the audience, and never watches the screen. ...Yeah you can imagine the audience he saw at a filthy, dilapidated adult theater.]

Have you seen plays?

[rhapsody_in]

Porn? You mean pornography, obscenity? [She settles back a little.] Interesting.

Oh yes, many times.

[velocette]

Yeah...my little brother wanted to spend time with me. That was the venue he chose, when I let him lead. [He shakes his head, fond but exasperated.] I figured it might be the last time I ever saw him so I should indulge him, and I suppose I was half-right, since I ended up here a little while later.

Movies aren't really the same--they lack the suspense of real people breathing in front of you. They're not bad, of course...but Exiles wouldn't be the same if someone had the chance to edit it before we saw it.

[rhapsody_in]

Your brother sounds like a very strange man. I'm glad you got to do something with him before you came here.

What's Exiles about? That's one I'm not familiar with.

[velocette]

It's about a love triangle...two, actually. It demonstrates how no human relationship is ever without complication, and that trying to be happy often works like digging a grave to get out of a hole.

What plays are you familiar with? You must know hundreds.

[strangehistorian]

The first movie I saw was "Boogie Nights." It was... interesting.

[rhapsody_in]

Does that have anything to do with bugbears and pookas?

[strangehistorian]

I'm not sure what those are.

[rhapsody_in]

What does "boogie" mean in that context?

[americasdirtiest]

It's about porn.

[strangehistorian]

Oh. Dancing!

[americasdirtiest]

[Mickey's looking a little roughed up, but he's never been embarrassed about fighting. Relatedly, his immediate recommendation is:]

Under Siege. Two hours of pure asskicking. Stephen Seagal is the man.

[rhapsody_in]

[Why should he be embarrassed? Fighting looks natural on him.]

What's under siege in this film?

[americasdirtiest]

A battleship. Seagal beating the shit out of terrorist mercenaries that are trying to sell US shit to the commies. Dude stabs another dude through the skull -- it's badass as hell.

[rhapsody_in]

Sounds exciting. Was that your first or your favorite?

[americasdirtiest]

Definitely my favorite. My first was... [He shrugs.] Man, fuck if I know. Probably porn too. [Terry Milkovich: FATHER OF THE CENTURY.]

[walkingmeltdown]

You know, somehow it has never occurred to me that you haven't seen films yet. I don't know why I keep managing to forget what era you're really from.

Perhaps something about you simply seems that timeless.

[rhapsody_in]

One era isn't enough for me, cher.

[walkingmeltdown]

Oh, but of course not. Why would you ever constrain yourself in such a way?

[rhapsody_in]

Absolutely. Who would want to be linked to one era alone? It sounds unpleasant.

[walkingmeltdown]

Those of us that don't know any better make do. Somehow.

[punched_hitler]

I'd say you should start with one that has a story you're likely to, uh, like. What kinds of stories do you like?

[rhapsody_in]

I like stories that can take me by surprise.

[punched_hitler]

Hm... so twist endings, maybe? That you don't see coming? There are some good ones that I've seen.

[rhapsody_in]

Yes, something like that. Which are good?