Hi, folks.
I'm Clown and I'm 57 years old. I'm in Pittsburgh, PA. I've been listening to Filmspotting podcasts for several months now; reading the forums only recently.
It looks like a very nice community here: smart, knowledgeable, interesting and civilized. I certainly can't see or like everything, but by knowing and listening to the right people I shouldn't have to watch as many crap movies to find those that satisfy me. This looks like a useful place.
I was a projectionist off and on for many years. I first learned projection on carbon-arc, manual changeover machines in a repertory/art house, and got to see a lot of classics on the big screen.
During the beta/VHS wars (late '80s – early '90s) I was video buyer at an independent video store.
I'd like to think that my tastes are eclectic. I look for films that reward repeat viewings with something more than nostalgia for the first viewing. I look for films that demonstrate the ability of the filmmakers to get all that they need from the materials at hand, through efficiency and attention to detail; films that anticipate and guide the shift and flow of my attention throughout the presentation; films that repay my suspension of disbelief with something that I can believe or accept; that allow me those magical moments of experiencing the filmmakers' presented reality as my own perceived reality, and maybe even show me wonders through their different eyes.
A few films, off the top of my head, that I could watch twice in a row, right now:
1.The Wild Bunch (69)
2.Performance (70)
3.Memento (00)
4.Miller's Crossing (90)
5.Brazil (85)
6.The Conversation (74)
And ... I believe that anyone who catches all of the film references in The Simpsons should consider themselves well-viewed.
All for now. I'll chime in when I've something to say.