“Finding meaning in mundane moments” is basically my approach to life so it made me smile to see that! And loving the Yo La Tengo!! It’s been a while since I’ve listened to them.
Also, 76 minutes long? amazing, that feels so rare with movies these days lol
Man, at some point, I'm going to have to actually read 4,000 weeks, huh?
Beautifully written Oscar -- I also was not aware that the category of such cinema existed so thanks for sharing that. It reminds me of perhaps a cinematic analogue to a dopamine detox -- voluntarily depriving ourselves of stimulation and excitement while challenging our resistance to boredom and non-activity. The concept sounds intriguing and inviting enough to my sensibilities.
That's a great way to see it Tai, "dopamine detox" is a great term. I considered saying something around a "silent brain dump" haha because it is exactly what you said, fighting the urge to be constantly stimulated and that way allowing your brain to calm down and settle.
From the soundtrack to the final sentences it was such a scene. I look forward to these every week and enjoy seeing you exercise your director muscles through the moments.
Glad to hear it worked and flowed well as a scene for you, it is indeed one rep to attempt to slowly but thoughtfully grow that muscle, as you very well suggested.
Love the finished product, Oscar! And I sense I will particularly enjoy mundane movies as they seem to pair well with my propensity to just be, doing nothing and let the mind go. Thank you for this. Great essay! :)
Silvio you're totally right that this is right down your alley too, you'll enjoy them very much. I just added your Lost in Observation article since I now realize also pairs so well with all this.
Thank you very much for your comments and feedback! So glad you enjoyed it :)
Would love to hear what you think after you watch one of these films Rachel, it is a special kind of feeling. Thank you for your comments and feedback!
Great post. This is something I've been thinking a lot about -- the power of solitude and slow observation. I hadn't thought about it before with regard to film, but of course there are so many movies (outside of the genre you mention) that use this albeit sparingly to great dramatic effect. I think of the wide slow shots of The Godfather or detailed objects of Roma or the sweeping landscape views of No Country for Old Men and Brokeback Mountain. And yet those are quick. The idea of films (maybe Thin Red Line is the closest I'm familiar with) where those moments are held for long periods of time is interesting. I'll have to check this one out. What Carver story is it based off? And I'm definitely rereading 'What We Talk About When We Talk ABout Love'. Thanks for the reminder and link!
You're so right Wes! There are micro-contemplative moments in many great movies. It made me think of the beginning of Werner Herzog's Aguirre, and so many others as you mention.
And now that you say it, The Thin Red Line definitely belongs in that list as a mainly contemplative movie. Will revisit that one along Raymond Carver as you ;)
And you made me realize I made a mistake: it's not based off of a Carver story, but from Jonathan Raymond, a more contemporary writer that frequently collaborates with Kelly Reichardt. It's off his book Livability and is also called Old Joy.
I loved this, Oscar.
“Finding meaning in mundane moments” is basically my approach to life so it made me smile to see that! And loving the Yo La Tengo!! It’s been a while since I’ve listened to them.
Also, 76 minutes long? amazing, that feels so rare with movies these days lol
Man, at some point, I'm going to have to actually read 4,000 weeks, huh?
You definitely embody that philosophy :) Glad it made you smile, and glad wey share that love for the mundane.
Not surprised you like Yo La Tengo, my spirit high-school friend 😂🤷♂️
And yes! Hahah you HAVE to read 4,000 Weeks! We'll comment about it soon :))
Beautifully written Oscar -- I also was not aware that the category of such cinema existed so thanks for sharing that. It reminds me of perhaps a cinematic analogue to a dopamine detox -- voluntarily depriving ourselves of stimulation and excitement while challenging our resistance to boredom and non-activity. The concept sounds intriguing and inviting enough to my sensibilities.
That's a great way to see it Tai, "dopamine detox" is a great term. I considered saying something around a "silent brain dump" haha because it is exactly what you said, fighting the urge to be constantly stimulated and that way allowing your brain to calm down and settle.
Thank you for reading and your valuable comment!
¡Que Vivencia!
From the soundtrack to the final sentences it was such a scene. I look forward to these every week and enjoy seeing you exercise your director muscles through the moments.
Como siempre es bueno leerte. :)
Y es un verdadero placer leer tus comentarios!
Glad to hear it worked and flowed well as a scene for you, it is indeed one rep to attempt to slowly but thoughtfully grow that muscle, as you very well suggested.
Un abrazo mi estimado amigo.
Love the finished product, Oscar! And I sense I will particularly enjoy mundane movies as they seem to pair well with my propensity to just be, doing nothing and let the mind go. Thank you for this. Great essay! :)
Silvio you're totally right that this is right down your alley too, you'll enjoy them very much. I just added your Lost in Observation article since I now realize also pairs so well with all this.
Thank you very much for your comments and feedback! So glad you enjoyed it :)
Bravo, Oscar. I yearn for films like this--that leave space for us to think & feel. When things go left unsaid. Thanks for sharing the list!
You remind me that I just have to look between all the layers of chaotic blockbusters to find beauty in the mundane.
Would love to hear what you think after you watch one of these films Rachel, it is a special kind of feeling. Thank you for your comments and feedback!
Great post. This is something I've been thinking a lot about -- the power of solitude and slow observation. I hadn't thought about it before with regard to film, but of course there are so many movies (outside of the genre you mention) that use this albeit sparingly to great dramatic effect. I think of the wide slow shots of The Godfather or detailed objects of Roma or the sweeping landscape views of No Country for Old Men and Brokeback Mountain. And yet those are quick. The idea of films (maybe Thin Red Line is the closest I'm familiar with) where those moments are held for long periods of time is interesting. I'll have to check this one out. What Carver story is it based off? And I'm definitely rereading 'What We Talk About When We Talk ABout Love'. Thanks for the reminder and link!
You're so right Wes! There are micro-contemplative moments in many great movies. It made me think of the beginning of Werner Herzog's Aguirre, and so many others as you mention.
And now that you say it, The Thin Red Line definitely belongs in that list as a mainly contemplative movie. Will revisit that one along Raymond Carver as you ;)
And you made me realize I made a mistake: it's not based off of a Carver story, but from Jonathan Raymond, a more contemporary writer that frequently collaborates with Kelly Reichardt. It's off his book Livability and is also called Old Joy.