“Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives towards the ideals and objectives of normal adulthood.”
I love the movies.
Great films are best, but I’ll settle for good. I’m even willing to watch bad, once… or twice.
My childhood was full of great cinema from a range of sources. Saturdays were spent at my Grandparent’s, where my sister and I would camp on the carpet in front of an old wooden TV. It was the same size as a 42″ High Def set I would drool over now, except square instead of rectangle, and thick instead of thin.
And no High Definition, but rather, limbo stick low resolution.
But it was TV, and I was a kid.
Every weekend, an old film played on channel five. The same one, four times. This is where I learned to first tolerate, and then love, black and white.
In between the awesomeness of the Love Boat and the hysterical cool of Fantasy Island, I’d watch something like, “King Kong,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” or “Some Like it Hot.”
Weekends were made for movies, and a festival started on Saturday, often resumed the next day.
A family tradition, second only to Sunday breakfast, was a trip to the theater to fill the final afternoon of our weekend.
The experience ripened alongside our years. As our literature aged, so did our cinema.
I remember the first R rated movie we saw:
Rain Man.
I loved it because it told me a story in a way I’d never seen.
At least not on the big screen.
At home, we had a library, stocked with a wealth of R rated features. These red stamped flix were supposed to be off limits. Fortunately, my mom and dad were different, each with their own opinion about what best to withhold from a budding mind.
My father believed it important to shield us from coarse language and violence (though this did not slow words that rhyme with truck and sit from frequently fleeing his lips).
But my mom’s objections could be summed up in a single word.
Nipples.
Not nudity mind you. Just nipples… and the short and curlies, at least if they sprung from a lady.
The swollen underside of a breast, fine. The lazy S of a damsel’s backside, sure. Full frontal nudity from someone with a hairy chest and dangling participles, not a problem.
Nipples?
No way.
Now here’s a test:
At age thirteen, would my mom have preferred her son to see…
A movie where a guy gets a grenade shoved in his mouth, as he’s kicked off a cliff. He rolls down said cliff, releasing a chain of curse words which link every oath with four letters to the few that involve immediate family. As he exhales his final syllable, he is blown to a billion bits scattered in the bed of the basin.
OR
Franco Zeffirelli’s, “Romeo and Juliet,” which displays precisely two nipples for exactly two seconds.
High five if you picked the one that might warp me.
Like any kid worth their childhood, my sister and I were able to wade the waters of our parent’s particulars.
We saw pretty much everything.
By the time I could drive, I was ready for flix from art house to multiplex, which probably explains my love for Tarantino.
Who are we but the product of an infinity of finely sliced seconds, where each one matters, at least to some degree.
What we feed our brain is important.
Was I feeding mine well? How do you feed yours?
Writer Dad
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If you liked that post, you’ll love, “A Billion Pixels and None of Them Wasted,” “Batman Left My Wife Lying Crumpled on the Floor,” or “An Old Dream Come True.”
About Sean Platt
Writer Dad – No, I didn’t see that. I take it, it’s good?
Dave – That’s a peeping tom with good taste in films! Speaking of peeping tom’s, I’m wondering what the AP style guide says about the capitalization of the term. Since Tom is a proper name, I would think, peeping Tom, might be the correct usage. Maybe, it’s Peeping Tom. I’ll have to check on that.
Blogger Dads last blog post..Psychotic Toddler Syndrome
Writer Dad – No, I didn’t see that. I take it, it’s good?
Dave – That’s a peeping tom with good taste in films! Speaking of peeping tom’s, I’m wondering what the AP style guide says about the capitalization of the term. Since Tom is a proper name, I would think, peeping Tom, might be the correct usage. Maybe, it’s Peeping Tom. I’ll have to check on that.
Blogger Dads last blog post..Psychotic Toddler Syndrome
Writer Dad,
Tarentino…good choice. The first R-rated movie I saw was the EXREMELY POPULAR “Cinderella Liberty.” (And no, smartie, it wasn’t in black and white!)
But I remember the following weekend, I was on a double-date, and we couldn’t get into ANYTHING. But, we were in the City, so we knew that if we kept trying, somebody would let us in.
We got luck with a double feature: one a French film, and one something about time. So, we started to watch the first, and it wasn’t in French! No art movie? Jeez. The movie was called “Maitresse.” It was about a woman who preforms S&M umm “behavioral things” and gets paid for it. Our dates (the guys) almost passed out at a few scenes. They both ended up leaving me and the other girl we were with to finish this gross movie.
Well, at least the SECOND ONE wasn’t like the first. It was actually based on a book by an author I had HEARD of. And it had an actor whose name I had heard once or twice. So how bad could this movie about time be?
It was “A Clockwork Orange.” I was 15. I turned 27 that night. :-)
Rita
Writer Dad,
Tarentino…good choice. The first R-rated movie I saw was the EXREMELY POPULAR “Cinderella Liberty.” (And no, smartie, it wasn’t in black and white!)
But I remember the following weekend, I was on a double-date, and we couldn’t get into ANYTHING. But, we were in the City, so we knew that if we kept trying, somebody would let us in.
We got luck with a double feature: one a French film, and one something about time. So, we started to watch the first, and it wasn’t in French! No art movie? Jeez. The movie was called “Maitresse.” It was about a woman who preforms S&M umm “behavioral things” and gets paid for it. Our dates (the guys) almost passed out at a few scenes. They both ended up leaving me and the other girl we were with to finish this gross movie.
Well, at least the SECOND ONE wasn’t like the first. It was actually based on a book by an author I had HEARD of. And it had an actor whose name I had heard once or twice. So how bad could this movie about time be?
It was “A Clockwork Orange.” I was 15. I turned 27 that night. :-)
Rita
Nice post Writer Dad. I love movies too. I can’t wait to watch many classics with Lukas as he gets older. It is one of the things that I, honestly most look forward to. Is that a good thing, or should I look forward more to other acheivements, such as his first home run, which is high on the list as well?
Jamess last blog post..Going Postal!
Nice post Writer Dad. I love movies too. I can’t wait to watch many classics with Lukas as he gets older. It is one of the things that I, honestly most look forward to. Is that a good thing, or should I look forward more to other acheivements, such as his first home run, which is high on the list as well?
Jamess last blog post..Going Postal!
This is too funny. People have the strangest idiosyncrasies. My grandmother Ruthi and I both love going to the movies, and she’s been my favorite movie partner since childhood.
Marelisas last blog post..25 More Ways to Celebrate Life
This is too funny. People have the strangest idiosyncrasies. My grandmother Ruthi and I both love going to the movies, and she’s been my favorite movie partner since childhood.
Marelisas last blog post..25 More Ways to Celebrate Life
Kittytown: I think it should be wang OR nippliage. The real evil is spawned when the two are put together. Isn’t amazing though, how often we ended up watching Mel Gibson’s butt?
Blogger Dad: It’s a lot like Old Boy… but crazier… and more violent… and with a chick. I guess it’s like if Kill Bill and Old Boy had a baby.
Rita: Tarantino’s World War II movie is already my favorite WWII flick of all time, and they haven’t shot a single strip of celluloid. I know someone from the Movie Geek Alliance is going to come and knock me on the head and take my badge away, but I just can’t get into Kubrick. I’ve tried, really, but overrated. I did like a few sequences of “Eyes Wide Shut,” an awful lot. Actually, I like a few sequences in all his movies, just not the movies themselves.
James: I think whatever makes you feel genuine is the right thing. I know I look forward to digging through my movies with my children. More than most things.
Marelisa: Yes they do.
Your post today was really sweet, and it made me want a Margarita something fierce.
Kittytown: I think it should be wang OR nippliage. The real evil is spawned when the two are put together. Isn’t amazing though, how often we ended up watching Mel Gibson’s butt?
Blogger Dad: It’s a lot like Old Boy… but crazier… and more violent… and with a chick. I guess it’s like if Kill Bill and Old Boy had a baby.
Rita: Tarantino’s World War II movie is already my favorite WWII flick of all time, and they haven’t shot a single strip of celluloid. I know someone from the Movie Geek Alliance is going to come and knock me on the head and take my badge away, but I just can’t get into Kubrick. I’ve tried, really, but overrated. I did like a few sequences of “Eyes Wide Shut,” an awful lot. Actually, I like a few sequences in all his movies, just not the movies themselves.
James: I think whatever makes you feel genuine is the right thing. I know I look forward to digging through my movies with my children. More than most things.
Marelisa: Yes they do.
Your post today was really sweet, and it made me want a Margarita something fierce.
My movie upbringing was a bit different than most. I preferred to either read a good book, or be out of doors playing at some sport, real or newly invented. Of the movies I did watch, black & white films were a fair bunch, followed by some slower paced dramas or comedies. I cannot remember the first R-rated film I saw or the first film with nudity.
I do recall seeing E.T. and having my grandmother claim that the insult was “peanut breath” and not “penis breath”. Of course, I knew better, but I didn’t say anything because my grandmother was always on the forefront of distaste for vulgar language. So much so that the word “fart” was banned from being used in her home. I still refrain from using it because it does sound a bit vulgar, no?
These days, I prefer foreign films and documentaries, both of which tend to put my sweetheart to sleep, but she makes a valiant effort at watching them sometimes.
Ians last blog post..Will Chrome lead to Google Linux?
My movie upbringing was a bit different than most. I preferred to either read a good book, or be out of doors playing at some sport, real or newly invented. Of the movies I did watch, black & white films were a fair bunch, followed by some slower paced dramas or comedies. I cannot remember the first R-rated film I saw or the first film with nudity.
I do recall seeing E.T. and having my grandmother claim that the insult was “peanut breath” and not “penis breath”. Of course, I knew better, but I didn’t say anything because my grandmother was always on the forefront of distaste for vulgar language. So much so that the word “fart” was banned from being used in her home. I still refrain from using it because it does sound a bit vulgar, no?
These days, I prefer foreign films and documentaries, both of which tend to put my sweetheart to sleep, but she makes a valiant effort at watching them sometimes.
Ians last blog post..Will Chrome lead to Google Linux?
Outstandingly well written, bravo!
Dereck Coatneys last blog post..Let Me Share My Worldview With You
Outstandingly well written, bravo!
Dereck Coatneys last blog post..Let Me Share My Worldview With You
My dad took me to my first R rated movie. It was the only movie he ever took me to. The movie was “10″ with Bo Derek and Dudley Moore. I felt a little like Dudley Moore in the movie. Disapointed. I think every teenage boy back then wanted to see 10.
malathionmans last blog post..Double WTF!!!
My dad took me to my first R rated movie. It was the only movie he ever took me to. The movie was “10″ with Bo Derek and Dudley Moore. I felt a little like Dudley Moore in the movie. Disapointed. I think every teenage boy back then wanted to see 10.
malathionmans last blog post..Double WTF!!!
We loved hearing about your parents guidelines as to which movies were acceptable or not. haha
You have a wonderful love of cinema though, that we can see. So much can be learned from movies and books. They are both worth exploring.
the sits girlss last blog post..Featured Blogger: Jenn’s Pen
We loved hearing about your parents guidelines as to which movies were acceptable or not. haha
You have a wonderful love of cinema though, that we can see. So much can be learned from movies and books. They are both worth exploring.
the sits girlss last blog post..Featured Blogger: Jenn’s Pen
We also love movies. In fact, my living room is set up like a movie theater. My parents lets us watch everything as long as it’s not X rated and I turned out ok, I guess…
Chriss last blog post..A Ray Of Light, Part 7
We also love movies. In fact, my living room is set up like a movie theater. My parents lets us watch everything as long as it’s not X rated and I turned out ok, I guess…
Chriss last blog post..A Ray Of Light, Part 7
Ian: Books and movies were neck and neck. Outdoors, not so much. I loved foreign films and documentaries before children. Now I need something with more zip to keep from my zzz’s.
Dereck: Thanks, but I’m nowhere near as thorough as that guy over at iwillnotdie.com
Malathionman: I’ve still never seen it.
Secret’s in the Sauce Girls: Movies, books, and my favorite people; that’s enough for me.
Chris: I would love to set up my living room like a movie theater. It would be bliss.
Ian: Books and movies were neck and neck. Outdoors, not so much. I loved foreign films and documentaries before children. Now I need something with more zip to keep from my zzz’s.
Dereck: Thanks, but I’m nowhere near as thorough as that guy over at iwillnotdie.com
Malathionman: I’ve still never seen it.
Secret’s in the Sauce Girls: Movies, books, and my favorite people; that’s enough for me.
Chris: I would love to set up my living room like a movie theater. It would be bliss.
I enjoy movies. But, even as a grown man – I do often avoid violent movies. If I want violence I can turn on the nightly news.
I prefer uplifting movies, or at least inspirational. If I want to be depressed, there are plenty of other ways to do so.
I don’t want my movies doing that for me.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..7 Sounds That Make You Want to Gouge Your Eyes Out
I enjoy movies. But, even as a grown man – I do often avoid violent movies. If I want violence I can turn on the nightly news.
I prefer uplifting movies, or at least inspirational. If I want to be depressed, there are plenty of other ways to do so.
I don’t want my movies doing that for me.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..7 Sounds That Make You Want to Gouge Your Eyes Out
Writer Dad, I liked this line a lot: “Who are we but the product of an infinity of finely sliced seconds, where each one matters, at least to some degree.”
Very cool. Glad to have found you through Zen Habits.
Beths last blog post..Le Chocolatier
Writer Dad, I liked this line a lot: “Who are we but the product of an infinity of finely sliced seconds, where each one matters, at least to some degree.”
Very cool. Glad to have found you through Zen Habits.
Beths last blog post..Le Chocolatier
I 2nd Beth. That is a beautiful line – one fraught with wisdom.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..7 Sounds That Make You Want to Gouge Your Eyes Out
I 2nd Beth. That is a beautiful line – one fraught with wisdom.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..7 Sounds That Make You Want to Gouge Your Eyes Out
Writer Dad – And what would he have done? … Have a bite of carrot, chew on the problem, then think his way out. Bugs was a master of the gap between stimulus and response, and a leader in emotional intelligence.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..3 Revealing Questions for Myth Busting
Writer Dad – And what would he have done? … Have a bite of carrot, chew on the problem, then think his way out. Bugs was a master of the gap between stimulus and response, and a leader in emotional intelligence.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..3 Revealing Questions for Myth Busting
Bamboo: I like all my emotions, and I like them all to be pet. I’m a pretty happy guy, so seeing a movie that’s depressing is often the only way I can tap into that part of my conscious. But I totally see what you mean. Why open the door, if you don’t like who’s knocking, right? Thanks for the compliment. It was the last line added; sometimes those are the best.
Beth: I’m very glad to have you. My lady’s from Colorado, or at least she spent a lot of time there. She always tells me how much I’ll love it. Maybe someday.
J.D. Meier: That made me laugh. Thanks, and you’re right.
Bamboo: I like all my emotions, and I like them all to be pet. I’m a pretty happy guy, so seeing a movie that’s depressing is often the only way I can tap into that part of my conscious. But I totally see what you mean. Why open the door, if you don’t like who’s knocking, right? Thanks for the compliment. It was the last line added; sometimes those are the best.
Beth: I’m very glad to have you. My lady’s from Colorado, or at least she spent a lot of time there. She always tells me how much I’ll love it. Maybe someday.
J.D. Meier: That made me laugh. Thanks, and you’re right.
Fantastic post, WD. I’ve blogged on this subject several times as, like you, I am a certified cinemaphile. I teethed on movies and still go all goose-bumpy at the thought of a good flick. I saw Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet with my sister the very week it came out in theaters. Our parents let us go by ourselves; it was incredibly exciting. I was eleven years old and she was twelve!
I told my daughter only yesterday as we drove home from Charlotte: I am continually astounded by the extent to which my enduring paradigm has been shaped by popular culture in the form of movies and music. In a good way, I believe … and I was allowed to watch pretty much everything too.
Fantastic post, WD. I’ve blogged on this subject several times as, like you, I am a certified cinemaphile. I teethed on movies and still go all goose-bumpy at the thought of a good flick. I saw Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet with my sister the very week it came out in theaters. Our parents let us go by ourselves; it was incredibly exciting. I was eleven years old and she was twelve!
I told my daughter only yesterday as we drove home from Charlotte: I am continually astounded by the extent to which my enduring paradigm has been shaped by popular culture in the form of movies and music. In a good way, I believe … and I was allowed to watch pretty much everything too.