In early 2016, I started this blog. I had just begun my recovery from some major surgery, and I had some time, along with a relatively new enthusiasm (obsession?) for classic movies. I also had become acquainted with a few other bloggers and wanted so much to be part of this community. Ten years and 150 posts later, I'm still here, still love classic movies, and despite a notable dropoff in post frequency, I felt like celebrating! So in honor of this unexpected milestone, I'm sharing some musings.
What I’ve learned from blogging
All modesty aside, I've learned that when I focus, I can really write a good post! The classic movie blogosphere is filled with terrific writers, and I never count myself among any top rank of those, but yet, every now and then I go back and read an older post and think, "wow!" My Anthony Caruso post is one of those. My Carey Family piece is another. Those are the posts that remind me that when I have a subject I care about and an angle that feels worth pursuing, I can really publish something I'll be proud of.
I have also learned that when faced with writer's block--which is frequently these days--I do better with some kind of hook. A theme, a blogathon, or a film series all can be great help. Give me a frame and I am much more likely to get moving. As I reflected on this driving force, I just spontaneously brainstormed a number ideas for future posts!
I have also learned that blogging in isolation is a lot harder than blogging as part of a community. Being part of the Classic Movie Blog Association for nearly all ten of these years, and participating in many the CMBA blogathons (and the occasional other ones), has been a real gift. The associated deadlines, ideas, motivation, and dialog reinforce the sense that blogging is joining a lively conversation with the best people.
Finally, the obvious: it takes work to maintain a blog. Sometimes I have the time and energy, and other times I lack one or both of those things. That has not meant I stopped caring about classic film. I herewith forgive myself for long lapses with the idea that this post (at least!) will kick me into a higher gear. Thanks to all my readers who have stuck with me.
How I’ve changed as a classic film fan
When I was a new classic movie fan, I spent a lot of time catching up with the big ones: the titles everybody talks about, the "best films lists", the “how have you not seen that yet?” films. But at some point my need to do that became less and less. These days I'm more likely, to wander off into corners of the classic film universe, including "foreign" films, or obscure films in a favorite actor's filmography.
Character actors are a big part of that. Over the years I have gradually become one of those people (nerds?) who gets excited to see a familiar supporting face turn up in a cast list (Una Merkel, anyone??). The deeper I got into classic film, the more I began to notice the people true aficionados always seem to know by name. They may not be the headline stars, but they are often the ones who give a movie its texture, or the ones that, if the film itself doesn't excite you, you'll get your money's worth from their contributions.
I have also, somewhat to my own surprise, reconnected with my love of early rock and roll, an obsession that emerged during my early teen years. That interest has stolen a little attention from classic film, and I'm ok with that. The two interests feel compatible to me: both involve history, pop culture, changing tastes, fascinating characters, rabbit holes, and lots of room for obsession.
What I’m currently obsessed with
At the moment, my fixation is The Count of Monte Cristo, and various filmed versions of that esteemed Dumas novel.
I originally became fascinated with the story in elementary school after watching the 1975 TV version with Richard Chamberlain. Shortly after, my dad bought me a translation of the novel to keep me occupied while in bed with chicken pox, and keep me occupied it did. My fascination continued, to the point where, as a college student on a trip in Europe, I made a day long detour from Paris by train just to set foot in Marseilles. Someday I may actually get to the island of Monte Cristo!
Now that PBS is airing their latest miniseries with Sam Claflin as the Count, I am revisiting the Richard Chamberlain version (written about here by fellow blogger Rick of Classic Film & TV Cafe), the 1934 Robert Donat version, and watching some others for the first time. What started as a curiosity has become a full-blown drive to find the version that is closest to the novel (most seem to stray in bigger or smaller ways. I know I will NOT revisit the 2002 Jim Caviezel version). Stay tuned--I sense a future blog post about this journey!
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| Various "Counts." Clockwise from upper left: Gerard Depardieu, Pierre Niney, Robert Donat, Jim Caviezel, Richard Chamberlain, Jacque Weber |
What I hope for in the next ten years
It's hard to predict where the next ten years will take me, but I do hope for more regular posting. At some point, I will overhaul my blog design. I hope that I will still be loving classic film, still learning, attending festivals, and meeting new film friends. And I want to be able to share that love with others. The blog is one way I hope to continue to do that.
