CMBA Blog Profile: An Ode to Dust

The CMBA profiles two classic movie blogs per month. Today we're featuring Nicole from An Ode to Dust.

You could say An Ode to Dust is an adventuresome blog.

In addition to film critique and Hollywood history, Nicole delves into many subjects on her site, such as book reviews, festival coverage and road trips to discover areas connected with classic film.

She has an appreciation for the legends, such as Audrey Hepburn and Buster Keaton, but she has a very special connection with Lon Chaney who, like Nicole, was a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults).

"I have been looking for ways to connect Deaf culture to film history," says Nicole, "and when I found out that Lon Chaney was also a fellow CODA, I was over the moon. Every so often, I try to share little bits of Deaf culture (along with my experiences as a CODA) through my writing, hoping to shed some light on a subject that is so unfamiliar to many."

You can read Nicole's piece on Lon Chaney HERE.

  

CMBA: What sparked your interest in classic film?

An Ode to Dust: I can only recall watching a lot of older comedy shows with my dad while I was growing up—mainly I Love Lucy, Bewitched, The Three Stooges, and assorted cartoons like Tom & Jerry and Felix the Cat. As far as films, I do remember watching The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, Singin’ in the Rain, and The Birds. As I got older, I found myself becoming more interested in watching films from the 1950s and 1960s, and one way or another, I wanted to see even more of what classic cinema had to offer.

CMBA: What makes a film a “classic” in your opinion?

An Ode to Dust: I would say “classic” means something that is timeless, highly-revered, spans across multiple generations, and holds some sort of significant meaning to people. However, if we’re talking “classic” as an adjective rather than a noun, I usually think of classic films ranging from the talkie era to somewhere before the 1970s. The cutoff date is still a bit hazy for me.

CMBA: What classic film(s) do you recommend to people who say they hate old movies?

An Ode to Dust: I would have to tailor my suggestions depending on the person and figuring out which aspects they seem to like in a film. However, I will hands-down recommend Buster Keaton to anyone at any time. I find his work so accessible, down-to-earth, and fun for all ages. I’d probably start off by showing one of his early silent shorts, maybe something like One Week or The Scarecrow.

CMBA: Why should people care about classic film?

An Ode to Dust: I personally find it fascinating that classic film allows us to see people in past eras living and breathing and moving (even if they are acting out a story), and that life was still going on in a way that words and still images can’t fully capture. Film records a certain essence of time in motion, and in a much more spatial sense. From its beginnings, you can see layers of history develop through the history of film itself.

CMBA: What is the most rewarding thing about blogging?

An Ode to Dust: I love that I have a space to share my own thoughts and be able to look back on memories or sentiments regarding a specific film or event. It is an extension of my passion and a place where I can hone my writing skills, all while connecting with many like-minded people of whom I would have otherwise never met before.

CMBA: What challenges do you face with your blog, and how do you overcome them?

An Ode to Dust: I tend to go overboard on proofreading. While it may be good practice, I end up stressing myself out a lot because of it. Another issue is finding the time and energy to write during the middle of a busy semester. Somehow, I’ve been able to get through the latter all right by updating at least once a month, but I’m still struggling to find a way to break my intense proofreading dilemma.

CMBA: What advice would you give to a new blogger?

An Ode to Dust: Definitely have a strong enthusiasm for what you want to write about and share. Even if it’s for an audience of none, just keep writing whenever you can. Don’t worry too much about finding a “niche” or a “voice” right away. With time, that will develop. Find other blogs you’d enjoy reading and interact with them. You can learn a lot through others. Joining a blogathon is a good way of doing this!

Thank you for joining us, Nicole! You can visit An Ode to Dust HERE.

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