The CMBA profiles our classic movie blogs each
month. Today we're featuring Ruth from Silver Screenings.
CMBA: What sparked
your interest in classic film?
Silver Screenings: I’ve always had an
interest in old movies, and I’m not sure where that came from. For instance,
when I was a kid, I’d study the movie listings in our local television guide
and try to memorize titles of older films. But as a teenager I discovered
Laurel and Hardy, and they became my glorious introduction to old films. A
local television station would air their shorts early Sunday mornings, and I fell
in love: the comedy, the fashions, the vintage Los Angeles scenery and, of
course, Laurel and Hardy themselves. Every Sunday morning I’d sneak downstairs
to the family room and watch these films on mute so I wouldn’t wake the rest of
the house. I had found gold.
CMBA: What makes a film a “classic” in your opinion?
Silver Screenings: I wonder if the word
“classic” needs to be more sharply defined when it pertains to film. I’ve met a
couple of people online who feel Hollywood’s best years were the 1980s, and
they describe films from that decade as “classic”.
If
we use the word “classic” to describe an era of Hollywood filmmaking, e.g. the
studio era, I personally feel that era ended in the late 1950s. However, if we’re
describing films with timeless themes, I think classic films are released every
year.
Silver Screenings: I recommend films to
match their interests. I’ve introduced people to old movies through Casablanca, Double Indemnity and Sabrina.
Even my long-suffering husband, who claims he’d rather watch modern sci-fi
flicks, has a few classic favourites, such as Winchester ’73 and anything starring John Wayne.
CMBA: Why should people care about
classic film?
Silver Screenings: Some folks think
movies aren’t art, but even if they are “just” pop culture influences, they
deserve study and appreciation. People make a career out of examining the
history of music, literature and fine arts. So I think the question then
becomes: Why not study the history of
one of the greatest cultural influences of our age?
CMBA: What is the most rewarding
thing about blogging?
Silver Screenings: My goal is to “sell”
people on old movies and convince folks not to dismiss them outright just because
they’re black and white. When someone outside the classic film community gets
excited about an old movie, I always joke, “Well, my work here is done.”
CMBA: What challenges do you face
with your blog, and how do you overcome them?
Silver Screenings: There are two things
I constantly run into: (1) something unique to say about a film; and (2)
writer’s block.
When
I write about a movie that’s been reviewed a zillion times through the years, I
try to think of one thing about it that resonates with me, then I build a post
around it.
If
I’m suffering from an acute writer’s block that not even chocolate can cure, I
listen to the British band Coldplay. (Don’t laugh!) To me, their music becomes a
metronome of sorts, and it propels me to complete that important first draft.
CMBA: What advice would you give to a
new blogger?
Silver Screenings: Share your
personality with us. We’ll love you for it.
CMBA: What is one blog post that you
would like to share on your profile – and why?
Silver Screenings: I have a soft spot
for the WWII propaganda film, 49th
Parallel. Not only does it recognize Canadians’ contributions to the war –
which is often downplayed or ignored – it also shows how beautiful our country
is.
Thank you for joining us, Ruth! You can visit Silver Screenings HERE.
Sometimes it is as hard to share a classic movie blog with "outsiders" as it is to share a classic movie. If I introduce someone to Ruth's writing, they are invariably impressed.
ReplyDeleteWonderful blog on old movies and I also love the old movie's story line and yes they are sensible than nowadays movies. Thanks for remembering and sharing something from the past.
ReplyDelete