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The Basics: Alex's New Editorial Series with Drew McWeeny
May 10, 2009
Source: HitFix
by Alex Billington
On Friday, my colleague Drew McWeeny (formerly of AICN, now of HitFix) and I officially launched a new editorial series called The Basics (read his introduction). Over the few years that I've been running this site, I've been often criticized by readers and fellow critics for not having seen enough of the basic "must see" films from cinematic history. Instead of chastising me like everyone else, Drew called me with an idea for a column where every few weeks he would recommend one film (that I haven't seen) for me to watch. Therefore, as he says, "brick by brick, we'll lay a foundation" and I'll finally get to see these classics.
This series kicked off on Friday because before heading out to Cannes, I had the opportunity to catch Lawrence of Arabia in 70mm at the famous Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. It wasn't necessarily a rare opportunity, as they show the film around LA at least once or twice a year, but it was the perfect way to kick off this series because not only is it one of the greatest films of all time, but it's Drew's personal favorite film of all time. I'm working on my reaction piece as we speak, which will be published sometime soon (so stay tuned), but I wanted to at least introduce everyone to this new series and explain what it's all about.
Drew and I came up with this, not only because it's a good idea that I see most of these films anyway, but because we both are cinephiles who love the cinematic experience. As he says, "there's always time to catch up and see things you haven't seen before, things you should have seen or that you meant to see." And that's what this is - a chance for me to "catch up," so to speak. I'm excited to get into this and I actually can't wait to see some of the films that he'll be recommending, because I know they all carry so much weight and are so important to cinema. So stay tuned for my response to Lawrence of Arabia and much more.
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Reader Feedback - 15 Comments »
1
You need help to see the "classics". You'd think after everyone started calling you out for your lack of movie knowledge you'd start catching up on your own.
AG on May 11, 2009
2
3
I like this idea… Drew McWeeny is a man I really admire and respect so to have you two drop some knowledge is something I'm really looking foward to.
teyhtr on May 11, 2009
4
Great idea, and what better way than to start with "El-Awrence"… the best movie of all time, IMO. Enjoy!
Captain Deutschland on May 11, 2009
5
This is one of those features that when you read about someone doing it, you know it's going to be one of the best if not the best features on the site. I can say especially so for this site because I get to read about some of my favorites(like Lawrence of Arabia) being reviewed by a first time viewer with a decent knowledge and a real enthusiasm for movies. The fact that you got possibly one of the best film bloggers on the internet to give you the recommendations is a great sign too. I look forward to this feature very much and only hope that you don't scrap it down the line.
huh? on May 11, 2009
6
Alex - I want to applaud you on making this into a feature. As I've had to tell the vast majority of my girlfriends: "it's never too late to watch a classic". I can't even begin to count the times I've had to show someone (even people who love film and watch a lot of them) one of the classics because they just never had the time or opportunity to see it.
I look forward to seeing what you think (as a first time viewer) of these cinematic keystones as well as which movies Drew decides to throw to you.
Pete the Geek on May 11, 2009
7
I think it's great you are writing about your experiences watching these classic films. You have an obvious great passion for film, and as much as I bitch about some of the stuff you write about, you are extremely prolific and talented and keep up the most up to date movie site on the net. I look forward to reading what you have to say. Lawrence is an amazingly detailed and complex film, very rich and wonderful, and no doubt one of the best shot films in the history of cinema.
LINKFX on May 11, 2009
8
You'd think that as someone who claims to have interest in film you might have actually sought out films that aren't the blockbuster du jour…but I guess it's all that can be expected from someone who says that a Pirates of the Caribbean is one of their favorite movies…
Nick on May 11, 2009
9
I'm really looking forward to reading your response piece, and I couldn't agree more with the posters, that this should be a very entertaining and exciting piece. I hope you will still be able to enjoy Lawrence of Arabia, even though the hype for it sort of died out a couple of decades ago.
FritzHatesAlex on May 11, 2009
10
yeah this should be an interesting feature. look forward to hearing about your reactions to these classics. i myself haven't watched too many of the classics. a good way to catch up with classics is to rent these classics from your university video library if you are enrolled in school right now. it's free and most video libraries have these classics in stock. anyways one classic that i would recommend is one from the western genre: Shane. I was surprised at how much I liked this film when I saw this in my western film course.
andrew on May 11, 2009
11
proud of you alex. have fun watching some of the greats.
Al on May 11, 2009
12
Alex, looking forward to your commentary on these. Undoubtedly, this can do nothing but enrich your overall experience as a cinephile. As for Lawrence of Arabia, I know some who are very jealous that you got to catch it on 70mm!
Rahat on May 11, 2009
13
Sounds great. I'll definitely be reading it.
scm1000 on May 12, 2009
14
Don't be afraid to be disappointed by some of the "classics". I recently saw Casablanca for the first time, and I must say, I preferred the Simpson's "alternate ending".
Lawrence of Arabia kicks ass though…as long as you're okay with long scenes of walking through the desert - which are necessary to the plot of course.
What's next? Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? La Dolce Vita? For a Few Dollars More? Is that a classic?
Can't wait to see.
Google The Oct8pus on May 12, 2009
15
Great idea Alex!
I like how you are being pro active about this rather than getting defensive at the attacks you've gotten for being honest about what you havent watched yet. As an avid movie fan, I look forward to reading your response to some of these for the first time.
Lawrence of Arabia 70mm on a real screen for your first time?!?!?!
you lucky bastard!
I look forward to this weekly section!
lando on May 12, 2009