“There are films made for domestic consumption (that are largely commercial) and there are non-commercial films that are largely made for international film festival/cinephile consumption.”
Alain Cavalier’s recent film, Pater, fits this description, doesn’t it? I recall that the consensus out of Cannes is that no one outside of France would appreciate the film because it’s so inside baseball. I sort of felt that way about Il Divo, although I wonder if even Italians weren’t a bit confused by that movie too. lol
No, I’m well aware of the native English speaking non-Americans on this site and am always grateful for their contributions. I simply wish for more posters from the Far East, central Europe, etc.
Re: creepy messages: I know of at least one other female who has had that sort of thing besides Cat and I would urge you to report that to the Mubi authorities. There’s absolutely no excuse for that. I am adamant no female (girl or woman) should ever have to suffer unwanted attentions from anyone, particularly male. But of course it happens.
LOL jazz will i never live down the shame of shane?
yes, i agree one must be a little persistent and not get discouraged. i’ve noticed u try to respond to everyone in a thread but this isn’t always going to happen. so people should know if it seems like they’re being ignored, it may take a lil while for the regulars to get to know u
The only people who ever really bothered me were aggressive types and trolls. Making your profile private can help with this. Last thing you want is people posting nasty shit on your wall.
Course when a troll calls you a “silly cunt” on a thread out of nowhere, that memory stays, even when they’re kicked off.
I responded to the PM with “thanks, I’m flattered, but I’m fine” and that person went away.
But yeah, I agree, Volupte, these things should be voiced to Mubi. I know someone else who was being harassed and it caused her to shut down and out, yet another like me made her profile private.
It’s not fun.
And like in the real world, women ARE bothered online by guys in a persistent and disrespectful manner.
I never understand that kind of behavior. It’s really quite bizarre to me. Do they really expect it to work? I guess it’s the equivalent of those dudes on craigslist posting photos of their erect penises cradled in their hands shot from low angles (the Weiner shot).
^ Ari there are many, MANY sexually frustrated and introverted men who go to the online world because they cannot communicate with the opposite sex in any normal way in the real world.
My eyes were really opened when I started participating in the online world.
You never know who’s going to pop up with their raincoat open.
Ditto, Ari. It makes me angry as well because it reflects badly on those of us males who attempt in our small way to be gentlemen. I am generally averse to violence, but these creeps require a hard smack upside the head.
I’ve only been really offended by one thing a troll said to me, but I knew it was just to get a reaction. If anything went too far on here, of course I would report it.
“I simply wish for more posters from the Far East, central Europe, etc.”
What happened to Law? Is that kid still around?
^ ^ ^They need counseling and as Santino said today the internet is a way for them to air their personal problems, take it out on others.
I highly doubt that in real life these people would have the guts to say the shit they say to you in messages to your face. Unless they are drunk off their asses, which is another thing I noticed about some posters. They are obviously on some substance or another when they come here, and it’s the “good drunk/bad drunk” story for all of us to enjoy.
There are quite a few folks from Indonesia that still post at least semi-regularly, I believe.
Going back to the native English speakers that aren’t from America (this is getting too cumbersome to write), let me throw out an idea. I think discussing a British film with Brits would really appeal to me (or an Australian film with Aussies, etc.). I’d also be happy to discuss American films with non-Americans, too. What I’m thinking of is the way we could bridge the gap between misunderstandings that may occur because of a cultural misunderstanding. If we could get enough people from the UK, Australia or NZ, I think we could easily find enough Americans who would be game. What do you guys think?
@Ruby
LOL jazz will i never live down the shame of shane?
Well, it’s how I remember you now. If I ever leave this site for a long period and come back, I’ll say, “Ruby Steven?…Oh yeah, the one who hates Shane.” :) You’ve got to do something pretty memorable or outrageous to break that association. haha.
Jazz, it would depend on the film. You’re talking about films that take place in Britain, etc. that could not be made anywhere else? Films with subjects/culture that are very indicative of the country they’re from?
Maybe Cat could jump in here, being from England and all… hint hint ;)
Speaking of non-Americans, is Rumplesink still alive? I believe he was from Scotland, right? I remember he had some interesting things to say about British films, such as Andrea Arnold’s first film, Red Road.
And he was a big Woody Allen fan. He was a great poster.
@Odi
Jazz, it would depend on the film. You’re talking about films that take place in Britain, etc. that could not be made anywhere else? Films with subjects/culture that are very indicative of the country they’re from?
Exactly. For example, maybe The Wicker Man has some details that Americans wouldn’t fully appreciate. I’m sure there are American films that non-Americans don’t fully appreciate or understand, too.
Matt said, _
There are quite a few folks from Indonesia that still post at least semi-regularly, I believe_
Shoot! Yes, I meant to say, “Indonesians.” Sorry about that!
“You’re talking about films that take place in Britain, etc. that could not be made anywhere else? Films with subjects/culture that are very indicative of the country they’re from?”
like Patrick Keiller’s films for instance (London, Robinson in Space, Robinson in Ruins), which are very deeply rooted in English identity and cultural surroundings. as an example, It’s possible that the subtle humour may be lost on people not native to England and those people might also find the narration tedious if they don’t connect with it. I’d be interested to hear an American’s thoughts on those films…
^ YES! Thanks, Cat!
Maybe start a thread on these? I know people will want to jump in. You go, girl! :D
in regard to Jazz’s OP:
I have many, many friends who are users on this site that only get on to read things in the forum and never post. The interesting thing is that a number of them have a lot to talk about in person regarding the mubi forums. I even had a friend the other week say “i went to theauteurs.com the other day and its name is changed. i don’t get it” and two nights ago at the bar one of my best friends started complaining about the Mubi Top 20 thread, and has apparently kept up with it since the beginning, but has yet to vote, much less even post within the forums.
i think a lot of people get on to just read the forums and get some input on films they are passionate about that perhaps have differing opinions on films—more articulate and vocal fans (or dismissers) will argue within the forums, and the audience can just read and soak in all the info.
i admit that i became a user of theauteurs.com in fall of ‘08 purely to read and quote people’s views on specific films for college essays (which i faked the citations for) and i didn’t start actively posting on the forums til probably summer of 2009.
I don’t really read/post on here too much- I don’t know why exactly. I find the language people use on here tends to be too formal or threads get bogged down by people posting massive essays which say nothing at all.
Some users post too much and kill threads. I end up just skipping their posts as they’re basically just repeating themselves.
Basically, there’s not much humour and it’s too stilted. I dunno, maybe talking about art cinema does that to people.
I’m Australian (of German and English descent) but I haven’t seen many Australian films lol.
Most of the recent Aussie films I’ve seen (such as Animal Kingdom) seem to be playing it too safe and serious in too many ways, and thus are kind of flat, bland and not particularly memorable or moving, stylistically or otherwise… imo, good art plays dangerously – whilst keeping a sense of nuance and balance in its expression. I’d call Picnic at Hanging Rock the best Aussie film I have seen, but I wouldn’t call it a great work of art (though, to be fair, it’s been a fair while since I saw it last; I ought to watch it again soon).
I’d be interested in seeing Indigenous Australian’s making films about their culture, about the Dreamtime (or, even for more non-Indigenous Aussies making such films besides Rolf de Heer), but I think that there may be a taboo on photographing these sorts of things unfortunately (correct me if I’m wrong; I’m no expert on these matters). But I’d still like to see some symbolic expressions of the Dreamtime stories in cinema.
Forgive my ignorance if there are already more films out there of this nature.
Though, I’m not talking about any ordinary kinds of drama films which just so happen to have characters simply talking about Dreamtime stories; I’m talking about genuinely filming these kinds of traditional stories in a symbolic fashion – I can’t help but think of The Colour of Pomegranates and Armenian culture in this regard, stylistically, but of course I’m not calling for a reproduction of Parajanov’s style; I’m just calling for Aussie filmmakers to use a little more imagination. But if I were to ever make a film, I’d like to make a Dreamtime film, but again, I’m weary of the taboos and stigmas surrounding such a pursuit.
I can certainly sympathize with Robaldo’s sentiments. Sometimes comments get repetitive and plenty of times people take themselves too seriously. I think it’s important to inject some humor into discussions, when appropriate, to at the very least highlight your sincerity. I recognize evoking tone in a comment is sometimes difficult and we often have issues of miscommunication (or misunderstanding). As well, we all do take cinema seriously or we wouldn’t be here. But that doesn’t mean we have to be rigid all the time.
@ Mischa – Have you seen Snowtown? How would you assess that film? I was pretty disturbed by it but I can’t deny it’s power.
And whether it’s technically considered Aussie or not, Walkabout is probably the best thing I’ve seen to come out of that continent (although I do have somewhat of a softspot for Rabbit Proof Fence)
I believe in injecting humor (fun humor, not CPO Sharkey “I’m going to take you down” humor) whenever I can.
Seriously.
Try it, it makes a huge difference in how the discussion flows, how comfortable people get, and the level of enthusiasm that is maintained throughout.
Laughing is healthy.
@Santino
I’ve not seen Snowtown or Walkabout, but I will try to see them soon thanks to your suggestions.
Again, I’ve not seen too many Aussie films which is something I need to rectify quick smart, but I’ve just downloaded Frog Dreaming (ripped from a VHS tape) because it seems to involve the Dreamtime in some respect. But there are a few more Aussie films which are very high on my to-watch list, such as Celia (1989).
@Robaldo
Let me say—ouch!
But seriously, thanks for sharing that. I’m probably guilty of some, if not all of your, criticisms, and while I don’t take pleasure in hearing the comments, I really do appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
Along the lines of what Odi mentioned, have you had trouble finding more lighthearted, funny threads? I think we have those and people who like participating in that way. I’m sure Odi can help you find those threads, if not. :)
@Mischa Picnic at Hanging Rock is one of my favorite Australian films, but I would strongly suggest another by Peter Weir: The Last Wave starring Richard Chamberlain, made around the same time as Picnic. Spooky, atmospheric, and absolutely absorbing. A minor classic.
@VOLUPTE NOIR
I’ve not seen The Last Wave so cheers for the recommendation! I ought to see more films by Weir…
Jazzaloha
^ Don’t forget we also have native English speakers from England, Wales, Ireland and Australia who participate regularly in some manner or another on the forum. It ain’t JUST American English speakers
Right. But I’m just not that interested in what they have to say. (I kid.)
@Santino
I never really understood the intimidation thing.
Do you know why you don’t understand this? It’s because, like me, you’re the loudmouth in class blurting answers instead of waiting to be called and getting into arguments with your teachers and others. Some people are not like this, and I think something similar happens on these forums. Some people are not comfortable expressing their opinions in an online forum.
However, I think we can make the place as welcoming and hospitable as possible—without sacrificing interesting discussions. Personally, I’d think doing this is worth it—if it increases participation and the quality of our conversations.
@Ruby
…and then i noticed some poor guy had mentioned it more than a year previously in the same thread and no one paid the slightest attention to him. and he had since deleted his account. this made me a bit sad :(
This makes me a little sad, too. But the thing is, responding to everyone, all the time, is impossible. Plus, my sense is that many people post something and then just disappear. I can never tell who really wants to engage in a conversation from those who just want to post something and split.
I really think if people post on a regular and consistent basis—especially if they engage with others in a thoughtful and respectful way—the regulars will respond to them. I firmly believe this. The thing is, people wait a bit to see if someone really wants to actively participate on a regular basis. That’s understandable because regulars (or anyone) won’t want to spend time writing a post, unless they know there’s a decent chance someone will respond.
Btw, I’m not sure when I noticed you first, but I know you got my attention with your comments about Shane. ;)