As a film studies minor, it never ceases to amaze me how people underestimate what I do. At Ursinus, our department focuses primarily on analysis or "watching" the movies instead of making them. The more classes I take the more I realize how important film is for looking at ideology, culture, history and so much more. Here are 11 things I'm personally sick of hearing and my responses!
1. So you just watch movies all day? That's easy.
Well how about you write an eight page paper on light and shadows in film noir using sources and citing the films. It is way more than just watching movies. Film are like books in English class, plus we have supplemental readings on top of that.
2. How many movies have you made?
Our film department does not really make films, we analyze them. It's not a production class. I understand how to make a film and I can tell you the angles and techniques that were used in any film I watch.
3. Is that even a real thing?
Yes, film analysis, criticism, and theory have been around since the beginning of film with the Lumiere Brothers. All the rules and techniques were discussed about by filmmakers, critics and thinkers all who have helped film look "normal" to you.
4. Do you actually watch movies in black and white? That's like really old.
Yes, I have seen many films in black and white. Unlike other art forms, film is actually one of the younger forms at over a hundred years old. Don't knock these films before you see one. There is something beautiful about older films and when you look at them you open a capsule in time.
5. You're watching a silent film? That must be so boring.
Actually silent films are quite interesting and with the right score and subject matter they can really entertaining. Especially the slapstick comedies with Buster Keaton!
6. Cary Grant? Who's that?
I personally really love Cary Grant, but really you sub in any actor from before 1970 and people would say the same thing. He's an actor who spoke in such a way that was much more elegant and smooth than the leading men of today.
7. You have class at night? That sucks.
It's just like having lab, you go to screening once a week at nighttime. We put in a lot of hours like departments too!
8. You have to watch movies with your professor and class?
The screenings are one of my favorite parts of these classes, we all bond by watching them together. We laugh, cry, and judge what we see and then we get to talk about it in class or walking back to the dorm. People bring friends and snacks; it's really a fun time.
9. What are you going to do with it when you graduate?
This question is not unique to film studies but people need to stop. WE ARE STRESSED ENOUGH ALREADY.
10. Are there any jobs in that field?
I can do a lot of things in this field. I can work at film festivals, museums, production, journalism, graduate school, etc. The list goes on and on!
11. Why do you like it?
We all have different reasons why we love it, but what matters most is that people are accepting, whatever the reason.
