Films are great, right? They're probably the second most popular art after music, and they launch careers of universally loved personalities and international talents that can be appreciated by different levels of knowledge. Nevertheless, there will always be some people that know a little bit more than others and for those people, sometimes it's very hard not to look like an arrogant hipster wannabe when talking about movies – not that I've necessarily looked like an arrogant hipster wannabe, but I have some friends that have... But not me. Like, ever – And it's because we cinephiles simply love movies so much and it's hard to accept some of the more "casual" classics as true works of incredible art. Let me explain what I mean.
1. Fight Club: Have you ever seen "Fight Club"? Probably not, or probably yes with a group of friends while doing something recreational, or probably yes, just because you like movies. And "Fight Club" is a pretty good movie, brilliantly directed by Maestro David Fincher and based on the ever-fascinating work of Chuck Palahniuk. Nevertheless, "Fight Club" is one of those movies that simply feels like a totally basic viewing for a cinephile. "Have I seen "Fight Club"? Uhm, duh, who hasn't?" "Fight Club" is usually seen as this awesome experimental film with a great twists and a cool Brad Pitt performance, but for a cinephile, it's just an entry-level movie that casuals love.
2. Citizen Kane: I'm probably walking on very thin ice right now, but read me out. 1941's "Citizen Kane" is considered by many to be the very best film to ever be done then, now or ever. And, you know, it's actually pretty good; it holds up surprisingly well for its age, and there are many things to be enjoyed out of its story, characters and commentary. There's absolutely nothing wrong with liking "Citizen Kane", but there's also nothing impressive with having it in your recent watch history. "Citizen Kane" is kind of obligatory for any cinephile, and even though it's nowhere as popular with more modern audiences than "Fight Club", the fact that you've watched it is still not very appealing.
3. Anything by Alfred Hitchcock: Now I'm in some serious danger with this one. Alfred Hitchcock, the Master of Suspense, considered to be the most amazing film director to ever live. Me, I think he's pretty good, great control of the audience, excellent ways to cheat the system of his time, despite some very dated themes and questionable performances by his actors. But still, watching a Hitchcock movie is like having white bread for breakfast without even toasting it – meaning, something super unoriginal... That wasn't my best metaphor – "Vertigo", "Psycho" and "Rear Window" are obvious choices for any cinephile's watch history. "You've obviously seen at least five or six Hitchcock films, right?"
4. Breakfast at Tiffany's: Again, entry-level and not very impressive. What really would be impressive for me is to find somebody who legitimately loves this movie as a film, not as an internet sensation. "Oh, isn't that the film where they got all those memes that girls share on Facebook to appear classy, sassy and full of style?" Ugh.
5. The Godfather: Consider by the next generation of cinephiles to be the best film ever made, "The Godfather" is that film that cinephiles of my generation anxiously wait to watch and experience for themselves. I personally watched them for the first time when I was 15, but never have I ever known somebody with the same level of passion for film that hasn't seen it by now. Seriously. "The Godfather" and "Citizen Kane" share the same spot in each other's generations: quintessential viewing, not surprising in any way, Film 101.
In absolutely no way am I saying that these movies aren't worthwhile. They are all excellent films that you should watch right now if you haven't. But, when talking to a cinephile, it's like having watched the "Looney Tunes" when you were kids. It's not "Have you seen "The Godfather"?" It's more like "Remember in "The Godfather" when..."
To finish you off, I'll let you go with an actual conversation I had with my cinephile friend:
Me: What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
Her: Vanilla.
Me: Oh, so "Fight Club" is your favorite movie as well?
Peace out.
