The movies and me

I've always loved movies but my passion for keeping up with new releases and going regularly to the movie theaters really took off thanks to my college roommate Nick. He hooked me on the alpha version of MoviePass which would allowed me to watch as many movies as I wanted (for $10 a month!?). It became a restorative and experiential habit to catch a film when I wanted to kill a few hours. I also started enjoying jotting down my thoughts whenever I felt inspired to do so.

In NY as med school threatened to take over my life, regular escapes to the movies kept me sane. Every visit provided a reminder to maintain perspective on the beauty of this world - devastating, miraculous, terrifying, inspiring in all it is. Or at the very least, escapism.

I loved walking into a movie by a trusted director, knowing as little about it as possible, and going on a journey. I loved going alone. I loved going with friends. It became a communal ritual and I particularly loved exploring the various spectacular movie theaters of NYC. It was truly a privilege.

Now, I find myself in Santa Rosa, California, and I'm lucky to still be around a choice of solid theaters that I attend as often as my schedule allows.

I tend to judge movies primarily by first: how they make me feel; and second: how well they live up to their self-stated and unstated expectations. My experience with a movie is often swayed by the context around me watching it - this is partially why I think theaters are such beautiful places. They provide the most ideal and intended spaces within which to experience the art of cinema.