2015 was a year of incredible discovery and growth for me. While I’ve had the privilege of having a terrific film education growing up, this year was the first year where I really felt like a student of film, going out of my way to find new movies and new directors, going much deeper into the world of film than ever before. This year had its fair share of blockbusters (I’m sorry Father, but I spent $19 to see Avengers 2. I sort of regret it), but it wasn’t a year dominated by them. Instead, there was an abundance of films that went under the radar, whether they were indies or foreign films. For me, it was these films, not the potential Oscar contenders (whatever those may be) that weren’t just the best movies of the year, but some of the best films I’ve ever seen. Films like Kumiko the Treasure Hunter and Jauja opened up new horizons for me as a moviegoer. For years, I was only familiar with these types of films on little more than a basic level. But after this year, I really feel like I’ve grown in my knowledge and experience with said films.
Looking back on the movies I watched by this time last year, it’s amazing how much I’ve changed and the new kinds of movies I watch. It’s a natural evolution of my moviegoing life and it’s really exciting to see how far I’ve come and where I’ll go from here.
The people who were with me for this formative year made 2015 as special as it was. They were part of the reason I changed so much, with them introducing me to so many new aspects of cinema, from Chantal Ackerman to Harmony Korine. (Trash Humpers is still the only movie I’ve never given a star rating. It’s honestly unrateable.) Typically, I go to the movies alone (it’s a personal choice, so don’t feel bad), but the times I went to see films with other people was a blast. Whether it was going to see Right Now, Wrong Then at the New York Film Festival, Anomalisa at the Jacob Burns Film Center or Last Witch Hunter in an empty theatre, these moments with these friends made this year one that I’ll never forget.
While I wish I could say that I worked on this blog more, you can see that that’s not the case. (Weekly? More like Once Every 6 Months heheh.) But I ventured into the world of video essays. I have been an avid follower of channels like Every Frame a Painting and Nerdwriter for a while now, so finally delving into that world by making my own videos was an exhilarating experience that I’ll definitely continue to pursue next year. (You can watch that video, which focused on nature in Ex Machina, below.)
* Auld Lang Syne fades in *
And so another year comes to a close. But this wasn’t just any year, it was a year that will stay with me for the rest of my life. 2016 is going to definitely have some gems (hopefully Knight of Cups isn’t a letdown), but it will be hard to follow up on the fantastic year that 2015 was. I’d like to thank everyone that made this year a terrific one and I can’t wait to see what next year will bring. See you all in 2016!
PS: One of my New Year’s resolutions is to consistently put out material, whether it be on this blog or more video essays on Vimeo. But rest assured, next year will be one of hard work and, as always, more movies.
PPS: Go #TeamBunzo
Looking back on the movies I watched by this time last year, it’s amazing how much I’ve changed and the new kinds of movies I watch. It’s a natural evolution of my moviegoing life and it’s really exciting to see how far I’ve come and where I’ll go from here.
The people who were with me for this formative year made 2015 as special as it was. They were part of the reason I changed so much, with them introducing me to so many new aspects of cinema, from Chantal Ackerman to Harmony Korine. (Trash Humpers is still the only movie I’ve never given a star rating. It’s honestly unrateable.) Typically, I go to the movies alone (it’s a personal choice, so don’t feel bad), but the times I went to see films with other people was a blast. Whether it was going to see Right Now, Wrong Then at the New York Film Festival, Anomalisa at the Jacob Burns Film Center or Last Witch Hunter in an empty theatre, these moments with these friends made this year one that I’ll never forget.
While I wish I could say that I worked on this blog more, you can see that that’s not the case. (Weekly? More like Once Every 6 Months heheh.) But I ventured into the world of video essays. I have been an avid follower of channels like Every Frame a Painting and Nerdwriter for a while now, so finally delving into that world by making my own videos was an exhilarating experience that I’ll definitely continue to pursue next year. (You can watch that video, which focused on nature in Ex Machina, below.)
* Auld Lang Syne fades in *
And so another year comes to a close. But this wasn’t just any year, it was a year that will stay with me for the rest of my life. 2016 is going to definitely have some gems (hopefully Knight of Cups isn’t a letdown), but it will be hard to follow up on the fantastic year that 2015 was. I’d like to thank everyone that made this year a terrific one and I can’t wait to see what next year will bring. See you all in 2016!
PS: One of my New Year’s resolutions is to consistently put out material, whether it be on this blog or more video essays on Vimeo. But rest assured, next year will be one of hard work and, as always, more movies.
PPS: Go #TeamBunzo
Nature in Ex Machina from Joey Katz on Vimeo.