Lucky 13 Film Club

My friend KATE LOVETON requested I host a monthly series centered around a group discussion of a film. I thought about it and came up with this idea for which I hope you will take part when you’re willing and able.

I was born on the thirteenth, and I have claimed my lucky number was/is 13–so:

*I will announce the movie of the month to be discussed on the 13th day of the month.

*I will vary the genre and include classics, foreign, and contemporary films.

*3 guests will be a part of the forum to begin the conversation.

Here is my dogma about watching movies:

A revisit always elicits a different response because you’ve gotten older and notice nuances that escaped you the first time you watched it.

Some of life’s chapters were so engrossing, you never saw it in the first place. I’m embarrassed how many “great” films I have never seen. I enjoy catching up with the blind spots and listening to the blogosphere experts.

Even flawed films have aspects that are worth talking about when they illustrate the craft of the film-making or show the human condition excellently.

Films often say more about the decade than the story line. Social history is my passion and films are a legitimate way to explore history.

Kate has requested a period, classic film. Here is October’s film–the award-winning, The Lion in Winter (1968), starring Peter O’Toole and Katharine Hepburn.

Each month I will ask for three guests who will focus on an aspect of the film. You could analyze a scene or critique the performances or analyze the motifs or expound on the cinematography. Anything goes. The guest statements should be brief. That is, no review is necessary since those in the club have agreed to watch the film; spoilers aren’t an issue. You don’t have to rate the film or feel like an expert on the subject. You may not even know what your focal point means but wish to bring it up for discussion.  I will post these conversation starters with a synopsis of the film and that’s when “club members” join in with the discussion.  I will gladly link your site, if you are a guest, so you get some exposure.

If you want to join the Lucky 13 Film Club, all you have to do is vow to re-watch the film with fresh eyes or watch the film for the first time during the month. On the 13th, come to my site and offer your opinions in the comment section to each other.  

If the film offered doesn’t interest you, no worries. Next month might be more to your liking.

Any volunteers to be a guest? EMAIL me at cbruchman@yahoo.com

Here we go!  Watch or re-watch The Lion in Winter and return on OCTOBER 13 to chime in with the others. Guests should send me their blurb by the 10th of the month so I can create the post.