My media habits
I sometimes feel really out of touch with media.
September 19, 2007
Peter and Media: A Love Story
Okay, that title was stupid. Let’s move on. I love movies, and I watch a wide variety of them. I’m often drawn to movies that feel very subjective—An Angel at My Table would be an example—as an expression of the director’s personal vision. When I watch a movie, I like to give it my full attention, entering the logic of its plot and emoting in synch with the characters. I tend to follow directors, rather than genres.
I don’t go to movie theaters as often as I used to, although it’s by far my favorite way to watch movies. I’ve been pretty unimpressed with a lot of the movies that have come out recently; even on days when I just want to go to Block E for some escapism (I mean in the movie form; not at Escape nightclub.), I can’t find anything that I even want to sit through. When I’m not at a theater, I usually rent DVDs and watch them with friends. I sometimes download movies and watch them on my computer screen, but that feels weird to me. I like movies to be a huge, overpowering image in a dark room—if a movie theater is like a night out at an ambient Italian restaurant, a movie on a laptop is more like a Hot Pocket. But we all need a Hot Pocket from time to time.
I’ve gotten really into some TV shows over the past few years, too. I don’t get cable, and my network reception is pretty much nonexistent, so I usually download shows, usually in a less-than-legal fashion. My favorite at the moment is Mad Men, but I’m pretty psyched about 30 Rock coming back soon….
Media and film Habits
I would say that I am very into movies. My DVD collection is pretty large with all genres being represented. I think of my vision as being broad when approaching film, but not fully open to all different types of films. Usually when I watch a film I do not pay attention to angles, color, or other types of technicalities that go into making a film. Something extra I do pay attention to in a given film is the music or score. I especially liked the score in Lord of the Rings because it really brought you into the huge scale of the movie and fully immersed into the film’s emotion.
I do have cable television but I do not have any of the paid film channels probably because I go to the movies so much that I’ve already seen the movies that air on those channels. I don’t have a portable DVD player or watch movies while on the move because I’m usually on my cell phone, which is also something I’m very into. Although I think of myself as cultured I really don’t get into indie films, campus film festivals, or films that explore weird topics. I do frequently watch “Hollywood” movies because I crave films that have amazing special effects and take me to another place for a couple of hours. I do enjoy some independent films but they’re usually African American themed. That aspect influences what I watch because its part of who I am. Nowadays most black films don’t really make it to the movies or get that much funding so a lot of the times I have to rent those types of films or buy them from the internet.
The crowd that I’m watching a particular film with influences my reason and understanding the film. I like to watch movies with people that enjoy all genres of film because then there is positive outlook on the film beforehand instead of prejudgment of the movie based on the genre. The kinds of films I like the most, which are the big Hollywood movies, are better viewed on a larger screen with a great sound system because it adds that much to the experience of the film.
Media Habits and Me
My main media consumption isn't as much in visual media, rather, print media. I am a news junkie, or more specifically, a New York Times addict. I'm also very impatient, so when broadcast news is reporting on more flashy, less substantive topics, I turn it off. Usually I watch TV for special in-depth coverage, or video for "ya just gotta see it" news. I do like sitcom shows, but I don't have time to watch what I like consistently, and since I don't have Tivo, I rent DVD's. Shows I rent are usually Sex and the City, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld. My favorite non-news TV is Comedy Central. The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, and the Sarah Silverman Program are my favorites along with stand-up. I don't generally like dramatic shows because I watch TV shows to unwind and not to feel more tense, but I do like movie dramas. I enjoy most types of film. I love the cheesiest Hollywood flicks to the most dense indy films. It generally depends on my mood, or if I see or hear of something that sounds interesting. I love foreign films as well, but I usually end up going to big Hollywood films in theaters and renting indy and foreign flicks.
My thoughts of Media
I usually watch movies in the theaters, rent them, or watch what plays on basic channels.
Media watching habits
I watch way more tv than I should be, but I am obsessed, especially the reality shows on MTV and VH1; The Hills, Made, The Real World, Rock of love, I love NY...all of 'em. I also watch a lot of TLC and the Baby Stories, Bringing Home Baby, What not to Wear, you know, all those shows. One game show that I really like is....lacking the name, but the one with Howie Mandel and the girls, yeah that one. I have also found myself watching MSNBC, like the To Catch a Predator, and the San Quentin prison shows. I have also noticed myself watching the News a lot.
As far as movies, the last movie I saw in theaters was Borat...I don't have any time to go to theaters now-a-days, and I haven't rented any movies in years, I don't watch movies on my computer, I don't netflix, so I guess my media entertainment is mainly tv. I do own DVDs of the big films like Forrest Gump and Titanic. I do own some of the independent films also, like Maria full of grace and Real women have curves, so I like a variety of tastes, but unfortunately I haven't been able to keep on seeing current films since my son was born.
The radio is another media entertainment for me, but I only listen to the morning shows like KDWB or B96, but most of the time, I'm listening to my ipod. I don't read many magazines. If I do, its like US weekly, or something. And I don't read the Newspaper. I guess these are my media Habits, pretty lame...
Habits
During the school year I simply don't have time to watch television. I listen to the radio in the morning because I like the noise. I watch Grays Anatomy, Veronica Mars, and some rented movies on my laptop. During the summer I watch So You Think You Can Dance. I don't watch it at my house because I am work work during the program and our VCR doesn't record. I usually watch it at a friends house because they have Tivo and I don't. I think my laptop has completely changed my "media watching habits." Now I can watch episodes of my favorite shows online no matter where I am located. I can buy my favorite movies on itunes and watch them in the comfort of my own bed. I don't generally have time for movies but my dad only uses netfix, a habit that started because he owed so many dollars worth of late fees to the video store, and has continued because he loves the convenience. I understand the concept, but I am far too impatient. If I want to watch a movie, I want to watch it now. That is all.
Dear Abby,
My media habits...
First and foremost, I'm a TV news junkie. It's rare that I'm home either at 10:00 at night or willing to wake up early enough to catch the morning news, but when I do, I love it. My caveat, however, is that I don't necessarily trust the news. There's always going to be spin - it's inescapable. I'd say that news-oriented media (especially on television) is a resource for information but never education. At the very least, find another source to bolster or refute the statement.
Me and the Movies
I am ashamed to admit that I mostly only watch big Hollywood productions. However, this year I want to introduce myself to a lot more indie and classical films. Between this class and my Intro to Film Study class, I plan on broadening my film experiences. Also, I have just heard about a small theatre on campus that plays a lot of different movies so I plan on going to see what they have to offer. At home, we have satellite TV with no big movie channels. I do not watch TV often, but when I do I like to watch music videos. For some reason they fascinate me. I like the mini story plots they have, and these days they make them so glamourous it's hard to turn away. When I watch movies I either buy them on DVD or go out to the movie theatre. There is something about the movie theatre that draws me to it. This summer I went about twice a month. I rarely rent movies. I also sometimes watch movies off my laptop but rarely because I think it is too small.
I think I am related to the things that I watch because I am the type of person that likes to have fun experiences. I like to travel to different places in the world. I like to go skiing, snorkeling, boating, flying on airplanes, out to dinner, and try anything else that I have not tried before. I like to watch exciting and action packed movies because I feel that my life is like that sometimes too.
I do not like watching movies on my laptop as I said earlier because I think that it is too small and the effect is not as good. I like going to the movies because it is dark, and there is surround sound and I think all that stuff sets the mood and makes the movie more believable. It especially makes horror films more believable.
I am excited to watch different films this year so my opinions will become more educated and well rounded.
TV and Movies
I love going to the movies. Although am not much of a popcorn girl my experience is still great. One of my favorite things about going to the movies are TRAILERS. I admit I am a trailer junkie, there is something about those HD speakers, the unnecessary heart pounding music, and the voice over guy that makes me all excited for a movie starting Paris Hilton. Believe me I have reasons to hate Paris Hilton. Have you ever seen The Fabulous Life of... Paris Hilton on VH1, it’s ridiculous what that girl does with her money, and what’s even more ridiculous is that we live in a society that allows her to make a million dollars by drinking and driving consecutively and then going to "prison". It’s true VH1 does consume most of my TV watching time, but I do share it with MTV, BET, Style Network, and lots of reality shows in many different channels. I really would love to watch shows like Gray’s Anatomy or House, but my schedule is never stable enough for me to be home at 8pm every Thursday. So my media watching habits consist of reality shows, music videos, and my growing hatred for Paris Hilton.
"Welcome to Hollywood!"
My title is based off the opening scenes of the movie "Pretty Woman" and is relevant because a lot of my media viewing is limited to big hollywood productions.
I am almost embarrassed to share my media habits only because I never quite thought about the choices I was making until the first day of GWSS3307.
First of all, I do not watch a lot of television, or rent many movies in general, but when I do, I am usually watching cable t.v. at home, shows like “What Not To Wear”, “Designed to Sell” or “Man Vs. Wild”. When I do watch a movie, it is 9 times out of 10 that I have rented a DVD or borrowed one from a friend. In this case I watch the movies on my laptop or T.V with DVD player built in.
In short, I watch almost all Hollywood films, and up until this point, if I had watched an Indie film it was probably by accident, which is sad to say. My media-viewing background will definitely affect my knowledge and opinions in class when viewing Indie films, because I have never seen some of the techniques used in these films.
i don't want to live a bubble wrapped existance.
What is my media exposure? Ok, lets try to simplify this...
TV: I do not own a TV. I do not watch TV. When I encounter TV shows...i turn off. I shut down and I let myself vegetate. It can be a very pleasent experience because it is one of the few activities that completly turns off my intellect, however, i simply do not have the time to indulge myself this particular form of intellectual escape.
So I would conclude that my exposure to TV is limited and speratic.
Side note: I only watch TV shows if they are released on DVD. This allows me to control the timing of my viewings.
Movies: Honestly, I rarely go to the movies. If I do, it is purely for a social occasion and for general fraternization, not movie viewing. 95 percent of the movies I watch and enjoy I watch at home in the company of a select few of my friends who are quite intelligent (and somewhat pretentious) but have wonderful taste in movies (mostly indie films). This seems quite lazy to me..basically I allow myself to be exposed to a great number of films without putting forth much active effort.
Radio: I never listen to the radio. Never have. Just not what I do.
I listen to my ipod (which I just received…so I’m new to the club) daily while wandering around campus. I frequently listen to music while accomplishing simple tasks, such as doing my dishes.
Newspaper: When I have time....which is never....
Come to think of it… it’s been a long time since I’ve read a newspaper, or even watched the news...
Actually, thinking about my media exposure bothers me greatly now in retrospect. By examining what I choose to involve myself in, I am forced to recognize and acknowledge how I choose to insulate myself from the events of the world around me. This is an idea that doesn’t make me feel to proud of myself. Does the politically conscious individual have an obligation to responsibly track and interpret the media they are exposed to? Can I ethically allow myself to ignore the media surrounding me?
I shall ponder this and get back to you…
Netflix Saved My Life!
I see a ridiculous amount of movies in the theater. It is part of an internship that I was involved in. Since I still do work for the company I see any and all movies in theaters. This does limit me to mostly big- budget Hollywood films, though. To satisfy my cravings for the Indies or low-budget films or classics, I Netflix. I actually signed up for Netflix by accident on a rainy day when I was bored on the Internet. I now swear that it is one of the best things that ever happened to me. Netflix comes highly recommended by this girl.
I do not do a lot of downloading off of the Internet as far as movies or TV go. I am seriously one of the last people that is just beginning to appreciate YouTube; that stuff is extremely addicting. As for TV itself, I pick and choose what I want to watch and when it is on and stick with it. I am a little impatient with “waiting for the next episode.” I really like TV marathons and Netflixing or buying a series/season (not good for my Visa).
I can honestly say that I am not a very fun person to watch movies with. I concentrate so hard on not analyzing during the film, that I am almost exploding by the end of the film. That is to anyone who will listen, very unfortunate for my friends. Oh and I watch the credits at the end as well, which mostly baffles people.
I feel that the way I watch movies, TV, short film, etc. resonates within my approach to many of my life activities. Critical is the operative word here. I am critical of all types of media, doing my best not to fall into the “ultimate-consumer” of media role. Overall, I would say that I can, at the least, appreciate all types of media and am pretty open to consuming these medias in all fashions and forms.
September 18, 2007
My Media Habits
I am a senior with an internship so I barely have time to study let alone go to the theater or watch cable television. When I do have a spare moment to watch a movie, I pick from my collection of DVDs, VHS, and tv show box sets. Or if I want to see a new movie, I rent it from a local video store.
I like a wide variety of movie genres. When I rent movies, I usually pick one from the Independent, Foreign, or GLBT section. I find those to be more interesting and entertaining than feature films. I also love documentaries.
I do watch the occasional “Hollywood” movie, usually when I want to zone out and watch something mindless. If I’m going to watch a “Hollywood” movie, it will probably be action. I love action movies, which most people find strange. I’ve probably watched Terminator 2 over one hundred times.
I think the connection between who I am and what I watch is that my interests in life influence some of my tastes, and the others are just for entertainment.
Moods of My Media
Media is a way to step out of reality and into a different world. A world where Egyptians rule or animals talk. With this being said I enjoy history and fantasy type genres. Yes I will admit that I love reading and watching Harry Potter. If you have not seen the fifth one in theaters, you are missing out!
One Word: Obsessive
My media watching borders on the obsessive. Once I find a television show I like, I can go for hours upon hours watching whole seasons of it. This has been the case with shows like America's Next Top Model and Flava of Love, which VH1 so lovingly puts on marathons for me. What Not To Wear is also on the top of my list of my most loved marathon shows. It's something about Clinton and Stacey being unbearably mean to poorly dressed women that makes me giddily happy. I also like renting or borrowing whole seasons of television shows on DVD and watching all the episodes within a matter of days. I just watched the whole second season of Scrubs in two days last week. This has been the case with other seasons of Scrubs, Dawson's Creek, the OC and my most favorite television show to watch obsessively: Sex and the City. Some friends and I have been known to watch whole seasons and down cosmopolitans in one night.
This obsessive media watching also stems into movies. Once I find a movie I love, I will watch it multiple times until I can repeat the lines. And I have no shame in saying these are the Hollywood blockbuster "chick flicks" that I fall in love with! I can quote lines from Ever After, Legally Blond, 10 Things I Hate About You, The Wedding Date, Pride and Prejudice and the list goes on. I'll admit it in my feminist studies class: I am a chickflick-aholic!
I have a culprit to my obsessiveness: the best friend. She watches whole seasons of Dawson's Creek with me, will enthusiastically watch the Mighty Ducks trilogy (which has become a lot better since we recognize the places), have nights devoted to Joshua Jackson movies and shows, and will eat sphagettios with me every time we watch Flipper.
There's one more way I consume media; I consume media by routine. When the OC was on, every Thursday night my friends and I would get together and watch it. When I had cable, my best friend and I would watch the Daily Show and the Colbert Report every night. My roommate and I watched Age of Love every week, not because it was good but because it's what we did. I watched American Idol and Dancing With The Stars every time (don't judge! I don't have cable.) I also watch movies in this way. Every Valentine's Day for a couple of years I watch Pride and Prejudice and every time I feel down I pop in one of the old chick flicks I know and love. It's just part of the routine of my life.
My media habits and observations
I am a down to the basics kind of girl when it comes to media. I watch a movie maybe once a week and I watch a total of 3 hours of TV a week. My main form of media (which I am sure a lot of people can agree with,) is any form online. I am an avid “You Tube” watcher and I watch up to the moment news stories on cnn.com and kstp.com non stop. I also refer to print media just as much as online media. The Minnesota Daily and the Pioneer Press keep me up on the basics, while something such as You Tube can be seen as a treat.
I have owned an Ipod for the past two years and I can pretty much say that any sort of Podcast is addictive. I cannot miss any Prairie Home Companion, and if I must, there is always itunes.com. The ads on the city buses that I take to class everyday, the constant radio playing my job, and the blaring CNN news feed on constant play inside of Coffman boggle my mind each and everyday that I wake up. From the moment we wake up to the clock radio shouting a varieties of morning shows, to the moment we fall asleep to Writers Almanac by Garrison Keillor, we are constantly surrounded my media.
Media
I usually never go to newly released movie and pay full price. I always wait until they go to the cheap theaters when they’re only a dollar or two dollars. During the summer is when I see the most “Hollywood” movies because my friends like to go to the cheap theaters as well. My roommate and I have cable so I watch some shows and a lot of the movie channels. My boyfriend is constantly downloading films so I get to watch a lot from him.
Sometimes I get really freaked out watching “reality” television because everything is so produced and so edited. It’s scary to me how much they manipulate everything to project a whole new image and message.
I am usually cynical about a lot of things, so when I am exposed to certain medias I feel a lot of anger towards them. This is usually because I feel that there is way too much fluff on the mainstream news, I hate the way gender roles are still continuing to be portrayed in all forms of media, the way products are advertised to certain genders, and how most of television is still mainly whitewashed.
My Media Habits
I watch films frequently and repeatedly. I do not usually use any kind of portable media player to watch movies or TV shows. I like to have peace and quiet when I am watching something, so I generally watch films at home either alone or with a small group of people. The movies I watch are usually a mixture of 'Hollywood' feature films and independent films. I have not really seen many short films that I like, although I did see a few at Flaming Film Fest in Minneapolis in 2006. I would like to go to more film festivals in Minneapolis, but I do not really receive news about those kinds of events. I would never have known that Flaming Film Fest exists had I not gone to Amazon Bookstore to see Michelle Tea speak.
Media habits
Once I started school, I realized that I could no longer risk being sucked into a Law & Order marathon or VH1’s reality TV. I cut the cable. Now I have nine channels and lots of cable access to choose from (which is only fun some of the time). As much as love going to the movies, I don’t love how it costs close to $20 to go. So I got Netflix, which rocks. And thanks to a computer savvy boyfriend who can find almost any random film or program and download it, I can watch what I want to watch when I wanna watch it. I can’t deal with most of the crap that is on TV, but I know if its there for me to watch, I will be doing that instead of my homework.
But… I now am into watching old movies, foreign movies, documentaries, and independent films. I don’t know if anyone has heard of the Fringe festival, but its here in Minneapolis in the summer and they show lots of interesting films of all genres. And sometimes those who worked on the film are there at the screening to field questions after the film. It is different kind of movie going experience.
And on a related note…LOST is the best show ever.
My media consumption
I don’t really go to many movies at the theatre any more. The latest movie I saw at the theatre was the most recent Harry Potter, and before that it had probably been about a year since I had been to a theatre. I would just rather save my money and wait a few months to rent from Netflix. I watch at least a movie, sometimes two, a week from my Netflix queue. I’ve rated a ton of movies and lately have been adding movies that are suggested to me on the site. They tend to be pretty dead on with what I like. I also listen to friend’s suggestions about their favorites. I don’t tend to rent the most recent or popular movies out.
"So no one told you life was going to be this way..."
Media plays an important role in my life. Fall is one of my favorite times of year because all the shows return from there summer hiatus. I plan my week accordingly. The Hills on Monday, Law & Order: SVU on Tuesday, Private Practice on Wednesday (I am greatly disappointed that Kate Walsh is not returning to Grey’s Anatomy this fall), and Grey’s Anatomy on Thursday. If I miss one of these shows during the week, I will watch it online for free or buy it off of Itunes. The only time I purchase DVDs is when I really love a show or movie. If I am seeing a movie out on DVD for the first time I will rent it for a dollar from a Hollywood Video machine at my local Cub Foods. My favorite way of escaping from a stressful week is by going to the theatre. Hollywood Romantic-comedies tend to be my favorite type of film, but I do not mind viewing other genres.
I do not personally subscribe to any newspaper, but my family does subscribe to the Pioneer Press. I subscribe to Teen Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Any other magazines that I purchase are because of which celebrity is on the cover. I always make daily stops at CNN.com or PerezHilton.com
I believe there is a strong correlation between the media I view and myself. Somehow, I try to relate what is happening on the screen back to my life. Whether it be having a strong long-lasting friendships portrayed on Friends or going through a similar experience like Lauren Conrad on The Hills. Each individual form of media allows us to glimpse into each other’s lives.
A Media Thief
I’m going to go ahead and admit that I am a huge media thief. Being a poor college student, I don’t get cable, don’t get the newspaper, and have stopped purchasing music (unless it’s obscenely good, because this was true until I bought the new David Bazan last week… obscenely good).
So, I have discovered all those sites online that host whole movies and whole TV shows in order to enjoy the things I miss. Sites like, www.alluc.org or www.tv-links.co.uk. Basically, I’m constantly watching media with a scroll of Chinese subtitles underneath. I also go to comedycentral.com and watch the Daily Show and The Colbert Report.
I’m also an obsessive downloader. Recently I discovered the joys of downloading by torrents and I have started a collection on my computer of French films I can’t get a hold of in the U.S. because they never translated them into English (I studied abroad in France last semester so basically the only foreign films I watch are French).
I get the New York Times in my email box for free or from the Carlson building (If anyone doesn’t know, Carlson has stacks of newspapers on the basement floor to take for free, including the Star Tribune, the New York Times, and USA Today.)
I do sometimes pay for things. My roommates and I have been using Netflix all summer although we plan to cancel it soon since none of us have the time to actually watch the films. I go to the cinema from time to time. I saw Superbad (outstandingly funny) and Harry Potter twice (once in IMAX – unbelievable).
I usually enjoy pretty mainstream films. I love watching TV shows or movies my old Nickelodeon days – you know, Pete and Pete, Salute your Shorts, Clarissa Explains it All. I also love bad horror movies.
As for how it affects my understanding, it’s mostly mindless media exposure – watching things on the internet. Plus, the sound and picture aren’t too great either.
How the media plays into my life…
When I actually sit back and think about how the media plays a role in my everyday life I am honestly not surprised how much it influences the thoughts or ideas that run through my mind on a daily basis. For example, today when I was waiting for the shuttle to begin my commute home, I noticed the advertisement on the outside of the bus that was in passing. The advertisement had something to do with a local television show, which then provoked a thought in my memory that I had forgotten to watch one of my favorite shows last night, which is America’s Next Top Model. Not only do I watch this show frequently but I watch almost all the shows on Court TV like Forensic Files, First 48, Dr. G Medical Examiner, etc. These shows are very entertaining in my opinion, however pretty much a waste of valuable time that I could have used for studying. Once I get distracted with one good episode of reality television I can pretty much count on two hours passing that I could’ve been doing homework. Even more so than a good reality show, I love to watch movies. My boyfriend and I go to the movies at least once a week. You’re probably thinking… “Gosh that gets expensive!” And I agree. However, we like to think of it as time for us to spend together, doing something that we really enjoy since neither one of us drink. Occasionally, there is nothing that catches our eyes in the theater (which is a rare occasion), we will then go rent a movie and watch it at our leisure. We also buy many, many DVD’s and our collection is nothing to brag about, besides the fact that it’s a black hole for our hard earned savings! With all that said, I can honestly say that I enjoy media, however it has it’s down falls if you take it too seriously in your life.
society of the spectacle
Basically, I am a big ol' nerd. I almost never watch movies in the theatre, unless it's a movie that seems like it will visually suffer from watching it on video (and even then I don't always go for it) or my friends drag me there. I do get Netflix, and occasionally go on big movie-watching binges from there when I have time (last summer was all Bollywood, all the time), but during the school year I watch the movies I get from it so rarely that it's probably not worth paying the bill every month. I also almost never watch TV; I'm not in the habit of doing it and I don't really want to be. My partner does, though, so sometimes I watch it by proxy by being in the room when he does. If something happens on TV that everyone is talking about (like Britney's performance at the VMAs), I'll look it up on Youtube or elsewhere on the Internet to see what all the fuss is about. This is especially fun to do while procrastinating! The Internet tends to be the media that I consume the most; I can spend hours on the web looking up, reading and chatting about all kinds of things (it's actually a really bad, time-sucking habit that I continually have to keep in check). I really love to read and learn; I especially love reading non-fiction books and zines, but every once in a while I'll read fiction books or trashy magazines as well. I would happily read even more often than I do if I didn't have kids who needed my attention all the time, but I do. They help keep me grounded here on Earth and not so much in my head all the time, which is probably a good thing!
Too poor for TV
I value films more than television. Right now, I don't have cable because I cannot afford it and I don't really have the time, but I kind of prefer it that way. I admit that every once in awhile it is nice to go back home and sit in front of the TV for hours and I do really love some shows, but overall I enjoy films more. I feel like there is a lot more quality in films (but that also depends on the films).
I used to go to the theater a lot more than I do now. I would say on average I used to go to the theater at least twice a month. Now I see a movie in the theater maybe once a month. This is because I have less spending money now that I am in college, but I also feel like I am not as interested in most of the movies that come out in the theater; I can usually wait to rent most of them. This probably has to do with the fact that if I do hear about a new film, it is most likely a big budget one that can afford to advertise on billboards and other places that I just happen to come across, and a lot of times I feel like I can take it or leave it with these films. I don’t have as much time to research new indie films that aren’t as well advertised, so therefore I don’t know about them to want to go see them. When I do happen to read an article about a new indie movie, then I may be interested enough to go to the theater. The same goes for film festivals, I have always wanted to go to a film festival and watch rare films all day (especially to see more documentaries), but I haven’t found the time. I finally was able to attend one of the screenings at the last Minneapolis film fest, and I really enjoyed it.
As far as online films go, I try not to spend a lot of time on the internet because I feel like it’s a waste, so I never seek out You Tube videos or indie films online, although I’m sure I would enjoy seeing what’s out there.
Media Consumption...can't leave home without it!
As a quick preface to the details of my media consumption, let me say that I loathe many forms of media exposure. I hate that I can’t sit in my house, let alone step outside, without being bombarded by some form of media. It is on billboards, the sides of buses, flyers handed to me on my way to class, even trying to fight its way out of my cell phone through internet access. I am also very disturbed by the role of power in mainstream media exposure. Only certain groups of people have easy access to the mainstream. Because of this, I feel like the media we are exposed to daily gives us a skewed sense of the world we live in.
That being said, I can’t escape it and do absorb media everyday. In terms of film, I mostly stick to rentals or DVD’s I buy. Going to the movies is way too expensive and I rarely have that much free time. I am a huge Johnny Depp fan so I will buy any movie he makes/has made and give it a chance. I have recently become interested in documentaries and indie films and I try to keep my eyes open for them. I tend to be more interested in the stories they tell, as opposed to the generic plots of mainstream movies. As an artist, I am also very interested in the role of theatre as a form of media. The political nature of theatre allows it to function as juxtaposition to, or reaffirmation of, our current society. I love working in the theatre and attending whenever I get the chance. I receive most of my news information from the Internet but I rarely believe any of it. I try to keep myself informed on the current situations but I am aware that I will only know what someone wants me to know. I do not have cable television because it is too expensive.
I do think there are many positive forms of media, but they are usually the ones that reach the least amount of people. I hope to learn more about the ways in which we absorb media and how to analyze it from a more informed perspective.
My Media
I really enjoy spending time watching movies. One of my favorite pastimes is kicking back and watching a good flick. I will pretty much watch anything besides horror movies. I tend to get nightmares from them, so I stay away from the scary ones. Other than that I love true stories, or stories based on true events. I love documentaries. I always find myself getting hooked on lifetime movies, even the ones that are sort of cheap. I prefer renting movies or watching movies at home, rather than going to the theater. Another thing that is a must for me is to have white cheddar popcorn during a movie, it is the best popcorn in the world! As of right now, we can not afford cable, so renting movies is our favorite option.
Hold on, Antiques Roadshow is on!
I watch tons of TV. I’m a stay-at-home mom, so the TV (other than some PBS kids shows in the morning) is off most of the day. But, come night-fall, I seem to watch piles of TV. I used to think I hated the show CSI until I accidentally- on -purpose watched a marathon of the series on the Spike Network. Now, I probably watch a few episodes a week of a show that I may not even truly like. I’ll watch Project Runway re-runs with glee. America’s Next Top Model? Yes, please! My husband and I share our Netflix queue, meaning, we both add movies to the list….but somehow my movies (or TV series disks) seem to miraculously come first. Also, I’d like to pretend that I use my Netflix to catch up on all the classics I’ve managed to miss along the way. Truthfully, I mostly watch junk. I gave “The Godfather” a 5 star rating, and also gave “Tremors” the same. I missed out on both Veronica Mars and Buffy the Vampire Slayer when they were new on TV, and so I recently obsessively watched any available seasons from Netfix until I was caught up.
The so-called “good stuff” I watch does usually come from Netflix. Since we don’t really have babysitters, and it costs a billion dollars anymore for a couple to go see a movie, I/we catch just about everything on DVD. I’ll watch the Oscars for ideas and add just about any movie that was up for awards to our queue and over the course of the next year, see them all. That was how we saw last year’s big movies (“Brokeback Mountain”, “Crash”, “The Lives of Others”….) Before we had our son, we both saw a lot of movies in the theaters. I’ve always worked a lot of retail jobs with funny hours, so I had the luxury of randomly catching afternoon movies as I pleased.
I don’t mind so much that I watch so much bad TV. I do mind, though, that it is a big time waster. I’ll sit down for “just five minutes of CSI” and the next thing I know, 2 hours have passes and I’m watching Golden Girls on the Lifetime Network. I know I do it because at the end of the day I’m tired and a little fried…but, “me time” is a hot commodity and I shouldn’t squander it.
PS- I’m a magazine junky, too.
Sienna Moore
My Media Watching Habits
I love watching all kinds of movies. I rarely end up going to the theater unless I’ve been informed by others that I simply can not miss a certain film on the ‘big screen’. I enjoy seeing films in the theater, but often times I don’t have enough money ($9.00 is ridiculous!) or I simply do not want to be annoyed by the person kicking the back of my chair or the teens laughing and throwing popcorn at each other. I usually end up walking the isles of blockbuster looking for a good rental. As for television and the internet I am not so lucky to have cable or a high-speed connection in my home. Although I only have about 8 channels, I really like watching TV. Especially when I am tired, hungry, just before going to bed or I just want to tune-out of reality for awhile. I really like the fact that films have so many genres. I like to watch “Hollywood” feature films when I am feeling stressed out or exhausted and I just need to turn my brain off for awhile. I really enjoy foreign films and I tend to look for the ones with the awards on the covers. The connection between myself and what I watch depends on how I feel or what interests me at a certain time. Films affect my mood after I view them, so it is almost like choosing what best suites the way I feel. I think that what, how and where I watch media has formed my connections and ideas of what media is. The way that I personally identify with media can be very different from someone else’s ideas on media. Therefore my understanding of the material will ultimately change throughout this course as we learn more about feminist perspectives and media.
Media habits.
(I thought that I posted onto the blog earlier, but it looks like something happened. So this is a rewrite of the assignment. If for some reason it's just not appearing to me, I apologize for posting twice.)
I spend a lot of my free time consuming media. I'll admit it: I'm addicted to media. I major in media studies, which I think is really just a way for me to legitimize my consuming interest in film-dom. I've always been obsessed with movies, talking about movies, etc. since I was a little kid. I can't say that I spend quite as much time watching movies in my free time as I used to these days, as I have been quite busy lately, and video games have been consuming a lot of the time that I could be watching movies. I prefer going to the theater in general, but I do have a netflix account, that I use in an extremely speratic fashion (currently I have the same two movies at home that I've had since July, but there are times when I'll be going through several movies a week with it.) I generally prefer to watch foreign films, both as the "serious artistic" films that I like watching as well as just for general entertainment (anime, for instance.) Japanese media in general, be it film, television or video gaming is what I tend to prefer consuming as far as media goes. I tend to be skeptical of much of the deologies presented within American media (Japanese media as well, but I try to be a little more objective since it is a foreign culture) but I am still a willing consumer of American media. As far as going to movies, I almost always go to movies on my own. Unless its a comedy that I'm going to, I actually prefer being by myself while watching a movie in the theater. Media consumption in general is not a social activity for me very often, and so I have the tendency (esspecially lately) to be very anti-social. I take cinema very seriously, and it is something that I consider myself to be very passionate about, even though the further I get into the realm of media studies, the more skeptical I am of the cultural work and general passivity that the cinema is responsible for.
Is it strange that 'media,' 'mediate' and 'meditate' look related?
My media related habits have changed greatly over the past few years. Some of my friends used to work at or manage movie theaters, so I was constantly going to see free movies, and often before their local premier date. For streches of time I saw nearly every movie to hit theaters, regardless as to if it looked good. However, that is no longer the case, and spending the money just is not worth it, as many of you have also stated. The times I do decide to go watch movies, they are increasingly indie and foreign films. What this says about me, I'm not really sure. It may just mean that foreign humor is more often actually laugh-out-loud funny to me. On the other hand, it may mean that I am becoming more worldly and aware of different cultures and politics. I suppose that would balance out part of my other media life: the Disney Channel, Cartoons, Sitcoms, and ANTM. Yes, ANTM gets its own catagory.
However, currently I don't get many TV channels and don't even have a DVD player, so what dominates my media watching habits is my current and total obsesson with YouTube. I've watched videos on the site for at least the past 2 years, but recently I just cannot get enough. If I think of a quote from a show or movie, I look it up and watch that segment. If I find a contributer that I like, I watch their whole history of vidoes. There are several channels I watch regularly, and I follow a few artists fairly religiously; however, the time I spend on these videos pales in comparison to the time I spend on watching Whose Line is it Anyway? shorts. I think that this just means that school can be stressful (as we all know), and when I need a little humor to help me cheer up and unwind, these comedians are brilliant at it.
my MEdia
Since I have been in college I have started to watch more TV than I ever did in highschool, but don't start thinking that I watch hours on end. I haven't watched one TV show since I returned from studying abroad in June. While I was abroad, I missed out on my favorite shows because I didn't own a TV and I don't even think it would be possible to watch them if I did have a TV. Now that I am back on campus, I am not sure that I will be caught up enough to really get back into watching them. When I was little my parents wouldnt allow us to watch more than an hour of TV a day, which I hated them for back then but now I understand.
My favorite type of media is films. I often have a really hard time staying awake in a lot of them, but that doesn't keep me away from them. I love going to the theatre or snuggling up on the couch and watching movies. I have always enjoyed watching all types of films, whether they are Indie or big Hollywood films. A couple years ago I went to a small film festival at the Guthrie where they showed short excerpts from Indie films from Minnesota. I wish I would have followed up on that experience and watched some of the films entirely.
My media guilty pleasure, PEOPLE magazine! I can usually stop myself from buying it in the line at the grocery store but come finals week or a road trip, I have the latest issue. I am really looking forward to seeing the different view points and angles of media in our society. I want to become more aware of the advertisements, films, magazines, news sources I consume in my daily life.
my MEdia
Since I have been in college I have started to watch more TV than I ever did in highschool, but don't start thinking that I watch hours on end. I haven't watched one TV show since I returned from studying abroad in June. While I was abroad, I missed out on my favorite shows because I didn't own a TV and I don't even think it would be possible to watch them if I did have a TV. Now that I am back on campus, I am not sure that I will be caught up enough to really get back into watching them. When I was little my parents wouldnt allow us to watch more than an hour of TV a day, which I hated them for back then but now I understand.
My favorite type of media is films. I often have a really hard time staying awake in a lot of them, but that doesn't keep me away from them. I love going to the theatre or snuggling up on the couch and watching movies. I have always enjoyed watching all types of films, whether they are Indie or big Hollywood films. A couple years ago I went to a small film festival at the Guthrie where they showed short excerpts from Indie films from Minnesota. I wish I would have followed up on that experience and watched some of the films entirely.
My media guilty pleasure, PEOPLE magazine! I can usually stop myself from buying it in the line at the grocery store but come finals week or a road trip, I have the latest issue. I am really looking forward to seeing the different view points and angles of media in our society. I want to become more aware of the advertisements, films, magazines, news sources I consume in my daily life.
My Media Habits
Although my favorite way to watch media is in a theater, I rarely ever go. The main reason I rarely go is the lack of funds, at the moment, which prohibits me from attending theatrical releases. Pretty much any form of media, I will watch. I feel that every movie deserves my opinion, so I absolutely refuse to listen to critics on a movie. I think some critics ruin films for everyone, because so many people place value on their opinion because they are the “experts.
My favorite types of media, would probably have to be film. Any type of film, but mainly reaching for the big Hollywood features and Indie films. My film obsession is huge (I own hundreds of movies). My second favorite type of media, would have to sadly be “reality” television (I use quotations because no one knows how “real” it actually is). I could watch “reality” television for days. I have recently started to watch a little more on the internet, through the use of youtube, but so far haven’t got into the addiction to it as some have. All and all, pretty much any media, I will give it a chance.
September 17, 2007
Media Reflection
Internet is the primary media source I use. I rely little on television for viewing films, which is mainly due to the fact we only have the basic cable channels. Back in my hometown of Moorhead we have a “cheap” theater where you can see movies for $1.50, which is how I watch the majority of the Hollywood releases. Granted this theater doesn’t start showing movies until after they have been out for a month or two, but the cheap price is worth the little wait. This allows me to be able to afford to I go to a couple movies every month. However, now that I have moved back to the Cities for school I probably won’t even go to the theater once.
Last semester when I was in Australia for 5 months I solely relied on my computer to watch movies. I had a program there that could download new releases about a week or even less after they came out for free, so I was able to watch pretty much any movie I could possibly think of.
I usually only watch Hollywood films, however there have been a few cases where I have seen some smaller, independent films. I usually only go to theaters, and I do not attend any film festivals or campus screenings.
I don’t really know anyone in my family and I don’t have any friends that are interested in watching smaller produced films. I have grown up only familiarized with Hollywood films, so I believe that is the reason I have not expanded my horizons on the types of films I watch. Hollywood puts so much time and effort into advertising their movies, and I believe they have done a marvelous job of capturing not only my eye, but the rest of the world’s too.
The media I can afford:)
I rarely go to see movies in the theatre anymore. In high school, that was the thing to do, but I suppose I dont have the money anymore. My boyfriend sometimes takes me to the theatre in block e if he wants to go on a "real date", but that's not too often. I dont have a car here in Minneapolis, so driving to rent new movies is out of the picture too. If I don't see a movie in the theatre on date night, I won't see it until one of my friends buys the dvd. One of my coworkers and I have started trading an obscure favorite movie of ours once a week. Its a great, not to mention free, way to see movies I havent seen, and so far her recommendations have been quality.
I don't watch tv very often anymore either. It just doesnt fit into my schedule with work and classes. But, one thing I do have time for is tv on dvd, the best thing to ever happen to my lunch time. I watch The Office, Arrested Development, and Scrubs on dvd at least once a day. I am never home at the right time to watch prime time television, but when one commercial free episode is only twenty minutes long, its perfect to pop in a dvd while i make dinner.
When I do have a night off, I’ll occasionally plop in front of the tv. My rent includes pretty good cable access; about 75 channels. That’s convenient to cure boredom, but unfortunately, my remote just recently broke, so channel surfing is quite the challenge. While I do love my apartment, one of the biggest things I miss about freshman year in the dorms is the free newspapers. I don’t have a newspaper delivered anymore, and feel embarrassingly out of touch with the world sometimes. Thank god for the internet! If it wasn’t for pop up news and bbc.com, I would be completely uninformed. I guess the internet exists for more than facebook. Who knew?
What I watch
Most of my media watching habits are dictated by my three year old daughter, fortunately, she has very good taste, for the most part. together we enjoy Breakfast at Tiffany's, which we watch at least once a week, harry potter films, and good ole Sponge bob square pants. there are a lot of other kids shows i have learned to love but we won't get into all those. i am a horrible person to watch TV with because i will surf the channels over and over and over again. if i do decide on something my favorite shows are; ugly Betty, the girls next door (hugh Hefner's girlfriends "reality" show), dog the bounty hunter, this summer i was in love with scott baio is 45 and single and the two coreys. i would like to say that i spend my time watching shows that make me think and blah blah blah.... but the truth is i watch TV to zone out and stop thinking for a little while. luckily, for my brain, i don't get a chance to watch a lot of tv.
My Media Experience
The main way that I consume media is through television and film. I really enjoy watching TV at night when I am done with my day. Almost every night I fall asleep watching it. Most of the shows I watch are reality TV. I will also admit that I like to watch Sponge Bob and the Fairly Odd Parents as well. I don't know exactly why I do... and yes I know they don't really require any thought on my part. The movies I watch are almost always on TV or on DVD. I don't like going to theaters for the same reasons that many of you do- the cost. Also, I don't like when the movie is over and I have to immediately snap out of it and be surrounded by other people I don't know. I tend to get too involved in the story. I really like period films because I like history and they can really take you to another world. I also like musicals. I do not really care for most romantic comedies, they all just seem too similar to me. As of right now I have not seen a whole lot of independant films. However, I have just started working at the Oak Street Theater. I plan to see more "non-Hollywood" type films there.
Media and Me
Media for me consists of television and “Hollywood” films. Most of what I view is from the comforts of my own home. I never normally go to a theater to see a movie due to my busy schedule and high prices. The main form of media I watch is TV. I haven’t had a television the past three weeks, so I have been a little deprived of relaxing in front of the TV. At home I had cable which allowed me to watch my favorite shows, some on cable and some not. I am not really into the reality or “girly” shows too much. Preferably I watch crime or medical dramas, such as House, Law & Order, and CSI. On cable I watch shows such as Rescue Me, and Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The films I watch fall into the comedic, suspense, or dramatic genre. Like TV, I don’t watch the well-known “chick flicks” very often. Films I love to watch make you think, and leave you thinking about the plot after you are done watching them.
Media
How do I consume my media? I would have to say that I am more of a T.V. and movie rental person than anything else.
Magda's media watching reflections
I really enjoy watching films. My best friends back home (Fargo, ND) are really into indie films and I spend a lot of times watching and talking about them. I love to watch films that leave an impression on me. I enjoyed the few film festivals that I went to, yet I am no avid attendee. I am also really into science fiction films. I definitely go to theatres to watch Hollywood science fiction movies.
Although I do love film, I really do not buy many movies. I own probably only a dozen of my very favorite films because I don’t really like to watch a film twice. This is one reason that I really enjoy watching music videos. The minute I hear a song or a band that I like, I go online and watch the music video(s). I have a pretty broad spectrum of the type of films that I enjoy watching, and I really like to analyze film. This will definitely help me with this class because I am curious to learn more about how to analyze film and I really enjoy watching many types of media.
September 16, 2007
media watching
I would love to go watch movie in theatre rather than watch on my computer. I need to have enough amount of sound to be in that mood which the movie provides. And also I love watching movies with other people. Actually I watched the same movie twice in different locations; the big theatre and the small theatre with almost no audiences. Of course, I enjoyed the movie when I watched it in the big theatre. Probably it is because I can share my feeling and mood with other people who experience the same images. However, when I have no time to go to theatre and watch, I just download the movie and watch alone. It is better to watch it alone than watch with others, because I can focus on story more. The other day I watched D-War (Korean Movie) at the movie theatre, and it totally got me. I am not so picky about what I am watching but I NEVER watch horror movie. I think that the world is already fearful that there is no need to pay to watch those movies.
Recently I am curious about documentary movies and independent media production, but then I don’t know where to go to watch them.
What I am really interested in is how the people in the production gather and put things together to make one project. I hope I can figure it out more as this semester goes.
MEDIA Consumption
It seems like I consume more media than I thought.
I Love Hannah Montana and I'm Not Afraid to Say It Under My Anonymous Blog Name.
When it comes to entertainment, I hate people who are close-minded with their tastes. Yes, specific preferences are fine when buying every movie of the Brad Pitt collection at Best Buy or a late night visit to Blockbuster for a John Hughes ‘80s teen movie marathon, but how else are you supposed to expand your horizons?
September 15, 2007
Dinner and a Movie
I would rent out a room at the movie theater if I could. I absolutely love the atmosphere, the ambiance, the smells, the lights. It’s this instant mood lifter, even if the film turns out to be crap. I hate being late for the movie because I have an obsession with trailers. I love the anticipation, even if the preview turns out to be better than the actual movie it is advertising. I could spend forever on apple.com eagerly watching trailers and wishing for the films to hurry up and be released.
I’m a sucker for romantic comedy “Hollywood” films, but recently I’ve also become interested in independent films and documentaries. I love seeing obscure, random, and original films at the Uptown and Lagoon theaters. Then there’s the Coffman Theater, whose main appeal is the no-money-requirement.
How I watch Media
I am a big fan of theaters. I love going to the movies. Although sometimes you can't beat curling up on a rainy day and watching a movie at home in your own comfort zone. I also usually carry my ipod with me where ever I go and that also has movies on it. I usually stick to big Hollywood films because that is what you see most at the theaters and because I am a huge sucker for happy endings. Not to say that all Hollywood movies have happy endings but more often than not they do. Also when I go to the movies I usually do it to get away from all of the stress and chaos in my life, it is kind of nice to not have to think for a little while. Even though that sounds slightly narrow minded it is how I escape. I think that viewing media this way has made it a little tougher to understand the material in class just because all of it is really new to me. All of the different theories and ideas are ones that I am not familar with but that is why I took the class, to understand all of that a little better.
September 14, 2007
Media addiction
I am a media addict. I am getting a major within the field of media studies. When addictions become legitimized by an academic institution there is no return. There is very little that occurs in my day that occurs from media consumption (studying, even, is a form of media consumption after all.) If I am not at school, working or studying, I am probably playing video games (a specific pass time which, in recent months, has consumed the majority of my free time) or watching a movie (though lately, film viewing has become something that I do less and less with my own time, as I spend so much time watching films in classes.) I do have a Netflix account, which I make use of it in a sporadic fashion (I’ve had the same two DVDs sitting at home for about a month now, but there have also been times where I’ve gone through six films a week), but I certainly prefer going to the cinema over watching movies at home. Granted, the modern viewing practices of many individuals within this society can be extremely frustrating (cell phone abuse, incessant talking, etc.), but this is why I try to find times to go to the movies when there won’t be many people in the audience (i.e. weekday matinees.) There’s really nothing better than watching a trashy horror movie in an empty theater. I attend “art house” theaters less and less, as I generally dislike most American “independent” (or, corporate niche films) and there has been an equally corporate, equally mainstream approach to the ways in which foreign films are marketed and distributed in this country. Granted, there are a few foreign imports that are truly of interest that make it to this city each year, but often times a lot of the most interesting foreign films that make it to this country never reach our “art house” theaters, limited to a New York/LA run. In general, I am skeptical towards the cultural work that media does in relation to mass culture, but this does nothing to change my viewing practices. It is difficult to overcome the apathy and ambivalence that is the determined consciousness for young individuals raised by a media culture.
September 13, 2007
The Media Life of Me
The media that I consume on a daily basis is music, books, and the internet. I watch TV maybe once every other week and I am more apt to watch my favorite shows on DVD. I enjoy going to the movies and try to do so when I have the money, which is once a month or so. I usually watch “Hollywood” movies because that is what’s blatantly out there on the marquees. I enjoy indie films when I hear about a good one through the grapevine. I like to see films of books turned into movies and analyze the ways that they’ve been altered. Around my house we usually buy DVDs on sale and watch those together in the living room rather than going out to the theater. My roommates like watching weird internet films and usually pass them on to me. The other very common media form at my house is video games. From old school Nintendo to the new Wii, it’s very common to find some sort of gaming going on. I haven’t joined the ipod craze yet but since music is a daily part of my life I probably won’t wait too much longer.
My Media Habits
My preferred form of media is films, especially artsy or Indy films that really make you think. Unfortunately, I never seem to have the time to make it to the movies. I rarely watch TV, but when I do, I like crime shows, like Law and Order and CSI. I deliberately have not had cable for about a year, because I hate what it does to me, and it's too expensive. What I mean by that is I have no will power when it comes to TV, I'll say I'm only going to watch an hour and then go do something productive, and then I find myself still on the couch 3 hours later, feeling like a sloth.
I avoid mainstream network news because I think it's skewed, racist and depressing. I read the paper but mostly just the fun stuff in the city pages like savage love and the horoscopes. I mainly get my news updates via email from various left leaning non-profit organizations and word of mouth. I've recently gotten into U-tube and really think it could be a great outlet for news, as the “real” news seems to be increasingly more skewed and as real people are being more censored. I am also embarrassingly into myspace and facebook, although I totally was one of the people who made fun of others for it, before I got accounts.
I see CDs as an unnecessary luxury, especially when music can be downloaded. However, I am not technologically advanced enough to know how to download music and although I am desperately jealous of people with i-pods, I can't seem to justify spending, what are they $300 dollars? On an i-pod. None the less, my fifteen CDs (most of them burned for me) are getting really old.
September 12, 2007
Marial's Media Experience
Well, like most teenage girls I enjoy watching chick flicks, anything with cute boys, or any Hollywood big shot that is being advertised. On the other hand, the thing I want most from college is to find the real me that is more than just the typical teenager. So hopefully college will help me broaden my horizons. My time watching media back at home was mostly at my friends houses, because I never had cable or satellite. So with that in mind I never really had the chance to actually choose what I wanted to watch. My friends did it for me. And I hope my parents did NOT influence the kinds of films I like, since my dad is obsessed with old westerns and well I don't remember the last time my mom watched a movie(workaholic). So I guess for me this might be my time to find what I actually like and why. Now that I can choose for myself and in the Cities of all places I should get to experience lots of new medias. I think the reason why I like the movies I do right now is because that is all I have ever been given the opportunity to view. Now that I have more options and availabilites like (a lounge with cable) my interests can finally be expressed!
*insert bad title concerning my comsumption of media here*
I’m mostly a sit-at-home-after-work-exhausted-stare-at-the-screen kind of film consumer. I rarely go to movie theatres, mainly because I hate paying so much and can hardly ever find the time or anyone to go with. I do have a Netflix account, and I often rent the related films (by actor/actress, director, etc) to those which I’ve already seen and enjoyed. I don’t currently have cable, and haven’t for a couple of years. I’ll probably get it when I get Internet hooked up in my apartment soon. I like both cheesy Hollywood films (though nothing to have come out for some time) and indie films I find online.
As a workaholic, I am not surprised to discover that much of what I watch is fluffy and escapist—at the end of the day, I am not often capable to watch a film that requires stretching and thought. Like many others, I aspire to watch indie/obscure films, partially (I know…who can say we don’t?) because it’s a hip and indie activity to reference film no one else has ever seen (even if it’s completely true that I love Bergman). I try as much as possible to stay away from pop culture fluff film, but I realize it has intrinsic value and speaks to what the American audience demands as a form of entertainment. I try to keep this in mind when reading material devoted to exploring the value of such films: that this kind of entertainment wouldn’t be provided if we didn’t create a market for it.
My Media World
As we went over types of media today, movies never even crossed my mind. I always think of media as magazines, commercials, television, and billboards. Media that is telling you how to think, what to do, and quite simply what’s out in the world. Being someone who has little free time, there’s not much time for media in my life. I’m envious of girls who can sit outside in the sun and read their Cosmopolitan, or people go to movies on weekends (or weekdays for that matter). The extent of my media is, the little bit of TV I watch while eating dinner, right before I go to bed, or when I watch soaps at Coffman in between classes. I try to know what current events, but I’m usually flying out the door before class, and there’s barely time to slam my coffee much less read a paper. For me I observe my media as what is convenient, anything else is random. There may be some difficulty in this class because I’m tend not to really go anywhere outside of mainstream media, simply put, because I don’t have time. To an extent I may be at a disadvantage because of my busy schedule, but I’ve taken film classes before, I’ve had plenty of history, psychology, literature and etc. that I don’t feel it will be a problem. Nor do I think you have to be some Indie dreadlock coffee shop girl who thinks everything is wrong with the world and socially deviation is necessary in order to do well in this class. I’m hoping to learn new things, and I’m sure the exposure to these new types of media will help me to do so.
Assignment: Blog post on Media Watching Habits
Post in Category 2. Media Watching blog post (5 points)
Post by NOON on Wednesday, 9/19
Details: In a 150 to 300 word post, consider some of the following questions:
How do you watch films (media)? Are you an avid theater goer? Do you have cable TV with all the film channels? Do you watch DVDs on a laptop while you ride the bus home? Do you download off itunes and watch on a video Ipod?
Do you only watch "Hollywood" feature films? Do you watch indie short films online? Do you attend screenings on campus, or film festivals in town?
What, in your op