Social Getting to Know You EP 3- Ask a Question / Answer a Question.

Sometimes, if it's a movie l liked in the theater. Many times there are lines that the actors don't deliver clearly and I can't understand them, so watching at home I like to rewind those lines with subtitles so I can figure out what they said.

Have you noticed that actors mumble more than they used to? Or is it just me?

 

I haven't noticed the mumbling, but what kind of irks me is when actors frequently lick their lips before they're about to say something. I see that more often in recent streaming-only films; mostly by younger actors. I know it's not so much of a big deal, but it just seems so unnatural to me; might as well show the script that they're reading off of.

Do you ever feel like you could do a better job of acting in a film or show than the actors that you're watching?

 

Rarely. I acted in my church's Easter Passion Play a few times, so I've learned that acting isn't as easy as it looks.

Do you ever feel like you could do a better job of writing for a film or show than the writers who wrote what you're watching?

 

Frequently, but then I try to keep those thoughts to myself. At any level, for any project, writing can be quite a personal experience. Sure, I can sit there and judge the final product, but I'm neither prepared nor qualified to pass judgement on said product's development process, conditions, external constraints, or the headspace of its writer(s). I certainly know from experience that there are always "better" ideas out there. It's just a question of being able to find them.

Which specific plot twist or development have you personally found the most frustrating over the years? Remember to use spoiler tags if necessary!

 

Yes, there are a number of films that are like that for me...for example: Cinema Paradiso (1988). I have seen it probably at least 15-20 times over the years (partially because I use it in a class I teach semi-regularly) and it never fails to charm and move me.

(btw @Sarge, on the topic of dialogue seeming less clear--I saw an interesting CBS Sunday Morning segment last year about all the various reasons why more and more of us feel that we either like or need to watch films/TV with subtitles/captions on. I'll spoiler tag it below in case you're interested)

Spoiler: The Popularity of Turning Captions On, March 2024 <7 minutes

When watching a film in a theater, have you ever disliked it so much that you actually got up and left before it was finished?

 

Nope, I just don't go a second time (I've never walked out on a movie, whether I thought it was good or bad)

Do you follow politics?

 

I think I prefer sweet treats over savory. I try to keep it to a minimum since I want to keep my teeth healthy.

Do you often have salty chips or other junk food with your lunch or some healthy snacks like fruit?

 

I tried out for Jeopardy in 2002. The didn't pick me to go on the show, but I didn't embarrass myself. And I play bar trivia every Wednesday; my teammates call me the captain, but it's really a team effort. So, yes.

What's your favorite gameshow?

 

That youth is wasted on the young

What is an example of a "small detail" in an outdoors/nature setting that can easily bring you delight?

 

Not sure if it's regarded as a "small detail" but if I can go somewhere outdoors where there are as few people as possible, that's delightful and serene to me. Some people crave going to massive parties or concerts as often as they can, but not me. Give me the fresh, QUIET outdoors any day of the week over some rave party or banging loud concert.

Have you ever gone on a solo trip abroad somewhere?

 

Unfortunately, I have not.

Have you met anyone from your favorite TV shows?

 

As far as I can think of, the only actor that I've met from a show that I like was Hayley Atwell; who I met at NYCC last year (click on the Peggy Carter link in my sig).

 

SBT!

Here is my minimum four word question: Who is one celebrity, above all else, that you would go through any lengths to meet in person?

 

There are two that come to mind: Karen Gillan and Emma Watson.

Do you like to travel?

 

New York to Tokyo, nonstop in 2010 (~14 hours on board, plus additional hours through customs and of course getting to my hotel). That was among my solo travels that I briefly mentioned above. It's really weird being on a plane for more than half a day; and of course on top of that you're in another part of the hemisphere where it's already the next day. I don't remember sleeping much on the plane there, but I did get to see a number of movies on board (one of which was Marley and Me for the first time, which was, given the circumstances of where I was, among the worst decisions of my life to that point).

Do you easily cry during sad scenes in movies?

 

Yup sure do; although I actual prefer historical fiction novels, on occasion I'll read some fantasy stories, like the Wicked series of novels by Gregory Maguire. I take my time reading, sometimes in the morning before I get ready for work (I wfh) and sometimes I read before I go to sleep in bed at night. During the Spring and Summer, I might go to the local parks and read for a while during the day. And of course if I go to the beach and/or pool I'll bring a book as well.

Do you consider yourself a fast reader, or do you take your time?