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I Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Algorithms — Home Projectionists Do a Better Job

Posted by Gloria on April 8, 2013

Posted in: Film, Film Community, Movies, Reviews. Tagged: Dark Shadows, Facebook, film, film recommendations, Home Projectionist, Joan Bennett, MADAM SATAN, Netflix, Susan Hayward. Leave a comment

For its recommendation algorithms, Netflix uses something called “pragmatic chaos.”

“I kid you not,” John wrote. “I had rented a Godzilla movie and I got, ‘Since you liked GODZILLA VS. MOTHRA, you might also like YENTL.'”

David countered: “Since you liked I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE, you might also like GIGI.”

Algorithms may be emerging as a powerful force in our world, but they sure aren’t as clever or as funny as Home Projectionists…and they can’t expand your movie horizons like our community of Home Projectionists on Facebook.

(We define Home Projectionists, by the way, as film fans always on the search for great things to watch … and who love the opportunity to be program directors in their own homes.)

We started the What Are You Watching? group on Facebook during last year’s winter holidays while we took a sabbatical from the Home Projectionist blog. The group now has more than 100 participants, all savvy and smart cinephiles who share, discuss, joke, and connect — and most importantly, make compelling recommendations for movies to add to your list.

Hundreds of films have already been talked about — from current popular releases like THE SESSIONS (2012) to the obscure, like the early Technicolor THE TRAIL OF LONESOME PINE (1936). As a result of the Home Projectionist group, my must-see list is on super-growth hormones, like some crazy beanstalk I will never be able to conquer. It’s a better kind of “pragmatic chaos” than the algorithms provide.

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In addition to the direct recommendations and reviews, What Are You Watching? conversations go into all kinds of movie territory.

John didn’t recommend THE YESTERDAY MACHINE (1963) but at least we all know the movie includes “the world’s longest monologue by a mad Nazi scientist about how time travel works.”

While her family was sleeping, Gwen seemed to tell us quietly that she “was watching NOTORIOUS (1946) for the bizillionth time…I think it’s the most romantic movie ever created.” Jay agreed with her, “Not even a bizillion viewings can weary the charms and virtues of his artful masterpiece.”

Kelli, Andy, and Steve recently had a discussion about THE YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT (1967) and the power of watching big movies on the big screen, and when you can’t, they agreed, sharing them with a group of friends is the next best thing.

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Eric reported that he had watched DINAH EAST (1970) and spotted Tara from GONE WITH THE WIND in a backlot scene.

Aaron told us about the fabulous terribles he picked up in a $5 bin.

There was a multi-day dialogue about everyone’s favorite Susan Hayward movies. And we discovered that Dark Shadows super fan Harold put together a tribute to Joan Bennett.

Joseph cited one of his favorite lines from CROSSFIRE (1947): “Tonight was a long time ago.”

To make me laugh when I’m feeling a bit down in the dumps, I recall the day Daniel deadpanned, “Electricity is kind of a big deal,” when commenting on the famous dance from DeMille’s MADAM SATAN (1930).

I don’t think there could be a better crew of film fans. The Home Projectionist What Are You Watching? Facebook group is open for your viewing pleasure and participation. Go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/homeprojectionist and join in today.

Gloria Bowman is a writer, storyteller, blogger, movie lover, freelance editor,
and author of the novel, Human Slices.
Access her blog at www.gloriabowman.com; on Twitter @GloriaBow

“What Are You Watching?” Facebook Group Launched

Posted by Gloria on December 5, 2012

Posted in: Film, Movies, Reviews. Tagged: Home Projection, Home Projectionist, home theater, movies. 2 Comments

Movie recommendation algorithms can be interesting, but isn’t it a lot more fun to discover movies and shows by sharing what you’re watching among friends?

We’ve launched a Home Projectionist Facebook group to do just that.

(This group is an addition to the Home Projectionist blog and Facebook page.)

Our ultimate goal is to create a community of like-minded people who love movies, love being the program directors in their own living rooms, and love talking about what they’re watching.

For Home Projectionists, settling in to watch a film, show, or clip is more than a movie, it’s a passion.

Go to the Home Projectionist Facebook Group to join. And feel free to invite your friends. Anyone on Facebook is invited to participate. Who knows what you’ll discover…

RIP Celeste Holm

Posted by Johnny C on July 16, 2012

Posted in: Movies, RIP. Tagged: Celeste Holm, Home Projectionist, movies. Leave a comment

In the last couple weeks we’ve lost three of the best character actors: Ernest Borgnine, Andy Griffith and now Celeste Holm. Ironically, Ernest and Celeste were both 95.

Celeste Holm was one of those actresses that lit up the screen when ever she appeared. She was the archetypal best friend or favorite aunt. Never the leading lady, but what would All About Eve have been without Celeste’s witty and touching performance? She held her own with being a buddy to Frank Sinatra in High Society, and was the voice of reason in Gentlemen’s Agreement (for which she won an Academy Award). Actresses like her are few and far between.

Growing up in the 60’s I knew her best for playing Cinderella‘s fairy godmother. It was probably the first color program I recall seeing and most likely my first organized group viewing. I remember the excitement of going to my Uncle Jim and Aunt Tootie’s house to watch it with my sister and cousins on their Spanish Modern design twenty-five inch console (of which my parents soon bought one that was more elaborate, so as not to be outdone). Sitting on the pea green colored, stain resistant carpet, I watched Celeste sing,

“But the world is full of zanies and fools who don’t believe in sensible rules and won’t believe what sensible people say…and because these daft and dewey eyed dopes keep building up impossible hopes impossible things are happening every day!” I wanted her to be my fairy godmother.

Celeste Holm in Cinderella

Through the years she was always popping up like an old friend on my favorite shows, “Colombo“, “Fantasy Island“, “The Love Boat“. A few years ago I saw one of her last movies, “Still Breathing” which is a lovely indie romance story. She plays Brandon Fraser’s wise old grandmother telling him to listen to his heart to find his true love. A lovely later role. I highly suggest seeing her in it.

Miss Holm lived a full and rich life and leaves behind a fine and varied body of work. I think it’s less sad that she passed away, but it’s as if with her passing the last of the old Hollywood is finally sinking into the sunset.

I’d like to remember her this way, as she is on What’s My Line. You can see why she stole the show every night in Oklahoma. She’s funny, playful and everyone’s best friend.

Celeste Holm on What’s My Line