Welcome to The CineFiles of Citizen Irene!
Hello, I am Citizen Irene and this cranny of Reject the Herd is dedicated to film, specifically film that lurks outside the mainstream of Hollywood. Here we'll discuss content largely neglected by American theatrical distribution that is just waiting to be discovered by you, the more discerning consumer. I am passionate about movies and have a decent base of knowledge but by no means do I consider myself an expert. With this in mind, I will be rating the films I discuss here but ultimately my ratings are my opinion, an opinion you may or may not agree with. The rating system breaks down as follows:
= I know you don't like being told what to do, but you must see this movie!
= This movie is worth your time despite some flaws.
= They had good intentions but made a wrong turn somewhere along the way.
= Huh?
I follow the philosophy of Roger Ebert in that my ratings are not to be compared from film to film. Each movie is rated taking into consideration the intended audience and the environment into which it was released. In other words, while I might give both Citizen Kane and The Big Lebowski four black sheep, they are not necessarily equal in greatness and impact (although arguments can be made). Also, a rating I give now might very well be different if I rated the same film 10 years from now. It is all relative and definitives have no place here. Ultimately I just want to share my love for film and hopefully open the door for others to see what wonderful discoveries there are to be made if you just take a few steps out of line. I will also be exploring some notable directors and actors who I think deserve a little consideration, as well as any film-related books begging to be read. So feel free to explore The CineFiles and hopefully you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised... And please, please feel free to comment and throw in your two cents; I really want to stimulate discussion, not just thrust upon you my views. If you do choose to comment on the merits of any film, I have but one request: I'm not a big fan of people announcing that they hate a film and therefore it must be bad. Taste and preference in my book, are not valid arguments for what makes a movie worthwhile or a waste of time. Please back any arguments up with specific examples that have to do with structure, substance, or even intent, and be open-minded enough to acknowledge that while something may not be your cup of tea, it might be rocking someone else's world. It will be much appreciated!
Recent Posts:
April 10, 2009: Twilight Shmilight
November 25, 2008: David Cronenberg as Auteur
October 30, 2008: 15 Reasons Not To Leave Your House On Halloween
October 14, 2008: Something Wicked (Awesome) This Way Comes
October 9, 2008: Economic Crisis = Hermit-like Movie Viewing
October 6, 2008: October is a beautiful time of year!
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