Smells like celluloid and virgins
If I’m not mistaken, according to the rules of etiquette, both religion and politics are considered off-topics for discussion in polite conversation. Judging from experience, perhaps even cinema should be taken off the menu as well. Like the other two, one can never disabuse morons or experts of their beliefs. (Try convincing one or the other that the cinema of Wong Kar Wai is ponderous and pedantic drivel and you’ll find that it’s the only time those two camps will come to an agreement.) Mass media has made experts of us all — even if only in our minds — and the way debate about movies has escalated to it has increasingly become as trivial. Post-Tarantino, even the C-grade output of Cirio Santiago, Eddie Romero and Weng-Weng has become gospels of cool. On the other hand, left-leaning cinema is still always the politically-correct choice for film buffs.
Of course, I’m not one to really complain. If anything, this is the currency I deal in. Doing the occasional film review, I find myself with the unenviable position of having my opinions solicited during these brouhahas. As in writing, it’s hard not to blurt out the most attention-grabbing putdown that comes to mind and see if it: a) startles your audience into dropping the topic altogether; b) puts them off to the degree that they will think twice about pursuing their line of questioning; and c) spurs people to harangue you until you come to blows. More often than not, the last is more or less what you get. Ironically, I have to admit that I’ve never told a lie or something I didn’t really believe in during those moments. (Yep, I really do think Wong Kar Wai is a no-talent charlatan. Ask Alexis Tioseco.)
But then again I’ve never taken it against anyone if his or her taste in films is not my own or — more commonly — embarrassing. In fact I’ve come to realize that almost everyone I know has their share of bad taste in movies. The ones I disagree with often are usually the ones I respect the most actually. For example Alexis (just because we’ve brought his name up earlier) and his assertion that (again, because we’ve mentioned the name already) Wong Kar Wai is the second most important filmmaker working today is as indefensible as my own belief that Ron Jeremy’s impressive talent deserve an Oscar more than Scorsese ever did. Both can be argued with passion and skill — and they’d still be untrue to the other. No one wins — so why bother?
Well, I guess because it’s fun. That’s what cinema should be about; like rock ‘n’ roll, a movie can’t really change the world. So might as well enjoy it. Hell, if you ain’t gonna have fun watching Blueberry Nights then you might as well have some watching two know-it-alls battle it to the death arguing about its merits (or more accurately, its lack of same.)
Times like these, you need films that are like chewing gum. Well, at least, once in a while.
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If you like such tomfoolery, then we suggest you attend the grand launch of Mogwai tomorrow at the Marikina Shoe Expo (or Cubao X). Both a café and restaurant as well as a cinematheque, it’s owned and run by filmmakers who never tire of arguing their points and showcasing films. From European avant-garde to Japanese nun-xploitation to Pinoy classics, Mogwai is nonetheless much like the fictional watering hole Cheers — where everybody knows your name (because they read the credits of your film).
For comic aficionados, Sputnik is also opening that night and it has no less than comic guru (and Care Bear disciple) Ramon de Veyra to usher you in and argue the finer points about each and every one of ‘em funnybooks on display.
Also it’s the unveiling of Leeroy New’s permanent installation; appearances by Leinil Yu, Arnold Arre, and Louie Cordero; performances by Marty McFly, Shoulder State, and Blast Ople; the release of Nardong Tae No. 4; the debut of TWAT’s first release; and comics and toys to be raffled off to boot!
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Mogwai and Sputnik are located at the Cubao Expo on
