.: commentary :.

Because of my "Reading Film" class, I have been watching those little bonuses that come on DVD's nowadays called... "Director's Commentary". For all of you who have ever wondered why they put those on DVD's, it's for film buffs and movie nerds like me. I am writing a paper on the style and filmography of Steven Soderbergh, so last night I forced myself to watch "Ocean's Eleven" with the "Director's Commentary", followed by watching it for a second time this afternoon for the "Actor's Commentary".



Now let me explain something to you! You objectively read these words and say to yourself, "Lucky! I wish all my homework was like that... just watching films all day!" But trust me... it is not as fun as it sounds. Yeah, it is interesting to pick up little insights behind a movie, but the handful of times that I have had to do it for notes, thoughts, and fodder for my papers, it has taken me twice the length of the movie itself. That is because I have to pause the DVD every 30 seconds just so I can write down everything the person just said. No, this is not an entertaining way to spend an evening by any means. BUT... that being said, I am learning alot and it is taking something I enjoy (watching movies) to a much deeper level... which allows me to appreciate them beyond their asthetic value ("pleasing to the eye").



And, like Soderbergh says, "If you want to learn something about filmmaking, watch the commentaries on DVD's!" Okay, I think I will from now on!