Marshall and the Movies

“The Origins Project” continues today with Ryan, also known as Univarn, from “A Life in Equinox.” We only recently discovered each other, but as some little-known movie called “Casablanca” says, “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

What movie began your love affair with cinema?

I’ve always been in love with movies, but the one film that really solidified it for me was Edward Zwick’s 1989 film GLORY. The real, honest, connection to fictitious (on some level of portrayal given artistic freedom with historical events) characters, wrapped in a meaning. In many respects it became the template by which I judge most movies.

When did you start blogging?

I started blogging way back in 2003 over at Rotten Tomatoes. I did that, off and on, for a handful of years, but A) The community had way too much turn-over and B) They removed all the personal aspects of it. It became a feeding ground for such anger. So, in 2009 I started up A Life in Equinox, and have been rolling along nicely every since.

Why did you start blogging?

For the ladies, obviously! Oh, ok, fine, not for the ladies (*wink*). I started it when I was 16, and very much in that “ugh, nobody’s listening to me phase” and felt like I needed a medium. Movies were a growing passion, and so I felt film blogging would be a perfect fit for me.

What has kept you going?

Comments. I know it sounds weird, but every time I get back from going some place and see a comment from one of my fellow bloggers, or someone whose never commented before, it just gears me up. It’s the equivalent of getting an energy drink. Just the knowledge that someone’s taken the time to read what I wrote, and respond, makes me feel great. No comments always leaves me a bit *sad face*

Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?

Well, despite how silly blogging can sound to others, my family’s always been very supportive of my blogging over the years, and have grown to appreciate, and cheer me on. In the blogging world TheAnswerMVP2001, Hollywood Spy Dezmond, and every one’s favorite Mad Hatter have been especially supportive in their own way (helping to keep me in check at times). But it’s great to get such support.

What’s the best part of being a blogger? The worst?

Best: Discussion. I love a good discussion. And here, with the LAMB, and everyone, so open to sharing opinion, discussing film, and arguing over whatever… ah, it’s just great. Makes me perk up with anticipation for each reply to my comment. Worth it every time for that freedom.

Worst: Running into the occasional film absolutist. Film scoring is opinion, you’re not the supreme judge of all that qualifies as cinema, bugger off!

Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?

My passion for movies as a whole, most definitely not. If nothing it’s strengthened my love for the history, and influence cinema has had onto itself throughout the last century! I would say over time it has greatly influenced my taste in movies, but I’m thinking that’s probably for the best.

What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?

Well that would be very recently when I got 5 nominations for the LAMMY! Still not sure how that happened, but it did, and I’m eternally grateful for it. The fact that with 500+ bloggers, even a select handful thought of me when listing 5 of their favorites in any category, made it just incredibly special.

What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion? To someone starting a blog of their own?

It’s always hard starting a new blog, but you’ve got to understand the crucial factor: You. You have to be willing to put yourself out there, allow your opinions to be open for attack, respected, and always be looking for new ways to grow, both as a person, and as a blogger. Comment, allow for people to comment. Agree, disagree. If you do it enough, and put real, valuable, points into every post and comment, people will find their way to you.

Tomorrow, “The Origins Project” continues with a look at what got Kai of “The List” started and what keeps him going.