Marshall and the Movies

Today’s “The Origins Project” comes courtesy of Andrew the Whiffer from the blog “Get A Whiff of This Movie*.” We are only beginning to explore each other’s blogs – at least through comments on his end and visits on my end – but his answers hold as much value as any long time blogging pal.  Enjoy.

What movie began your love affair with cinema?

There was no one single movie, but if I had to choose one that made me realize I was obsessed, it was “The Dark Knight.” And then I saw “Citizen Kane” and realized I liked old movies as well, and wasn’t an old fart like most of the critics I read.

When did you start blogging?

At last count, 386 days ago. 6/18/2009. Drudgery became enjoyment, very very slowly, over the next few months.

Why did you start blogging?

At first, it began because the blog was there, and now I had to at least use it. Part of it was also because I was bored. As a result, the first reviews are embarrassingly bad. I used a stuffed dog as an alter ego, redesigned the site, and I was on my way.

What has kept you going?

Mainly to simply get better at reviewing. Then after a while I would come up with new things to write about, and my blog would be my only way to put it down and out into the world. It’s gotten so bad that when I see something interesting, the writing will be composing itself in my brain. Because when normal people see a guy use a fan at full blast as a microphone, they pass it by. I can’t get it out of my head, and so I write about it, or work it into cinema, which I appreciate more through this blog and others.

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

Not at first. Then came the commenters. Two of them hated me. The third was my mother. Then I got a shout out from Roger Ebert. And you. And people at church. Even from a random attorney in Toronto whom I’ve never met, but has her own fantastic blog. I’m *hoping* that things will improve. For the longest time, I looked at the info and it said, quite simply, “NO COMMENTS.” It was pathetic. I felt like I was in a bad movie.

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

The best part is being able to express yourself on the Web without anyone killing you for it (although this is increasingly becoming less common.) The worst is the total solitude when nobody, and I mean nobody, comments for weeks upon weeks, or even responds via email, or elsewhere on the Web.

Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?

Increased – but only for the good ones. After seeing great movies, I want to curl up into a little ball while seeing something painful, i.e. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?

When I read my review of Play Time, then read Roger Ebert’s review of said film, and then David Bordwell’s, and realized that as far as competent style, you couldn’t tell the difference. And when Roger Ebert said that “the kid knows how to write.” Then again, he told you that “bloggers like you have greatly improved my outlook.” And he said similar things to Jenna Rocca, Grace Wang, S.M. Rana, David Bordwell, Conor Woody, and Wael Khairy. On every one of their blogs, they said something like “Oh my God! I got noticed by Roger Ebert!” Scary.

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

If you think you can do it, go for it. Just practice, read what you’ve written, and then think to yourself, “Do I love this?” Not like a lot. Do I love what I’ve done? Would you hate to have that taken away from you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, tell me so I can check out your blog. Then full speed ahead.

On deck for “The Origins Project” is the guys from “Anomalous Material,” the booming movie lovers community.