Marshall and the Movies

Today’s edition of “The Origins Project” comes to you courtesy of Andrew at “Encore Entertainment.” He’s a contributor to the LAMB in charge of my personal favorite feature, LAMBcasting. But aside from that, he runs a great blog of his own. He’s been a good reader and commenter here since November 2009, and I’m certainly very honored every time he drops by and leave an intelligent comment.

What movie began your love affair with cinema?

I can remember liking movies for some time but that “aha” moment when I really fell for movies was with “The Aviator” in 2004. It was the first time I found myself prepared to defend a movie I liked strongly; incidentally it was also the first time I started taking the Academy Awards seriously though that didn’t work out too well with The Aviator. Still despite that disappointment and all the people claiming it was overlong and plot-less The Aviator was that turning point.

When did you start blogging?

I started a blog some time in July 2008. I wrote one post on the Emmy Awards and subsequently forgot the login information. I started again in January 2009, and I’m still here.

Why did you start blogging?

The first time, it was just boredom but I’ve always had a tendency to be like Professor Calamitous from Jimmy Neutron (i.e. completing nothing) and the blog was something I could write and actually finish. I don’t really know where I got that idea from, though; blogging is a bit like the Myth of Sisyphus – never ending.

What has kept you going?

Hmmm, after going for the first few months comment-less, I can’t really say, it was probably just blind folly. The eventual comments did give me that “finally” feeling – somebody was out there listening. Of course, meeting people in the community, too. You want to see how they develop and you develop yourself. At this point it’s been 19 months and I can’t quit now. All of that droning and then quit? No! I think the fact that I’ve lasted so long will be keep me going – until the end.

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

Other than my alter egos…I think the first blog I read was Nathaniel at The Film Experience so though he wasn’t speaking to me alone that was a “help”. And of course the community, Anahita was one of my first few friends in the blogosphere, and though school keeps her from blogging as much she’s still there. And of course noteworthy contributors (and friends) over the months – Danny, Univarn, Jose, Luke and all those other lovely folks – you know who you are!

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

The Best: Taking part. Not to sound all mawkish, but it’s nice to think of blogging and of a particular crowd of bloggers. There’s that solidarity that’s always a plus and, really, that’s about as great as you can get doing something that’s not exactly a “lost art”.

The Worst: Bloggers’ Guilt. I don’t know if I’m just neurotic, but I feel like I’m always blogging and when I’m not blogging I feel guilty. “Oh my god, I didn’t post today…or I didn’t comment on X’s post!” And then your priorities get all messed up and you say things like – I would have studied for that linguistics test…but I was blogging. For shame!

Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?

Is this like an egg or chicken, as in which came first, question? I don’t know. Maybe my growing love has made me continue blogging or maybe it’s vice versa. It hasn’t diminished it, certainly. It’s made me more knowledgeable. Nick of Nick’s Flicks Picks is one of the smartest people I’ve read and even though I end up disagreeing with him (like I do with everyone) reading his thoughts, like many others, gives you a new perspective and I become more interested in the trade.

What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?

Hmm. I’m not sure. My first commenter was a proud moment. After months of talking to myself Nathaniel of The Film Experience graced me with two comments – that was surprising and it being the first you got that warm feeling and all. I could probably turn to the musical blog-a-thon I had two months ago which was really well received. In the end, though, every time someone leaves an insightful comment or something like “this is a good post” I feel proud.

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

To anyone: Try to assess why you want to follow that path and make sure it’s for you. If it’s not chances are you won’t be too enthused when the tough times come.

To bloggers: I know these things should be spontaneous, or so I heard, but take a month and plan before you start a blog. So many get in over their heads and can’t sustain. Start out slowly, seek out fellow bloggers and take it from there….and don’t worry about good or bad writing, salient or trivial points – just write.

Stay tuned into “The Origins Project,” which will feature Darren of “The M0vie Blog” in the next installment.