Three years ago, I graduated high school with no idea what my life would become. First, I tried my luck with engineering at WPI. Didn't work out much. I decided to try a different subject in Rochester, assuming that I'd just figure it out when I got there. In a fever dream the morning of my last Physics II final at WPI, I had an epiphany. Of sorts. I knew that to be happy with my work I would have to sink my teeth into the english program at U of Rochester. This led me inevitably into taking film classes and I fell in love with film. I had always loved watching movies for fun or for escapism, but never in an academic or critical setting. I was refreshed and couldn't get enough. I hadn't seen many movies and I usually only saw what was popular or in theaters or would just rewatch old favorites with good friends so it was pretty fantastic.
I decided by the end of freshman year that I was going to really devote myself to film studies. I would expand my film knowledge. I started my summer with a netflix subscription and a shit job washing dishes full time at an Italian restaurant. I decided that I needed to broaden my film repertoire so I watched as much film as I could that summer. Then, as much film as I could in the fall semester afterwards. Then, as much film as I could over that winter break. Then as much film as I could in the spring semester. I couldn't stop myself. I've been watching as much as I can ever since. Oh, and I've been making sure to keep track.
As I finished up my last semester I realized that I was getting dangerously close to a big number. I've finally reached it. Usually, I try to be modest as all hell, but this is one accomplishment I just have to be proud of.
I've seen over 1000 movies.
I know it is just a number, but those four digits mean a whole lot to me.
It is a sort of representation of all my work and effort to educate myself about film both in and out of school. These are movies seen with friends, with classmates, and lovers. Movies seen in theaters and in classrooms; in dark basements and living rooms. Movies seen through dreary rains, lazy summers, and frigid winters. Movies seen in best of times and the worst of times; at the most momentous of occasions and the dullest of days.
I just want to say thank you to anyone involved. If you have ever seen a film with me, or talked about film with me, or taught me something - anything - about film, thank you. If you've contributed to this milestone in any way at all, thank you so much. I've got a whole lot of memories of the first thousand, here's hoping the next thousand will be just as great.
-Jay
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