Ryan McNeil
Three years later, I can’t seem to thank my friend James McNally enough for planting this seed in my brain. It has led me to some truly fantastic films, prompted some interesting lines of thought in this half-empty head of mine, and even introduced me to some fantastic people.
In case you’re new here (Hey, how’s it goin’?), the concept is simple. Once a month, I make a concerted effort to see a particularly egregious title of my watchlist. When that’s done, I come back here to discuss whatever thoughts came to mind while the film unspooled…not so much a review (though there’s nothing wrong with that), more the general meanderings inspired by finally catching up with “an essential”.
By keeping the tally to a mere dozen films, it becomes a watchlist that was both enjoyable and attainable…as opposed to drawing up a to-see list of, say, fifty. Likewise, by choosing a specific set of films, it gives the project a sense of purpose, since really any catalogue film you haven’t seen before could be considered a blindspot.
While it’s not the case for everybody, I can also honestly say I have enjoyed every single title I’ve seen so far…with some of them leaving impressions on me that won’t soon go away.
I also continue to be impressed that several of my brothers and sisters in arms have stayed on-board. I’m hoping a few will keep the project going and choose a new dozen films. I’m also hopeful that some of the other movie-lovin’ bloggers who frequent this space will set out a dozen of their own to dig through in 2015! In case you’re new to the whole idea, here’s the skinny:
I intend to post my entries on the final Tuesday of every month, and at the bottom of each post, will likewise link to anyone else who is participating in the series. So if you want to partake, drop me an email (ryanatthematineedotca) when it’s up and I’ll make sure you get linkage at month’s end.
This year, I went back to the idea of putting things to a vote, save one or two commissioner’s picks that I wanted to make sure were on the team. Things are nicely varied this year, with titles from several different countries, one piece of silent cinema, and one piece of animation. That said, thing have taken a bit of a slant towards the modern this year…not that there’s anything wrong with that. Here’s what I’ll be watching…
ALL THAT JAZZ
BELLE ET LA BÊTE
THE EARRINGS OF MADAME DE…
LA HAINE
THE JERK
MIDNIGHT RUN
MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO
PARIS, TEXAS
SECRETS AND LIES
THE SEVENTH SEAL
SHERLOCK, JR.
WITHNAIL & I
You are in for a REAL treat with the ones I’ve seen here. My Neighbor Totoro is probably my favorite animated film ever, Belle et la Bete was one of my blind spots this year, and so far it’s my favorite from the year, All that Jazz is incredible, Paris Texas is the best film of 1984 (and yes, I’ve seen and loved Amadeus), Secrets and Lies is a spellbinding ensemble, The Jerk is pretty hilarious, The Seventh Seal is one of Josh’s favorite films and one of Bergman’s best and The Earrings of Madame De…is one of my favorite films of all time, period!
I didn’t care for Withnail & I…like…I lasted about 15 minutes before turning it off, and I never do that, but I just couldn’t take it.
All of this only makes me more excited. Sorta wish I could skip DANCER IN THE DARK and THREE COLORS and just get right to these!
No, Dancer in the Dark and especially Three Colors are well worth seeing first…Three Colors is an extraordinary feat in itself…just incredible filmmaking!
Well then consider my Three Colors post my Christmas gift to you as it will be dropping just before we turn the calendar.
Such a great list!
So far I’ve seen only four of these: All That Jazz, My Neighbor Totoro, Paris, Texas and Secrets and Lies and I loved all of them.
It’s also great that you made a diverse list so you can get your hands on films from different genres. I’ve heard great things about the ones I haven’t seen. You’ll have a great time with these films. Well picked!
It’s funny, I sorta feel like last year’s list was more diverse. Last year five of the six weren’t in english, and a sixth (MAN WITH A MOVIE CAMERA) could also be considered a “foreign film”. There’s also no love for the docs this year.
Still – it’s a great crop, and your vote helped build it. So thanks for that – you going to join the project again next year?
Yes, I’ll join the project and will post my line-up in a few days. Still need to make sure it’s all done right.
YAAAYYYY Whithnail and I and La Haine made it in!! I think my list will have Beauty and the Beast too 🙂 🙂
La Haine might be my starter, since it’s already on my PVR waiting for me.
I’ve seen 8 (would say 9, but I’m not counting my teen late night viewing of Midnight Run that I barely remember) of these so far… feels weird… I keep imagining you’re supposed to have seen these things…
But you’ll enjoy them all (at least in the 8 I’ve seen).
I know I’ve strayed from the path as of late, but I still love this idea. While I’m not writing right now I’m actually still watching the films I’ve scheduled this year. And with Damion snatching my December pick from me (and now seen the Three Colors Trilogy) I only have this month’s African Queen to see to complete seeing my Blindspots for 2014.
Wonder if I should pull a substitute for December 2014? Dunno. Recommend me something you know I’ve been lacking.
You could always turn it into a small podcast diary: Watch your one film per month, and just babble about it into the mic for five minutes. At the end of the day though, the watching is the most important thing…so if you’re pushing yourself to try new things, then call it a win and move on with your chest puffed out.
No clue what to suggest for you – is there anything in the last BFI Top Ten that you haven’t seen yet? For me 2014 was about finishing that.
I’ve honestly been considering that… but I still feel weird about releasing those bits on film where I’m alone babbling. BECAUSE IT WOULD FINALLY BE ALL ABOUT ME (which is weird).
— to be considered in time.
You’re better at such things than you think – in fact the two podcast morsels I posted where I just plugged in the mic and spoke were, in part, inspired by your MYL intros.
Nice! I’ve seen six of them – All That Jazz, Beauty and the Beast, The Jerk, Paris Texas, The Seventh Seal, and Sherlock Jr. They’re all great picks, and I expect you’re going to enjoy them. My Neighbor Totoro is actually my 2014 Blind Spot for December, so I’ll be watching it next month.
My list should be up tomorrow for 2015! None of mine will match yours, but Midnight Run just missed the cut in the voting.
Just took a glance at your list for next year (delayed responses can be good for something!)…you are definitely in for good times. The funny thing is that several of yours are films I have been nudged towards from writing this space. So even if they weren’t Blind Spots per-se, they were still part of the discovery process that having discussions here have prompted.
Here’s to 2015!
I like my list for 2015, though I’m a little surprised that more of the commercial titles won out. The opposite happened with the voting last year. Still, I think it’s a good mix. Looking forward to reading your thoughts again in this series in 2015!
Wow, I haven’t seen any of these, and there’s maybe only three or four I’ve heard of. I’ve seen a review of All That Jazz (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqlpcHAOFfw), and I’ve heard of My Neighbour Totoro, The Seventh Seal, and Sherlock Jr. Since I know pretty much nothing about any of your other choices I’m not really qualified to comment on the list.
I recently published a preliminary list consisting of several ideas I’ve had for my own blindspot choices next year containing twenty-nine different candidates (it’s grown up to somewhere around 34 since then with a few others that didn’t make that original list).
I’ll obviously have to narrow it down to twelve before January, but I did attempt to get as varied a selection as I could. There are a few more recent ones but I also go as far back as 1925, with a mix of mainstream American and foreign movies. Ultimately, it will probably boil down to availability as the factor that really defines what movies I pick (Christopher Strong is less likely since I have failed to find any way I can watch it, I can’t find it on DVD and I haven’t been able to find it at the library, at least not in a format I can work with), so we’ll have to see what the final selection is, but perhaps you’d like to take a look:
http://hitchcocksworld.blogspot.ca/2014/11/2015-blindspot-challenge-preliminary.html
I’ve said this before, I’ll say it again: Try to steer clear of more modern titles. Beyond the fact that their legacy is still being written, to me they seem less like “blind spots” and more like “movies I haven’t watched yet”. It’s still good to make a point of such things, but when we hatched this idea, we wanted to take aim at the bigger fish…titles you see on ‘all-time’ lists and the like. Another easy line is the new century, since it feels like films from this century don’t require the sort of context that the older ones do.
At the end of the day though, I’m still just happy to see you looking for new titles to watch.
You’ve got a great list here, based on the several I’ve seen! So glad La belle et la bete made it in!
I got behind on my 2014 Blind Spot list largely as a result of canceling Hulu Plus (Paris, Texas was one on my list this year that I didn’t get to), and I haven’t decided if I’m going to try for 2015 or not, at least in any kind of concerted way. I’m intending to focus pretty heavily on finishing out some director filmographies for a potential post series, so I may not have time to add more to it. We’ll see!
Like I said to Andrew, it could just be a dialled-down version for yourself. Pick a night (first Monday of the month, or something) and say “On this day, I’ll look for something new to watch on Netflix that I should have seen already”…or go through the TCM schedule and be sure to record one thing from the month to come.
Thanks for checking in on me as these go along btw…sometimes it’s kinda tricky thinking what new to say about these much-discussed films, but support like yours gives me a real shot in the arm.
I’ll certainly be hitting a lot of blind spots in a way with the director-specific viewing I’m planning, but a lot of them will also be obscure/lesser-known films, which is not really the typical blind spot play. We’ll see how it goes. Jon and I are also planning to start a podcast, so maybe some blind spot type stuff will get mentioned there. WHO CAN SAY?! 🙂
I’m sorta surprised that nobody yet has used this as an excuse to circle one specific director, especially dudes like Hitchcock or Woody Allen who have a zillion titles. Though now that you remind me, I really should get back to finishing off the films of Wilder…especially considering I’m as close as I am (I think I only have five or six to go)
Totally can’t wait to hear a podcast starring you and Jon!
I think people aim for a little variety in their Blind Spot lists, which precludes focusing on a specific director. I’m at the point with people with Wilder, Hitchcock, Capra, and a few others where I only have their lesser-known-for-good-reason films left, which is less fun than if you’re making a run at a director for the first time (I’m mostly down to the silents with Hitchcock, and I’m not that excited about mainlining them). Still, there are hidden gems to be found.
We’re hopefully starting this week or next, depending on time/energy. Look for it on Row Three.
Pretty good list, about five of which I’ve seen.
I decided on my 2015 list quite a while ago, with me deciding to make it a yearlong celebration of the 40th anniversary of TIFF (i.e. Most of the selections are past People’s Choice winners).
Full list: http://www.skonmovies.com/2014/10/announcing-blindspot-2015-celebrating.html
Not a bad idea. Good luck with the four modern ones though.
I’m so glad you do this series. Seriously, this is the reason I actually got off my ass to check out classic movies. I’ve already gotten my 2015 thrown together as well. (and I’m watching my November Blindspot, My Neighbor Totoro tonight!)
And I’m so glad that you continue to participate (the roll-call dwindles as the year goes on). If I do another episode of the podcast dedicated to the series next year, I’m going to do my darndest to get you on.
But I’m sooooo shy and awkward! I’d just stutter the whole time. lol
And thats where my mad skillz as an editor come into play. It’s gonna happen in 2015, so gird your loins.
Secrets and Lies is all kinds of awesome! Everyone in the cast is amazing, but, believe me, Brenda Blethyn is astonishing in EVERY single scene.
Funny thing – I think if I go backwards from the present, that’s the first film nominated for Best Picture that I haven’t seen. Definitely looking forward to it, especially considering how much I’ve come to appreciate Mike Leigh over the last few years.
I’ve seen half of these films. They’re awesome.
I’m going to watch my next Blind Spot assignment tonight as I will make an announcement after I release the review of that film. Yet, here’s a preview of the Blind Spots I’m going to see for 2015.
DON’T LISTEN TO JOHN!
He hates all thing Godard…and he’s WRONG. Alphavile it wonderful!!!
There are some glorious titles on your slate for next year, so I’m certainly anxious to see you start digging into these. Thanks again for keeping up with this series!
I agree with Andrew – so much so I had to comment on your Letterboxd, and follow you while I was at it. 🙂
I’ve only seen My Neighbor Totoro from your list, and it was amazing! Some of the movies you mentioned are also on my watch list, though not necessarily my blind spot picks. I’m still finalizing my list for next year, hopefully I’d have it up before the end of this month.
Am I losing my memory, or did you design the banner for last year’s series?
Yes, I did. 🙂
Think you might like to design us a new one for 2015?
I’ll try! I’ll send you an email.
Interesting a varied mixture, I have seen Eight of them.
I have to tell my La Haine anecdote whenever it is mentioned; I took a French girl to see it at the cinema when it first came out, she spent the whole movie complaining that that the subtitles were wrong, and reminding me how stupid I must be for not speaking French. There wasn’t a second date!
I quote Ratatouille: “We hate to be rude…but we are French”
For someone who is sorta-ish young and always seems to be behind in movie-viewing, especially the classics, I’m proud to say I’ve seen BELLE ET LA BÊTE. I actually own it. Definitely a fan, and I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it! 🙂
Meanwhile, I’m making my way through my Shame List of 31 titles (I’ve seen three so far!).
If you wanna piggyback the list of shame into this little project, I’d happily link to your posts. Just send me one towards the end of each month and try to have a link to the project somewhere in the piece.
Hey, I’d be all for that! No guarantee I’ll get a post for one of those films out every month, but I’d like to try. Will do! Thanks for that – I appreciate it.
Give it a shot – we don’t take attendance or anything but it’d be nice to link to your work.
I have my final list together. It was difficult to narrow down but I decided to take your advice and cut the most three most recent films (Blue is the Warmest Color, 12 Years a Slave, and Django Unchained). The rest of it is a bit weird because it starts in the 20’s, goes into the 60’s and then jumps straight into the 90’s, but I have a much more varied selection than last year with movies as early as 1925 and as recent as 2007. The list also includes an Italian film and a piece from the Soviet Montage movement so there is some national diversity and this should also bring me one step closer to completing my Kubrick collection:
http://hitchcocksworld.blogspot.ca/2014/11/2015-blindspot-challenge-final-list.html
While I really don’t want to tell you what films you should be focusing on, I really want to stress how I don’t see a critical darling from seven years ago as a blindspot. On the flip side, have you already seen:
All of the original AFI Top 100?
All of the 10th Anniversary AFI Top 100?
Every Best Picture Winner?
Every Palme d’Or Winner?
The Sight & Sound Top 10 (critics AND directors)?
You might find a few more deserving candidates in amongst them…
Ryan, if it’s a critical darling and you missed it, how does that not fit the definition of a Blind Spot? If it’s something John thinks he should’ve seen by now and hasn’t, seems like fair game to me.
It does fit the definition of Blind Spot, I’m just thinking John might want to dig a little deeper. At the end of the day, it’s semantics, but I think there’s a bit of a difference between “blind spot” and “movie I haven’t seen yet”. Of course, I’m just happy he’s watching things he hasn;t seen before
There’s a complex interplay between “movies I haven’t seen yet” (a very broad group), “movies I want to see” (a narrower one), and “movies I think I should see” (a narrower group yet, and obviously one with a lot of baggage). Blind Spots are a combination of the second and third, with maybe a bit more focus on the third.
I mean, I put Predator on my list this year. I doubt that would garner as many “blind spot” points as the Palme d’Or, AFI lists, or Oscar winners I haven’t seen, but it hit the right combination of “want to see,” “should see” (in terms of appreciation from my age peers), and availability.
I’m obviously in favor of digging deep, but including some more accessible, more recent critically acclaimed films isn’t bad either.
This is an interesting conversation. I’ve always looked at the Blind Spot Series as not being restricted to lists like AFI and or Best Picture Winners. I’ve gone that route in the past, and there’s nothing wrong going that way. However, it can also be that something like ’80s action films or anime is a blind spot.
I do think that really recent movies are hard to classify as a blind spot, but I have The Host on my list this year. That’s only eight years old, but I still feel I’ve already been pushing it aside for years. So I’m hardly sticking to that model.
I’m new to this business, but, I’m up for this!
Regards,
P
Good luck on getting through your twelve!
I’m glad I joined this year! I already made a list for next year 🙂 I loove My Neighbor Totoro, you should definitely see it
The sick thing is that there’s been a few times in recent years that I could have even watched Totoro on a big screen. I really have to get better at grabbing hold of such opportunities.
Finally going to take on the blind spot challenge!! I can’t wait (will shoot an email off nowish!)
The only one I’ve seen on this list it Totoro and it’s all kinds of loveliness. Anything Ghibli is really!
Thanks again for joining in, Ruth – and for stopping by The Matinee. My brain might be going, but I feel like you’re sorta new around these parts…am I wrong?
I think I’m going to try and join in this year 🙂
Thought about which twelve movies you’re going to watch yet?
Every time I participate, and every time I fail.. this is like my own little blind spot where I keep messing up. I’ll try again, like always.. I’ll most likely keep my previous ones from last years because I have some serious blind spots when it comes to classics.
I’ve seem one on your list though, Totoro and it’s so fun! I’ve never felt as emotionally sad as during a scene you’ll see in that.
Wish me luck.. I’ll keep my participation a secret just in case I fail again because I’m ashamed to my core right now.
Don’t feel so bad. Three times around now I can tell you one thing for sure, the list of links at the end of my January post are always longer than the list of links at the end of my December post. It’s like making a resolution to start hitting the gym.
Just put a push on tracking down movies you’ve never seen before.
Hello, Ryan. This is a great idea that I’m going to participate in this year. Keeping my fingers crossed that I get them all watched.
I’ve got mine picked out, getting quite excited about finally seeing these films!
Looking forward to having you aboard! The first entry goes up in just under two weeks.
So many great films on your list Ryan! I love Secrets & Lies, and Withnail and I is a cult clasic in the UK, I’m curious to read your upcoming reviews.
I’ve decided to join again for 2015, I forgot to share with you my 12 new blind spot selections, so here they are:
http://moviesandsongs365.blogspot.com/2014/11/selections-for-2015-blind-spots-series.html
Glad to have you back, good sir. I can’t wait to read your post on Spinal tap.
I haven’t seen that many films in your list Ryan, but I do think that Belle et La Bete is an incredible film to see and I am very pleased that you have that on your list and I will interested to see what you thought about the films you have selected for this year.
Also, I have decided to join this for the first time and I will share with you my 12 Blind Spot Selections.
http://moviereviewsfromjames.blogspot.com/2015/01/2015-blindspot-challenge-year-i.html
Welcome to The Dark Side, James. You have a few of my all-time faves in that list so I’m anxious to hear how things go. You also have a rather recent selection with TAKE SHELTER. I usually nudge people towards separating “Blindspots” from “Movies I Haven’t Seen Yet”…but getting you into the flos of things is the most important part.
So good luck – two weeks until the opening lap!
Hey hey! So glad I heard about this challenge from Anna over at Film Grimoire, which led me to your blog! I’ll be participating as well. Cheers!
Your list is quite eclectic, so I’ll be interested in seeing how yours plays out. Like I just mentioned to James, I’m a little surprised to see so many new titles on your twelve…since I usually just consider those “films I haven’t seen yet”. But getting you watching and getting you writing is the most important bit – plus if you wanted to switch out some of the newer ones, you could always do that too.
M is a film I adore, so I’ll definitely be curious to see what you think about it…and I’m morbidly curious to see how you’ll handle all four hours of AT BERKELY.
Tally ho – the fun starts in two weeks!
Really looking forward to taking part this year after seeing so many other Blogger’s work their way through their lists. Here’s ours! http://flick-chicks.blogspot.com/2015/01/2015-blind-spot-series.html
– Allie
Geez with so many participants this year, I should probably start formatting the January post this evening…lest I be up until all hours on Monday night!
Good luck on your journey – I’m definitely looking forward to reading your reactions to some of these films.
Awww bummer I aint on the list! Oh well, I am a newcomer!