seconds

 

 

Once more into the breach, dear friends…

Five whole years after my friend James McNally thought of making a point to see and write about a long-missed title once a month, and here we are. It has led me to some amazing movies, prompted some interesting lines of thought in this half-empty head of mine, and even introduced me to some fantastic people.

Speaking of which, snaps to Beatrice for once again designing this year’s splendid banner – and likewise for providing banners for every other year in the series so far. One year, I really must pay her…or at least give her a high five.

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.

This year, I have once again turned over selection to my readers, with the top ten vote-getters listed above. The Commissioner got a special selection of his own (WAGES OF FEAR), and I allowed myself a pick as well (L’ATALANTE)

I also continue to be impressed that several of my brothers and sisters in arms have stayed on-board…but of course as the year goes own, many wane. But that’s the way with resolutions right? We’re there at the gym bright and early on January 1st, by April it’s a different story

Never the less, 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 2017! 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.

 

Here’s what I’ll be watching…

 

HOWARD’S END
A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE
SECONDS
THE ELEPHANT MAN
THE LADY VANISHES
LADYKILLERS
THE PLAYER
WATERSHIP DOWN
DEKALOG
CARLITO’S WAY
L’ATALANTE
WAGES OF FEAR

 

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27 Replies to “Blindsided (Announcing The 2017 Blind Spot Series)”

  1. Pfft, dude, I’ve seen half of your lineup. C’mon, step up your game, man!

    Anyway, not sure if I’ll participate again this year. If so, I’ll e-mail you my list.

  3. I’ve already got my 2017 list written out. It’s slightly more ambitious this year because I’m going to try to do the Three Colors movies all in one month.

    I’ve seen two of your list (The Elephant Man and Watership Down) I can’t wait to hear what you think.

    Do you still want us to use the hashtag #BlindSpot on twitter or just tweet to you? I didn’t know if it got messy since there’s a show called Blind Spot now.

  4. I participated in 2014 and I just couldn’t keep up at the final three months (I was moving town, so everything was messed up). Now that it’s going to the new season, I think I’m gonna partake once more for 2017… now with a new list on my mind.

    I’ll share it to you soon. But for now let me do the math lol

    About your list, I’ve only watched 1 so far. Watching it during my Lynch marathon (you know right). Other titles sound obscure for me, but I’ve googled some and they’re intriguing. Gotta get some peeks, soon.

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  6. Some really fantastic films. I’ve seen everything but Dekalog. All good films but my favorite by far is Howards End so I’ll look forward to your thoughts on it the most. Wages of Fear would be next closely followed by Seconds and A Woman Under the Influence.

  7. Good list. Just put mine up as well. I’ve seen The Elephant Man and The Player but it’s been years for both. All the best in 2017, man.

  8. Oh man, Wages of Fear… That was on my 2016 list. I’m pretty excited for you. One of the tensest movies I’ve ever watched, if that’s a word. I’m FINALLY writing up my announcement post…

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    1. Welcome Simoa! New blood is always welcome in these parts. Whenever you gather your dozen selections together, be sure to ping me so I can see the post – I’d LOVE to see what you’re checking out for the first time in 2017!

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  14. Loving the British bunch in there!So glad you picked Watershp Down, ‘Bright Eyes’ oh man that song! Tearing up.

    Looking forward to what you think of The Player – picked it last year.

    Excellent looking list of films. I’ll be posting mine up soon.

  15. Well, hello! This is something I’d love to do. I’m new to this whole thing, but I’d love to do a Blind Spot for 2017.

  18. First time joiner! looking forward to your thoughts. L’Atlante, Dekalog & Wages of Fear are three of my favorites. As i’ve only seen 3 others on the list i’m looking forward to learning a lot as well!

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