Welcome back to WOR$T BLOG IN AMERICA! It’s a party, it’s a party, ayyyyyyy! This week we are exploring film–a deep passion of mine–and its impact film has on the individuals who delve into watching film, whether they are casual watchers or devoted cinephiles.
Across multiple platforms of social media, I have observed–and participated in–multiple communities and fandoms dedicated to particular movies, shows, even plays. Personally, I began joining film communities at a younger age due to exposure of social media apps. I saw the emotions that film brought out in people that may be difficult to express. One of the most meaningful examples of this that comes to mind was when the film I Saw the TV Glow, dir. Jane Schoenbrun, was released, and the plethora of posts made by real people speaking about how this film contributed to their journey of self-acceptance being apart of the transgender and queer community. One person writes:
“my name is julie. i am a trans woman…tonight is the first time i’ve said those words to anyone …watching I Saw the TV Glow tonight, i saw myself up there on the screen in a way I never thought i’d see in a film” @mesh509 on I Saw the TV Glow (2024) via Letterboxd.
This comment received over 50,000 interactions and has sparked several responses. This is a perfect example to why film is so important to me, and so many others–and why film is important in general. Film brings people together and can create countless fandoms depending on the film and its content.
As shown through that quote, Letterboxd is a huge platform for movie enjoyers to learn, communicate, and share opinions and knowledge about movies, even renowned music artists participate in posting their opinions and reviews on this app, like pop-star Charli XCX with over 1,000 movie reviews. I only have around 300 reviews on mine…kind of shocked at how many movies Charli XCX watches. Ariana Grande also has shown her position in fandoms for the play and now movie,Wicked dir. Don Mantello, expressing her love for the characters Elphaba and Galinda, before starring as Galinda in the film adaptation of the famous Broadway play. These fandoms also gather on other online apps such as Twitter, TikTok, etc. I’m always scrolling through Twitter or TikTok and if someone looks over at my phone, I can guarantee, they will see post on my timeline about a movie or show. My timeline is currently filled with people talking about the new Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising movie as the US release date approaches, and for some silly reason, I have been seeing the Madoka Magica Fandom and Marvel fandom interact because they are comparing Tom Holland’s Peter Parker and Zendaya’s MJ to the characters Madoka and Homura…anyway let me stop yapping.
Film also expands past its watchers. Not only does it affect them, but also the people who participate in creating these forms of art. Actors, actresses, directors, sound directors, and more all come together to create something great and that is meaningful. Creation stems from appreciation, and these people are all core figures in the community of film. My personal favorite directors are David Lynch and Greta Gerwig, so if you haven’t seen anything by them, I would definitely recommend checking them out.
The importance of film means a great deal to me. The communities surrounding film is a great place to join. I hope to learn more about the different fandoms as I continue to explore different films spanning across multiple genres and have the honor of participating in these associations. Anyway, whoever is reading this…wherever you are…go watch a movie and rate it on Letterboxd.
