Blog Anniversary and Other News

It’s that time of year again, when the leaves begin to change colors, a chill enters the air (Who am I kidding? This is Central Texas), and the mind drifts to darker, more comforting places, where ghostly apparitions and monsters dwell. It’s October, and that means two things: Horror Month has returned, and it’s my blog’s anniversary. As of October 3^rd, my blog turns 4 years old – not too impressive in the real world, but in blog years it’s nothing to sneeze at. What began as an excuse to continue writing essays after I left grad school and discuss my love for movies that slipped through the cracks has become a compulsion (I like to think a healthy one). Balancing time between my family, blog and day job at a Major University to Remain Nameless is still a test of my inner fortitude, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Although I’m stretched pretty thin these days, Cinematic Catharsis is my safe harbor, my refuge from everything else. It’s another year older, but it hasn’t grown old, and I don’t suspect it’s in danger of becoming so anytime soon.

If there’s one thing I could attribute to my blog’s longevity, it’s constantly shaking things up, and keeping things fresh. In addition to the recent Goldblumathon, I’ve introduced an increasing number of theme months, with Silent September, Horror Month and Japan-uary becoming regular things. For the most part, I go where the wind blows, with regard to my viewing habits. I don’t adhere to the lists of Oscar winners, and believe I can live a fulfilling life without seeing all 1,001 movies that someone arbitrarily decided I must see before I shake this mortal coil. Just because a film is beloved by a bunch of stuffy critics doesn’t make it more watchable. By the same token, just because it’s not highly ranked in IMDB, AFI, BAFTA or another bastion of critical consensus doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve a mention. I’m not saying I don’t get ideas from them, but word of mouth, reading reviews from other blogs, and thumbing randomly through the Psychotronic guides has been my primary compass for the past four years. Film is a subjective medium, and doesn’t exist in an antiseptic bubble. Okay, I’m stepping down from my soapbox now, so I can do a couple important shout outs…

Brandon Early of Movies at Dog Farm has graciously invited me to take part in his month-long celebration of horror and all things Halloween-related, Pre’Ween 2014. I urge everyone to stop by and take a look, as links from several participating blogs will be posted on a regular basis.

In other news, Alex Barrett and his talented cohorts are endeavoring to get their modern silent film London Symphony off the ground. You can learn more about their 21^st century love letter to one of the most vibrant, culturally diverse cities on Earth here, and also contribute to their Kickstarter campaign if you’d like to help out.

 

Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who continues to follow this little blog on a regular or semi-regular basis. I’m humbled by your support, and never fail to be  amazed that anyone would return again and again to read my decidedly uncultured opinions, when there are so many other great movie blogs out there. You make it all worthwhile. What’s next on the horizon for Cinematic Catharsis? As always, stay tuned.