I’m a lifelong movie fanatic and that love for film was instilled in me at an early age by my parents. My father in particular had excellent taste in quality cinema and a deep knowledge of film history. I’ve seen hundreds of movies, some with family, some with friends, on dates and many by myself. I actually prefer seeing films alone because then I’m not paying attention to my movie partner’s reactions. I’m totally focused on what’s happening on the screen. Also, I like seeing my movies during the daytime because as Woody Allen said in “Crimes and Misdemeanors”, “It feels like playing hooky.”
With that, I thought I’d list some of the more memorable times I’ve had while watching movies. This is by no means a comprehensive list of the best films I ever saw, just a look back at special times experienced in the dark of a movie theater.
“The Godfather” 1972- When Michael Corleone has his wedding night scene with his first wife, that was the first time I ever saw female nudity on screen. My mom told me to shield my eyes but this eleven-year old boy still saw plenty.
“Deliverance” 1972- My dad and I saw this intense movie and while the Ned Beatty scene was unforgettable, so was the rest of the story. Burt Reynolds was never watchable as both a badass outdoorsman and then a whimpering injured victim of the river’s rapids. Dad used to say it was one of the best and worst movies he ever saw. He was never so right.
“The Exorcist” 1973- I saw this shocker with my mother and sister. Like everyone else, this devil possession story blew me away. Little Regan’s exorcism was fascinating and unforgettable. Still, the one scene I could not watch was when Linda Blair was undergoing medical tests and had a catheter placed into her neck and blood spurted out. That was too real for me.
“Jaws” 1975- I got my parents to take me to this first ever summer blockbuster on the first weekend it opened. I think I jumped out of my seat about five times but when we see Hooper check out the hull of Ben Garner’s trashed boat, whoa!
“Rocky” 1976- My dad took me to see this underdog boxing classic. When Rocky Balboa got up from the canvas in the fourteenth round it was beyond inspiring. Trainer Mickey begged him to “Down! Down! Stay Down” but Rocky refused and got back up to fight some more. I loved how he gestured to Apollo Creed to come and get him again and Creed has this bewildered look on his face. For the final round my dad, me and half the Oak Brook theater were out of our seats cheering on as if we were watching a real fight in person!
“Carrie” 1976- Remember the opening shower scene when Carrie White had her first ever period? Oh my God. I was in the theater seated between my mother and father and wanted to die right on the spot.
“Rocky 2”- 1979 Seeing a sequel be better than the original movie is unusual. But THE best scene is when Adrian comes out of her coma and whispers to Rocky to “Win.” As the bells and music swelled and Rocky starts his intense work-out, I had chills running up and down my spine.
I’ll share more of my movie moments in future blogs.
NEXT BLOG- Some things I’ve been watching and listening to that you might want to check out.