TV Movies

When I go to the theatre I know which movie I’m preparing to watch. However, while flipping channels at three in the morning, coming across a TV movie (if I haven’t seen the intro or haven’t looked at the TV guide) can be quite an odd experience, considering I usually have no idea what I’m in for. Often, with films I see in theatres, I look out for criticism or reviews so I can make a much more informed decision before shelling out $10.50. So, in a sense, can I really anticipate the joy of watching the film? Of course not. The true moment of joy is hearing the immediate buzz and watching the teaser; that’s what really intrigues me about the film. As a human living in the Western world, my impatience compels me to know the gritty details before I even watch the film, so I ask around, read reviews and end up ruining some of the initial joy for myself. TV movies are a whole other experience, though, because I’m completely oblivious to what I’m watching. I catch a movie at the beginning, wait for the title, and when I see it, that’s the joy. I have no preconceived notions of the film so, again, as a human, I want to know how everything pans out. This is the same for films I haven’t seen for some time. If I’m flipping through channels and stumble upon something I think I’ve seen before, my curious brain in the middle of the night will always be compelled to watch it until the end because I know what happens and usually start to like the movie again (so much so sometimes I buy it a couple days after, ha). Watching these movies can only be kept to oneself because often, at least in my case, I tend to love and watch old movies that none of my friends have heard of before. That’s the joy of it though, keeping it to myself. It’s great to genuinely enjoy a film with no preconceived notions, and just appreciate it for what it is; the individual vision of its maker. So what if these TV movies are old or outdated? These movies, even the lame ones, lay the foundation for the better films we watch today. Sure, theatres are where the art of film exists, but it’s good to kick back by on my own, watch a TV movie I’ve never seen, and congratulate it for keeping me watching; to simply appreciate it as raw film alone.