A Reel Birthday

This month marks the 7^th anniversary of Reel Speak.

The number seven has always had a significant place in our culture, world, and universe. As a prime number, it has mathematical qualities which make it unique. The Old Testament tells us that the Earth was created in seven days, and in the natural world, there are seven days in the week, seven colors in a rainbow, seven seas, and seven continents, and history gives us seven emperors of Rome and the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. With such a presence, the number naturally became a part of music, art…and cinema. In film there were seven dwarfs in SNOW WHITE, seven deadly sins in SE7EN, and we also had THE HOUSE OF THE SEVEN GABLES, THE SEVEN SAMURAI, and THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. The number was a favorite of This Blogger as a young padawan, and as of this writing, there have been seven episodes in the primary STAR WARS saga.

And it is with STAR WARS where the origins of Reel Speak can be traced. In the grand year of 1977, This Blogger experienced STAR WARS for the first time…and was immediately placed on his career and life path. That night would inspire creativity, imagination, and most of all…hope. A hope that burns brightly still…each and every time the theatre lights dim and the screen brightens. On this 7^th anniversary of Reel Speak, it is once again time to share This Blogger’s reasons for loving the movies. This list, made up of direct and indirect film references, has changed and evolved over the years (much like its creator), but hopefully it offers a glimpse behind the curtain…where the wizard does his work. This is where Reel Speak comes from, as every one of these reasons is a piece of This Blogger.

WHY I LOVE THE MOVIES

20. Because the trick is not minding that it hurts.

19. Because if they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you.

18. Because a Jaguar Shark ate my best friend.

17. Because we will not walk in fear of one another.

16. Because of John Williams.

15. Because I have been, and always shall be your friend.

14. Because Claire once wore angel wings.  

13. Because Red October was hunted.

12. Because the only Virtue is Vengeance. A Vendetta.

11. Because Crom laughs at your four winds!

10. Because it’s a wonderful night for Oscar.

9. Because they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.

8. Because “I love you”, and “I know”.

7. Because every man dies. Not every man really lives.

6. Because I will drink your milkshake.

5. Because if someone asks me if I’m a god, I say yes.

4. Because they needed a bigger boat.

3. Because there had to be snakes.

2. Because the Fellowship will not fail.

1. Because of what happened on May 25^th, 1977.