The Culture Diaries: Insights into Note-Taking - March 31st, 2021

I made a discovery these past couple days that has really made a difference in my film watching:  taking notes during a film.  I first tried this out a couple nights ago while watching an Al Pacino movie called Sea of Love (1989) and I noticed that it really made a difference in my comprehension and enjoyment. 

I took notes on plot details and various observations I made throughout the screening.  This really helped in paying attention to the details of the story and made me hyper-aware and more mindful of everything that was happening on screen.  

I applied this once again to my screening today of Odd Man Out (1947) and the same results were found.  More understanding, better insights, an overall more-observant viewing experience.  This is not surprising given that memories tend to fade of little details and it is definitely helpful in writing a review afterwards when you have these notes in your hand.  

Pauline Kael, as I read in her biography, was also a user of notes during screenings.  This is probably why she is known as one of the most eloquent, focussed movie critics in her time.  Note-taking really heightens your overall awareness of everything going on in the film, but it also allows you to notate insights that may arise as the result of what you are watching. 

This could be a real breakthrough for me and it can apply to other areas of life as well.  Taking notes on everything from things you read to general life insights would be amazingly beneficial.  I look forward to continuing to employ this strategy going forward.  

Mindfully Watching

As an avid movie-watcher and occasional reviewer, I find it frustrating at times just how difficult it can be to fully absorb and concentrate on a movie or television show from beginning to end.  My mind frequently gets caught up in passing thoughts that disrupt my comprehension of and concentration on a given film or show.  This is especially prevalent with more complex, dialogue-laden films that require your undivided attention.  

In our hyper-connected world there is also an abundance of distractions.  Having your phone dinging away or the noises of people in other rooms taxes your level of concentration.  As someone who places great value on understanding the history, theory and instances of films, I have done my best to find ways to alleviate this problem of thwarted attention in movie-watching.  

One way to help you concentrate is to put your phone way, in another room perhaps.  This eliminates the need to pull your phone out during a film to look up something associated with it or even something not even pertaining to what you’re currently doing.  This will increase your focus and attention considerably. 

I like to make it my mission when watching films to limit my movement.  Even checking your watch to see how much progress you’ve made on what you’re watching can divide your attention.  In fact, you may want to take your watch off or not check it at all.  Try to invest completely in resisting to look away from the screen and hold your gaze on it through the entire film’s duration.  Not only will your concentration increase, but I have found that my enjoyment of the film increases considerably as well.  

One thing I have experimented with in watching films is to sit in a meditative, lotus position while watching, maybe on a meditation cushion.  By doing this, you will be forced to pour your whole being into what you’re watching, a very effective technique for comprehension, enjoyment, and absorption.  

One of the aims of meditation, if you could call it that, is to be fully present in the now.  By applying this aim to film-watching, one can drastically improve the quality of the watching experience.