Dear Reader:
As the title suggests, I plan on tackling the role of “movie critic” here at the Aumnibus for the remainder of my last semester at AUM. I do not intend for all of you to agree with the words I type, nor do I expect to follow in the footsteps of my predecessor Olivia Crutchfield. These features I write will be based on my own experience and knowledge.
Those who know me, know I tend to fall behind on series such as this, but I write this letter to you as a means to fulfill my promise to the Aumnibus and more importantly a promise to myself. I intend to break several journalistic norms and conventions in order to give an authentic truth to my experiences as I record them.
You may be asking what exactly is this series called “Kodi’s Cinema Criteria” supposed to be about?
This is not by any means just a movie review, my predecessor has already brought you that experience with passion and excellence. I aim to explain to you how and why a movie works.
My goal is to educate my audience in storytelling as told through the movie screen, or laptop, or even the Blue Ray DVD player you may use at home. I want to bring back what makes storytelling great, and that is the communication that comes after hearing these stories.
As I describe how tastefully or repugnantly directors use specific camera angles or specific themes that suit or don’t suit the world we live in, I hope you will be able to gain a new profound perspective and appreciation for the arts (in this case filmography). It is my hope, it is my potential joy knowing that if someone asks you why you liked or disliked any movie, you’ll have the tools to give a more specific answer or understand the feeling that “I just didn’t like it” brings.
My first challenge to you before I start submitting these reviews is this:
The next time you’re watching a movie or a play, ask yourself this- “Why should I care?”
If you can justify your answer by the end of the film, then you know you truly have witnessed something special.
Thank you for reading this far into this open letter. I hope to entertain you in the days to come,
Kodi Robertson- Senior