Dish of the Day

Just some film musings of a more succinct, spontaneous and sometimes seditious nature:

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Recently, in our Facebook chat room (all readers are welcome to join here), a member asked who, famous or unknown, critic or fan, might have seen the most films in his/her lifetime…

… to which I share my musings:

William K. Everson

This is a fascinating and, for myself, thought provoking question. For example, someone such as English-American archivist, author, critic, educator, collector and film historian William K. Everson, who amassed a great amount of experience as well as a vast knowledge from viewing an enormous number of films, died in 1996. That means, today, not only are there 27 years of films he didn't get to see, any film discoveries or advancements made in terms of motion picture availability since 1996 would limit his awareness and archival achievements in those regards.

Quentin Tarantino

On the other hand, film buffs of the extreme variety who are alive and kicking with the required funds to fuel their ongoing consumption of cinema and as a result, gain access to thousands of motion picture releases, wouldn’t necessarily mean they also have the time or interest in developing the critical acumen necessary to communicate anything insightful about them.

Martin Scorsese

Perhaps in the middle are informed cinephiles like Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese who, even though they also spend time making them, have seen a wide variety of countless films sharing their thoughts and perspectives, as have quite a few film critics of the past. Just how many each one has seen may be beside the point considering the expertise they have to offer. Many individuals, past or present, can potentially be of great value to those cinephiles still on the path of passionate discovery. So instead of asking “who’s seen the most films” perhaps we film buffs should direct our attention to utilising whatever resources are available, such as the aforementioned can provide, to continue on our own journey of cinematic appreciation, diversification and enlightenment.

All responses are not only welcomed but encouraged in the comments section below.

Hope to see you tomorrow.

A.G.