I am that over-enthusiastic participant in the movie theater, friend’s basement or family room. I talk too much, gesticulate and cry out. Passively “enjoying” any form of media doesn’t fly with me. I like reacting and talking throughout film, television and (even more inappropriately) stage plays. Of course, I know how to act polite and keep the proverbial lid on it. But, gal durn, I appreciate having a space where I can be open about the ways in which media affects me and my culture.
And, yes, I am definitely the eager pointer-outer of antiquated archetypes, microaggressions, white-washing, privileged obliviousness and outright bigotry.
So, I am (understatement) happy to become a regular contributor for Bitch Flicks where I can share in my pleasure of vocal enjoyment. (Even if that vocality will take written form.) Here I hope to effectively participate in the meandering and stimulating conversation of media critique.
I love cult films, “bad movies” and directors who try their damndest to say something new in a different way. I love black and white, foreign and Cannes Film Festival. I get excited by trying-to-be-subtle symbolism and am a sucker for allegory. I value the filmmakers who push a feminist agenda, and even those who willingly ignore politics but still manage to convey a message that is keenly relevant. Not to say that I don’t like blockbusters and Oscar nodding. Explosions and played-out sensuality don’t titillate me, but I am fascinated by the process, the message and am obsessed with the mistakes. [To be clear, my notion of “liking” or “loving” something is often interchangeable with most people’s notion of “morbid fascination.”]
On this space I anticipate I will get to broaden my movie know-how, and I hope to provide insights that are valuable to you awesome readers. Please jump in and provide comments so we can geek out over films together.
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Erin Fenner grew up in small-town Idaho where she took solace in cult cinema. Her burgeoning feminist ideals didn’t dampen her enjoyment in viewing even the most obviously gender-norm-dependent films, but created another angle of intrigue. She went to the University of Idaho where she nabbed a Journalism degree. There she was a student blogger, radio show producer and self-described feminist activist. Now she lives in Portland, Oregon, and works remotely for the reproductive rights organization Trust Women where she writes about the state of pro-choice politics for their blog. She also says she is a poet, but refuses to publish, perform or share lest someone offer constructive critiques.