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There's a real stigma attached to watching old movies or tv shows

posted 6 years ago by AngularTurnip (3338)
40 replies | jump to latest

Whenever I bring up an old movie or TV show people will invariably say something like "that was before my time" or "I'm not that old." People don't watch old media and feel the need to distance themselves from those that do. Old books, in my experience, are a different story. You bring up an old book and people will say "I haven't read it" and leave it that. There's almost a begrudging respect for those that read old works. But there's no respect reserved for those that watch old media ... only a need to make that person feel old and out of date.

[–] Otter (24464) 6 years ago

The word you want isn't "stigma", it's "boring". Used to describe the people who dismiss the glories of film history, not us.

You do have to look to find people who appreciate the good stuff, but that's true of most things.

[–] AngularTurnip (3338) 6 years ago

True. The people lining up for the latest blockbuster aren't the only kind of moviegoer out there.

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

It seems to be somehow tied into technology, and the breakneck speed in which it's developing. Steve Jobs had no respect for things made before his lifetime, and probably not much for anything he didn't develop. Seems like that attitude has become more pervasive.

As you say, it doesn't apply to books, or other art forms. "Have you seen the Mona Lisa?" "No, that was before my time, I'm not that old." 😃

But I'd say anyone who's even slightly seriously into film would never say or think that. Because it's silly.

[–] AngularTurnip (3338) 6 years ago

There are young people who read Jane Austen and Emily Bronte for fun. But trying getting those same people to watch any media pre-1990 or made in black and white.

And you're right: leaders like Jobs have no respect for what came before and so those who wish to emulate them don't either.

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

It's strange, isn't it?

Yet it doesn't apply to music either.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

It can it depends on the person really. I play guitar and one of the common chats on guitar forums is "Where are today's guitar heroes?" well, if you watch young guitarists on Youtube you will see they are playing stuff from the 70's and 80's so those "old" guitar players and bands are still very popular.

But you will get just as many people dissing that stuff and preferring to listen to some churned out electronic music instead. I think generally speaking not many people really go out of their way to find entertainment. They just watch or listen to whatever is most accessible and in their faces.

To them it's not art or expression it is just a movie/song/painting etc.

[–] Catbookss (13664) 6 years ago

There are probably some people who are only into new art and books, too, but not the majority.

"I think generally speaking not many people really go out of their way to find entertainment. They just watch or listen to whatever is most accessible and in their faces."

I think this is generally true. There's a lot that's readily accessible. Easier to just go with that.

[–] Stratego (31081) 6 years ago

I'm going to go and watch Rear Window this week in theatre. Feel better?

[–] Prelude (1443) 6 years ago

I grew up with older parents and older siblings, who all watched and knew the older films and TV shows and music from eras before my time, so I got an education in lots of "before my time" popular culture, and I've always been glad of it. I don't understand anyone who likes pop culture yet turns their nose up at all of what came before that person's own era.

[–] sslssg (35195) 6 years ago

My partner won't watch anything from before he was born, for the most part, nor black and white movies. I've told him how much he's missing out on, but he is stubborn. It's a good thing he was born in the late 60's. I don't really get it as he is an avid reader and will read older books.

Over the years he has grown to trust that I know what he will like and I have had some success getting him to watch a few movies here and there. It's much easier when they are in colour though. Just a few weeks ago I was watching Irma La Duce and he joined me. Didn't complain at all. lol

[–] somesunnyday (2078) 6 years ago

That's their loss

[–] GlenEllyn (21659) 6 years ago

They're missing a lot of good movies. I don't think of it as a stigma. I think it's a bit snobbish - they can't be bothered to even look at something made "before their time."

There are plenty of folks who won't watch anything that's in black & white, either. Obviously, that eliminates a lot.

[–] slimone (7996) 6 years ago

I can't stand the new movies or tv shows. I like movies from the 1930s-1990, and tv crime shows and comedies like 30 Rock, Arrested Development, Frazier, Sienfeld.