Work: The Deer Hunter (film, 1978)
Year: 2022
Environment: Cinema Complex
1. This film can be watched up to five times in any given year, however, a “cooling off” period of at least three years must follow before watching it again, in order to keep the experience fresh. This rule may be broken if: (1) the film is being shown at the cinema, (2) it is an anniversary year of the film’s release, (3) you have reached a milestone in life (e.g. turning the same age as one of the actors)
2. Refrain from watching if sleep deprived.
3. If possible, book tickets in advance, preferably as soon as they go on sale.
4. Avoid social contact on the day of watching the film.
Before Film:
5. Eat a big breakfast! Avoid watery foods and foods with an aftertaste; eat one piece of fruit, eat “dry” foods e.g. cheese, nuts, biscuits; drink one cup of coffee.
6. Shower in advance.
7. Wash clothes in advance. Do not use clothes dryer. Dry gently in morning sun — should your balcony be facing east.
8. Wear clean, comfortable clothes. Not acceptable: stockings, tight socks (tight anything, for that matter), jeans, itchy fibres, jewellery
9. Remove all tags on clothing.
10. Empty bladder/bowels.
11. Clip fingernails and toenails before sundown at least one day before the film is seen.
At the Cinema:
12. Arrive at least half an hour before the screening. Use the bathroom, comb hair, floss teeth, rinse nose, clear throat, clean glasses etc. etc. before getting seated.
13. Clean glasses with freshly washed microfibre cleaning cloth.
14. To avoid emergency footlights from entering field of vision, choose a seat towards the
middle of the row.
Once Seated:
15. Change face mask.
16. Remove wristwatch.
17. Remove shoes.
18. In a cloth bag, pack items which may be needed while the film is running (e.g. jumper, glasses wipe, thermal socks, tissues, towel) and keep them at arm’s length from your seat.
19. No eating.
20. Stay hydrated — drink water in small sips.
21. Should the film exceed three hours, choose in advance the perfect timing to take a trip to the bathroom. The “perfect timing” is during a relatively insignificant chunk of the film, which is likely to be placed right before or after a significant sequence.
After Film:
22. Read: (1)the film script (2)a review by Roger Ebert.
23. Watch interview footage related to the film.
24. Do not listen to the film’s soundtrack after a week has passed
(unless you hear it being played in public, that is).
18/11/2022
R.H