Shh!

Watching as many movies as a roommate and I do, it is inevitable that some will be watched in less than ideal circumstances. During the day is troublesome, and for two reason: for one, the light streams in even through the blinds, and this renders the tv somewhat less than fully visible. Secondly, it is not quite as enjoyable to watch a movie during the day given the feeling that we ought to be doing more productive things, like earning a living.

Night is better for movie viewing given that there is no light to distract and no expectation of getting work done. Sometimes there is the feeling that we ought to be out, perhaps on dates, but it is a tolerable thing. Less than tolerable is the prospect of waking our other roommate when we watch something late at night. He works a real job, and is out of the house rather early in the morning. Sensibly, he goes to bed rather early. Unfortunately, that negatively affects our movie watching.

We try to select relatively quiet movies for such times. One which promise explosions and warfare are generally excluded. Even so, a hand must always be on the remote in order to smooth out the louder points that occur in any movie. The use of subtitles is avoided if possible, although foreign films are a natural for late night viewing given that we rely on the subtitles in those films to begin with. Perhaps we might watch them more.

On the whole, it is a less enjoyable experience than viewings which transpire earlier in the evening. There is little of the thrill that lies in subverting the authority of their parents by sneaking out of bed and out to the television. Still, we are troopers and continue on even in the face of such adversity. The films educate us and the manner in which we must sometimes watch them motivates us towards material success and thus a more private setting in which to watch films.