Although this character is a fictional creation, I get what he’s going for; she symbolized a time much like Marilyn Monroe back in the 60s. Had the era been different, I’m sure not everyone will get it, and I feel the choice of which decade to make his own is important to sell this film. I grew up in this time too.
Although I thought of his short film as an autobiography, there’s a lot more going on. After watching it, I had to hit google and do some additional research just to reacquaint myself about the times. The only reference I could find is from the Jane the Virgin Wikipedia. And if I was to connect this character to anyone real, I’d place my money on him being infatuated with Eva Perón, The First Lady of Argentina.
Although this work is more 70s centric, it’s possible he discovered her through history class (she rose to prominence in the 40s) at some college level course; and that image would factor in his views on all that went on during the Disco age.
At first, I thought all this filmmaker wanted to do in The Moviegoer is to honour 70s cinema. But to expand it to include the certain genres back then felt left field. I thought, “Wouldn’t some theatre managers bar him from seeing those movies?” However, I laughed when he mentioned how he was able to get in. I could see that happen since that’s how I got to see a few films back then. There was no gatekeeping back then.
I did have to chuckle at how he got introduced to martial arts movies, and while there’s no reference to Bruce Lee or other emerging fighters of the time, I thought that lack of detail was a disservice. I was big into those films back then, and wanted to hear about who amazed him when he was young.
While my experience differed from his because I was given money to spend an afternoon in my local theatre house to watch science fiction, I do understand why he got starry eyed when beautiful actresses, especially those of the Swedish persuasion, graced the screen.
To compare that to my affinity for a geekier side of the movie going experience, I suppose I can relate. Half the posters put on display featured scantily clad women. Those were the Frank Frazetta years when his style was used in nearly every one-sheet put out. If that wasn’t enough to draw some folks into the theatre, then to offer something else did. I just like this film because I get the feeling the puppy love never left, as that voice over suggests the older Munro still idolizes her.
As for where one can find The Moviergoer, it’s not available online yet. It’s best to talk to local film festival organisers and request this little gem for their next event.
3 Stars out of 5
The Moviegoer Movie Trailer
