misc thoughts

Chiranjit Goswami, in his review of Terry Gilliam's Tideland:

It's generally assumed that you have to enjoy watching a film in order to perceive that it has value. I'm not always sure this is the case for film enthusiasts. Personally, the experience of watching a film doesn't necessarily have to be enjoyable in order for me to consider the film to be worthy of merit, though it certainly helps. Occasionally, a film provides an excruciating viewing experience but also demonstrates great filmmaking skill, offers a novel viewpoint, or stimulates a provocative train of thought. Thus, enjoyment is not necessarily a requirement to making a quality film. However, as a personal requirement, a film that doesn't supply a pleasurable experience should at least be engaging on some level and absorb the viewer's attention.