Strange, strange, powers.

Living in NYC, I’ve always come across small theatres. In particular, I had seen Film Forum quite a few times. Although I’ve always wondered what kind of movies they played and what it was like to watch a movie in a small theatre, I never had the motivation to actually go watch a movie. When I heard we were going to be watching Magnetic Fields at the Film Forum, I was actually pleasantly surprised.

Walking into the theatre, I realized just how different these small theatres were from big movie theatres. I didn’t see long lines of anxious movie goers, I didn’t see any arcades, I just saw a small box office in a modest little room. Going into the movie, I had no idea what I was in for. The only thing I knew about the movie was that it was called Strange Powers.

As the movie begun, I came to understand that the movie was about a band, Stephin Meritt and the Magnetic Fields. I’d never heard of Stephin Meritt before I walked into that theatre, nor had I heard of the Magnetic Fields. However, I soon became very well acquainted with them. As I thought about how there was an actual documentary on a band I’d never even heard before, the movie narrator uttered that “to most, they’re completely unknown.” It was refreshing to see that the narrator was down to earth and understanding of his audience.

I found the documentary itself to be fairly interesting. It gave us insight into the lives of Stephin Meritt and the rest of his band. It was interesting to see how songs came together and how the songs sound before they’re actually ready to be performed in a studio or in public. I wasn’t used to seeing songwriters actually writing their songs. Additionally, it was interesting to get a glimpse into the actual lives of these singers. I have no idea what the artists I listen to are like in real life. However, the documentary added a third dimension to many of the band members and allowed me to understand and appreciate the band more.

Although the movie wasn’t the most exciting movie I’ve ever seen, I still found it intriguing to watch. It was also a great experience being in a small theatre and looking at and appreciating the smaller aspects of the movie business. I’d recommend that everyone watch something at a small theatre – it’s an experience they surely won’t regret.

One of my favorite Magnetic Fields songs. If you look along the right side for the “Related Videos,” you can find plenty of other Magnetic Fields songs.

Posted: December 7th, 2010
Categories: Sami Khan, Strange Powers: Magnetic Fields
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