…to watch silent movies at 2x fast forward? Normally the intertitles are shown for about twice as long as I need, and the acting is slow and stagey; watching movies at double speed makes the intertitles show for just about as long as I need, and speeds up the acting and plot development to more like that of a modern movie.
I’m currently 2x-ing Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler and so far it’s going really well. Of course, I would never watch Nosferatu at double speed, because the pace adds to the aura of horror; but when I first tried it on the non-space-flight parts of Frau im Mond it sure made the melodrama bearable.
But before I continue, I really need to know if I’m going to go to hell for doing it.
Yes, you are going to hell. I, on the other hand, would get a mother of a migraine. I can’t even watch the original *King Kong *because the stop-action hurts my eyes.
Well, whatever. If you’re watching Dr. Mabuse subtitled in English, you’ve ruined it already. Why not complete the experience? :rolleyes:
No, I don’t feel all that strongly about it. If the difference is your watching it double-time or not watching it at all, by all means, watch it double-time. But some of these great classics are as much about mood as they are about action. Just because nothing’s “happening” doesn’t mean that art is not before you.
Is it a sin to watch movies on your television? How about your iPod? What if they’re pan-and-scanned?
Is it a sin to watch Rashomon while relying on subtitles instead of learning Japanese?
Really, it depends on why you’re watching the movie. There’s value to letting the movie (or any work of art) dictate to you how you should appreciate it, and to forcing yourself to adapt to its pace, format, and other artistic choices.
And there’s value to seeing the movie in whatever form makes you more likely to actually watch the movie.
Which of those is more valuable? Depends on what you want. You lose the ability to discuss much more than plot by doing what you’re doing, but if you’re fine with that, go for it.
Not a sin. Movie speeds in those days were highly variable and probably faster than the rate of speed you are currently watching them at. Not 2x faster, but still faster since they were hand cranked. As long as it isn’t too fast for you to follow along, watch at whatever speed you feel comforatable with.
I sometimes watch football matches at 2x fast forward. It’s much easier to spot the way teams are set up in both defence formation and attacking strategy.
