How Bittersweet is Love Unrequited!
Probably one of the most painful experience anyone can go through in their life is unrequited love. Usually, we refer to interpersonal relationships with that utterance but wanting, dare I say, needing things, such as intellectual stimulation, having it available and yet to have it remain financially aloof is also heart wrenching.
My last blog dealt with ignorance and stupidity in America and how, regrettably, it's sometimes "cool" to be illiterate or innumerate. It was a sad indictment. To see a possible vehicle towards minimizing that problem but to only savor the aroma of potential beyond arm's reach is excruciating.
Today, I found a wonderful web site. They offer hundreds of wonderful movies that one never finds in the mainstream. Not even PBS seems to show them. Many of them look fascinating and their viewing, by the masses, could go a long way to eradicating ignorance and stupidity in America. I found many I wanted to see, in their offerings, before I even got out of the "A"s.
Unfortunately, my joy was short lived. There is a big fly in the ointment. I can buy a panoply of movies from top quality films like Schindler's List down to any of the idiotic adolescent exploitation films for less than $20 (and sometimes for less than a dollar on e-Bay). I can buy films at the iTunes store for as little as $2. I can go to the movies with a friend, sans treats, for under twenty bucks but if I want to rent or buy any of the films on the Filmmaker's Library site my wallet must be much fatter. I looked at several films that interested me. They were $85 to rent and between $295 and $350 to buy on DVD.
While I realize that when demand is low prices will be high, the converse is just a true. As it is, as much as I'd like to see many of their films, it is not in the cards. Neither I, nor anyone I know can afford that kind of expense to see these films. I'm afraid their viewership will remain low and we, as a nation, as a people will be diminished by the loss of that opportunity.
There is obviously a business opportunity here for the right entrepreneur but for now, I'd just like to see a few of their films. I have but one brain and limited time. Together we should be able to improve our collective lot. Any suggestions on this issue?
FYI This is the film that allowed me to experience the bittersweetness of their site. While there, these two (first, second) also caught my fancy (I've spent a lot of time lately learning about African countries and I plan on working as long as I'm able).
Too much to learn; too little time.
Dave out
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Addendum: I just received a response from the Filmmaker's Library explaining that the posted prices are "the institutional prices only" and that discounts are available for peronal acquisition. "Hear and Now" would cost me $49.95 plus $10 for shipping/handling. I very much appreciate their punctual and courteous response.
