Have you ever had a movie experience so stunning, impressive, or intense that when the film finally did fade to black, you just had to exhale and relax? That's a pretty powerful experience in my opinion - it shows me that every ounce of my focus and energy was laser beamed into that movie.
Frankly, I'm a pretty cheap date when it comes to movies. I tend to be so "in love" with the medium that I will enjoy anything you throw at me for some reason. But the "end credit nirvana" is rare - my involuntary chemical reactions are more picky than my general movie nerdliness.
I know ragging on Steven Spielberg is the cool thing to do these days. After all, this jerk has dared to make a few movies that weren't as amazing when held up to his previous work - you know, the stuff held up by some as the greatest cinematic achievements of the late 1900's? Overly sentimental or not, Spielberg is king in my book; a geek who has consistently continued to explore new techniques, ideas and stories.
After his film fades out, usually hand-in-hand with the conclusion of another poignant Williams score, the first thing we see is "Directed by Steven Spielberg."
I don't care if it's Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler's List or War of the Worlds - ECN (end credit nirvana) hits like a mother. Spielberg manages this even with the works I don't love as much as his others. I wince at the last scene of Lincoln that could have ended so perfectly 5 minutes ago, and then the bastard gets me with ECN, and I realize that 99.7% of the movie was exactly what I needed.
Is this partly nostalgia? Of course! Some of my best childhood moments were bookended by a statement of "Directed by Steven Spielberg." So I embrace that nostalgia and let that feeling be a part of ECN - why not?
So what is this rambling all about? I have a theory that we each have a director, or style that gives us ECN. Like drug addicts, we sign on to see whatever movie it is based solely on the fact that we know we'll experience ECN come closing time. Some hear the word "Marvel" and are instantly in the seat; others may hear Michael Bay...hey I don't judge (publicly).
Isn't it a wonderful thing that we all have a movie theater go-to that can make us appreciate excitement, drama...hell...life a little more?
So I'm curious, what gives you ECN? It's a personal question, sure...usually reserved for your priest or your doctor. Steven Spielberg films are my surefire ECN candidates - what are yours?
John Ross Jesensky
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