ESSENTIALS
Katie Keener — Writer and Creator, Toujours Katie
FILMOTOMY RECOMMENDS
Hitchcock’s 119th Birthday & 4 Personal Picks
WANT TO KNOW MORE
Where else can you be found?
I can also be found as a contributor right here at Filmotomy.
How was your Website / Podcast Conceived?
It was conceived mostly for an outlet for my love of film and expressing that through my love of writing. I wrote film based pieces before my current blog became what I wanted it to be and it continues to evolve.
What makes your Website / Podcast stand out from the rest?
I like to think that I keep a very eclectic and personable voice to my website. Whenever someone reads or comes across a post of mine I want them to not only get my views on a particular film but also a feel for who I am as a person. I also have a soft spot for classic films and try to write about them often and in my own little way expose them to people who may not know about them.
Where do you see your Website / Podcast in the next 5 years?
I hope to continue with the tone I have found a groove with and broaden it. Sometimes I have a few separate projects on my plate which can make a steady schedule hard but it’s something I’m always working on. I would also love to do film spotlights with others to display on my website. Also being an artistic person I would love and plan to soon explore more creative posts involving fashion/style in regards to film.
What are your Go-To Sites for Film?
Besides being a contributor I always keep up with everything else going on here at Filmotomy whether it be posts or the podcasts. Beyond that I usually visit The Hollywood Reporter, Little White Lies, Variety and Entertainment Weekly.
Classic Film you Shamefully haven’t seen?
2001: A Space Odyssey
A Film that Genuinely Scared you?
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
A Film that still makes you Cry like a baby?
A Monster Calls
A Film that still has you Pissing Your Pants Laughing?
Withnail & I
An Old film you would love to see on an IMAX screen?
North by Northwest
What is your Favorite Film of 2019 so far?
Us is a big contender and one of the best thrillers I’ve seen in a long time. For nostalgic reasons I must add Godzilla King of the Monsters which was a delight to someone like me who has been a fan since I was a kid.
Which Screenplay do you wish you had Written?
Holiday (1938)
Who would Play you in your Biopic?
Audrey Hepburn
Who should Host the Oscars next year?
Richard E. Grant
Whose Zero Oscar wins or nominations hurts the most?
Cary Grant
The Internet is no more – what is your Job now?
I would naturally love to continue to be a writer and maybe pursue other creative pursuits where I could express myself and my individuality.
What is one of your greatest Childhood Movie Memories?
It’s so hard to pick one in particular because each encounter with film when I was a kid was wonderful. As someone who is a huge classic film fan I have dozens of fond memories revolving around discoveries made on the Turner Classic Movies channel. One in particular was a memory of seeing To Have and Have Not and even as a kid realizing the sophistication and glamour to be found on film, and also the sizzling chemistry between Bogart and Bacall.
Who were your Movie Star crushes growing up?
Cary Grant
William Holden
Gregory Peck
Jack Lemmon
Harrison Ford
Ryan Gosling
Hugh Jackman
Pick 5 words that best describe going to the Cinema?
Escapism
Wonder
Enchanting
Joyful
Thrilling
Where do you stand on Streaming Services and their place in film?
I think they have their merits when it comes to offering people access to films they may not have, whether living in an area with lackluster theater options or something not available on dvd/blu-ray. I really loved what Filmstruck did when it was still a thing and what the Criterion service and others such as Mubi do. Offering classic, indie and art house cinema at a fair cost and in an accessible way.
Also I believe more platforms should be more tailored such as those are, I mean how many of us get Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime and only watch a small fraction of all the content you pay for. That being said I still wholeheartedly support buying hard copies when you can because streaming can be fleeting whether in an unexpected shuttering or a property leaving a platform’s catalogue.
What is your Honest Opinion on the entire Star Wars saga?
Well it is a franchise I love a lot and always find enjoyable. Ever since first seeing Return of the Jedi on a late night movie channel as a kid I was fascinated by the world and mythology of it. I know it has had its flaws throughout its run but I feel some people try to take it more seriously than they should. Like I heard someone say once – it’s always just been films about space wizards for kids.
I also feel as if some fans themselves take it too seriously as we saw in the firestorm of ridiculous fan outcry against The Last Jedi. Basically I believe the saga is something to just have fun with, yes we can see the flaws and discuss them but we can also marvel in the world and just enjoy that escapism.
We really need a Film Twitter definition – what is yours?
A place where at its best film lovers can converge and discuss what they love about film and share so many different viewpoints, stories and favorites. A place where at its worst can be a place that can too often fall into toxicity with an over reliance on dropping hot-takes and confusing them with actual concise thoughts.
Share one of your most Controversial movie world opinions?
I can quite easily get fatigued during award show season. Mostly because it feels less like enjoying films for their art and enjoyment and more like a superficial popularity contest. I don’t feel like the Oscars or awards should be held to such a gold standard or a marking of a film’s worth. Yes, it is great when worthy films, writers, actors and other creatives involved get recognized but it’s not everything. People take it way too seriously and it can be exhausting.
For many great films get ignored due to a small budget, lesser known actors or directors or not having big studio backing. It can just be a bit much and even more so when it causes a toxic environment within the film community leading up to and in the aftermath of such ceremonies.
Change one thing about a Masterpiece, and tell us why?
I can’t really think of any “masterpiece” I would change. I mean if anything in Psycho (1960) I might take out the part where the doctor has to methodically explain to us Norman’s issues. I felt like it wasn’t needed and taking it out would’ve left it more elusive and mysterious. Naturally it does not take away anything in the film for me but if I might change anything it might be that.
What are some of the Film Quotes you use a lot in everyday life?
I don’t really use a lot of specific quotes a lot. Sometimes they drop out from time to time. Maybe a little quip from some personal favorites such as Bringing Up Baby, Withnail & I or something else.
What is the Role of a Film Critic – and how important are they?
I think the role of the film critic is to both stay true to themselves as well as growing and evolving. Always share what you love about films whether they be new or old and most of all I feel the role of a film critic is to expose people to the power of film all the time. Share what you love, concisely discuss what you dislike in a judicious way and analyze what strikes you or stands out.
A Film Buff asks you for advice starting a Website / Podcast – what do you tell them?
I’d tell them to first and foremost make sure they keep their own voice clear so the product is a true reflection of who they are. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do too many things at once, just find what you’re passionate about and cultivate it and you’ll find your voice and audience.
