i read an article a while back — in wired perhaps? they do have some of the most interesting stuff in print — about how netflix is using the clout they’ve built over the years to buy up struggling film festival properties and distribute them to their millions of subscribers, which not only sets them apart from other dvd-by-mail services, but also helps out blossoming film makers. i thought, ‘wow, that kicks ass. i love netflix even more now. i should check out some of these little indie gems.’

well last night i got one called the puffy chair, and had mixed feelings. it was decent, but it felt a lot like a first film. a little uneven, but with some great moments. my favorite was a line where the main character is on the porch with his dad, telling him how his girlfriend (who was so needy and annoying) is looking for some sort of affirmation of their relationship. the dad says to him, and i’m paraphrasing, ‘well son, you’re never gonna know any better than you do right now. if you’re waiting for some revelation or disaster to help you decide if she’s the one, it’s not gonna come…’

i thought that moment was probably the best part. the idea that there are no absolutes, no sure things, no romantic moments of clarity unless you make them happen yourself, for better or worse. maybe it’s un-romantic in the film sense to not believe in those magical points in time where zach braff decides he loves natalie portman or whatever — and don’t get me wrong, i love watching those movies as much as the next sensitive emo dude. but i’ve always thought it’s much more romantic in a real-life sense to accept the fact that maybe there are lots of people out there who could be ‘the one’ for you, and in the end you still have to choose that one person that feels right and commit to being happy together.

of course in the next scene they break up, which after the first five minutes you know is going to happen, so maybe it’s not the best example. what can you do? okay movie, really interesting thought.