My name is John Sambuco, and I suffer chronic cinephilia...
What is cinephilia? Cinephilia is the term used to refer to a passionate interest in cinema, film theory and film criticism. It is a serious disorder, and once infected, there is no cure.


Is there a prevention for cinephilia? Yes - Avoid all forms of film and moving image. 
Is this practical in today's digital revolution? "Not bloody likely!" to quote Eliza Doolittle in the 1938 British film 'Pygmalion'. 


In the early days, film was contained within the safe walls of a cinema. Those who wanted to experience it could, and those who didn't want to didn't need to. There were many people in the 1920s and 1930s who felt film was a corrupt, blasphemous and immoral artform, and actively went out of their way to avoid it... some even fought to have film banned.


Today, film is available virtually everywhere. We can watch film at the cinema, on TV, on our PCs, on our smart phones and on our tablet computers. We can watch film at home, at the office, in our cars, on planes, in buses, at cafés, while we're shopping, while we get our hair cut, while we wait in a doctor's waiting room... film is available virtually anywhere and everywhere we go. In short, THERE IS NO ESCAPE!!


Why has film captivated so many spectators from around the world?  After all, film is just an optical illusion generated by a series of photos played in sequence. It's nothing special, or is it?
I think David Bordwell and Kristen Thompson say it best in their book "Film Art: An Introduction":

"Film takes us on a journey, offering a patterened experience that engages our mind and emotions" (Bordwell & Thompson, 2008, p2)

Film communicates information and ideas, while showing us (the viewer) places and ways of living we might not have known. It draws us into the lives of its characters, and uses stylistic techniques such as camera framing, lighting, editing and music to trigger our emotions.


While there is no cure for cinephilia, it is treatable by subjecting the cinephile to as much film required to satiate their impulsive craving. Without proper treatment, the cinephile may experience severe withdrawal symptoms and become extremely bored.

Good evening world, and welcome to my first fliXposed Blog...

My name is John Aron Sambuco, and I'm from Melbourne, Australia. 
I have an abnormal obsession with film (known as cinephilia). In fact, I had originally intended to name this blog Cinephiliac, however it was already being used by a fellow cinephile. After some reflection and consultation (thanks, Gianni), I settled on fliXposed. A combination of the words "flick" and "exposed".


This blog was born two days ago while I was having lunch with my friend Daniel, who suggested "maybe you should start a film blog". I immediately dismissed the idea, thinking no one would be interested in reading it. But the more I thought about it, the more logical and right the idea sounded. Even if no one else reads this blog, I figure I can write this for myself, and use it as a vehicle to capture my thoughts (before I forget them). 


So here I am, sitting behind my MacBook (feeling like Carrie Bradshaw in an episode of 'Sex and the City') writing my first blog post. 


Do you have a Mission Statement?
YOU BET!
The purpose of this blog is to Inform, Educate, Entertain and Inspire people from around the world to better appreciate the art of cinema. It is my hope that my passion for film will infect others and spread the cinephilia epidemic on a much larger scale.


Are you qualified to blog about film?
I hope so...

• I have a Bachelor's degree from LaTrobe University majoring in Cinema Studies
• I have an insanely broad and eclectic taste in film
• I worship vintage movie stars as if they were saints
• I enjoy films dating back to the 1920s up to the present day
• I also enjoy International and art house film

Which films are in scope? 
Pretty much everything!! Although... 


I will primarily focus on classic and important contemporary film from around the world (note the use of the adjective, "important"). From time to time, there may be references to a recent Hollywood blockbuster, but this is to be seen as an exception, rather than the rule.


Why have you chosen to avoid recent Hollywood blockbusters?
The primary role of an educator is to expand the horizon's of their students, and expose (or in my case fliXpose) them to new concepts and ideas.
If you'd like to read about recent Hollywood blockbusters, there are many other blogs and websites already designed to do this. 


I'm interested in exploring different kinds of film - where do I begin?
For anyone wishing to experience the best in what the legacy of film can offer, I strongly recommend watching films which have been released by the Criterion Collection. 
A complete list of films the Criterion Collection has released on DVD/Blu-ray is available here


What will I write about in my blog?
I envisage my blog posts will fall into one of the following categories...

• Star of the Month - every month I will select a specific movie star, and set myself a challenge to watch as many films as possible featuring this individual

• Spotlight on... - Each month I will select a specific theme, and make a selection of films to watch corresponding to this theme

• Star birthdays - on an ad hoc basis, I will select specific individuals who are celebrating birthdays (or who would have been celebrating their birthdays if they were still alive), and watch a film (or 2, or 3), showcasing their unique star quality

• Film theory/commentary - from time to time I will write a blog commenting on film theory, and demonstrate the integration of theory into practice

• Other films - As I watch films, I may write a short commentary articulating my thoughts 

Anyway, I'm about to head to the gym.


Tune in next time when my blog post will discuss the disorder of cinephilia...