For Letterboxd users, it's not just about which films they adore – it's an opportunity to showcase themselves and their cinematic tastes to a global audience. The website's Four Favourites feature has evolved into a social media phenomenon, where stars and civilians alike share clips of themselves discussing their top four picks, set to jaunty music and red carpet backdrops.
To perform this ritual convincingly, there are unwritten rules: be surprised when asked about your choices; plug your movie and yourself with conviction. Celebrities use this platform to promote their own films or those of friends, while civilians can turn the tables by showcasing lesser-known titles or personal favorites. The goal is not just to express love for a particular film but to construct an image that highlights your personality and tastes.
The key to doing it right lies in coherence: choose movies that make sense together, and be genuine in your explanations. Don't get too caught up in nostalgia, though – it's okay to admit to a change of heart or two over the years. After all, as Past Lives actor Teo Yoo notes, "I'm another person every day," so your favorites should reflect that.
Ultimately, this is not just about promoting great cinema but about claiming ownership of art and expressing ourselves through our tastes. In an era of ephemeral streaming services, Letterboxd has become a digital equivalent of keeping a prized DVD or record on display – a tangible connection to something greater than yourself.
To perform this ritual convincingly, there are unwritten rules: be surprised when asked about your choices; plug your movie and yourself with conviction. Celebrities use this platform to promote their own films or those of friends, while civilians can turn the tables by showcasing lesser-known titles or personal favorites. The goal is not just to express love for a particular film but to construct an image that highlights your personality and tastes.
The key to doing it right lies in coherence: choose movies that make sense together, and be genuine in your explanations. Don't get too caught up in nostalgia, though – it's okay to admit to a change of heart or two over the years. After all, as Past Lives actor Teo Yoo notes, "I'm another person every day," so your favorites should reflect that.
Ultimately, this is not just about promoting great cinema but about claiming ownership of art and expressing ourselves through our tastes. In an era of ephemeral streaming services, Letterboxd has become a digital equivalent of keeping a prized DVD or record on display – a tangible connection to something greater than yourself.