Context:

Melissa Kirsch reflects on the subjective nature of ranking films, exploring how personal experiences and cultural significance shape our perceptions of what makes a movie 'the best.' She questions the purpose of such lists, whether they serve to establish a definitive canon or to inspire discussions and introspection about personal tastes and cultural impact. Kirsch finds value in the way lists prompt memories of past movie-watching experiences, turning films into catalysts for recalling personal history and cultural moments. She highlights the joy of debating the quality of films while acknowledging that these discussions help organize our chaotic accumulation of experiences over time. Kirsch also contemplates the cultural shifts in movie consumption from traditional theater experiences to algorithm-driven streaming, urging a return to the former's nostalgic significance.

Dive Deeper:

• Ranking movies involves questioning subjective criteria such as emotional impact, cultural importance, and personal taste, as illustrated by the inclusion of films like 'La La Land' and 'Moonlight' in personal lists versus public ones.

• The purpose of creating 'best of' lists can be multifaceted, ranging from establishing a canon to sparking conversations about what constitutes quality and personal taste in cinema.

• Lists serve as a tool for introspection, prompting individuals to reflect on their personal histories and cultural context through their movie-watching experiences, effectively acting as a post-factum diary.

• Kirsch emphasizes the importance of remembering the communal and nostalgic aspects of moviegoing, contrasting it with the current trend of consuming algorithmically curated content on streaming platforms.

• Debating the objective quality of films is portrayed as a delightful exercise, allowing individuals to engage with their own memories and cultural experiences while organizing the 'sediment' of accumulated information over the years.

• The article illustrates how personal film lists can evoke detailed memories, such as the time and place of viewing, or even the weather and personal associations, highlighting the movies' roles as memory catalysts.

• Kirsch plans to engage with films she hasn't seen from the list, reflecting on how the act of watching movies from different eras can contribute to a richer understanding of both personal history and evolving cultural tastes.