It never used to be like this. I can remember a time when I didn't pay attention to the release of film trailers. They were nothing more than warm-up fodder in the theater, wastes of time that would only occasionally pique my interest in some film to be released months later. At best, my friends and I would mock the really bad ones mercilessly.
Now, I sit here facing a trailer dilemma that divides me to the very core.
On one screen, I am beckoned by the safe trailer to watch. Like a high-school sweetheart, it calls out to me to accept its warm, familiar and comfortable embrace. We've been together for two years now, and it has never let me down. Perhaps that is the problem-my heart doesn't race in its presence anymore. There is no danger here, no chance that my heart will be broken... just reliability. It has never done me wrong.
On the other screen, I see the one that broke my heart. Sure, our relationship was unbelievable at first. My heart was up for the taking the moment I laid eyes on this one a few years ago. But then something happened a few months back. I'm not sure what was wrong. Was it the timing? Was it the need to discuss everything in excessive detail? Whatever the problem, the mood and tone of our relationship had changed significantly, and I broke things off. Now, after a few months, I get a glimpse of this siren, and it draws me in once more. Such a beautiful, tempting seductress, but can I be sure that the result won't be another broken heart?
I wring my hands, looking back and forth between the two of them. They stare back, waiting for my decision expectantly. Putting my hand forth, the choice is made. I give that seductress another chance.
I watch \The Matrix: Revolutions"" trailer, and just like the 37 times I watched it last week, chills run up and down my spine. ""The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King"" trailer, queued on my other computer monitor, has only been watched 22 times. I would feel guilty for the favoritism, but the fact is that the ""Revolutions"" trailer just kicks too many types of ass to be ignored.
It's ridiculous, all this emotion and indecision over two stupid little teasers. But I just can't help it. Love is tricky like that.
wwtemby@wisc.edu.
