Have you seen The Godfather? How about 12 Angry Men? Casablanca? Or even Citizen Kane? I ask this after reading Xan Brooks’ piece over at The Guardian headlined “Have you actually seen The Godfather?”
Brooks’ article cites a survey conducted by Orange which resulted in learning that one in five of us have lied about seeing The Godfather. Men, the survey suggests, are more likely to bluff about movies than women, with 58% admitting they had lied in the past compared with 38% of women.
A spokesman for Orange was quoted saying, “Most people tell the odd white lie so they can seem more knowledgeable to their friends. Others lie because they are embarrassed about appearing less cultured.”
I will admit that when I first started RopeofSilicon I had not seen several of the films considered to be classics. I was embarrassed by this fact, but I never actually lied about it as much as I would just quiet down when the conversation began swimming in waters too deep for me. In terms of The Godfather I am a male interested in such things and had seen that one plenty of times already so I never had to lie about that one or GoodFellas, Scarface, Fight Club and the like.
One of the things I have done, in an attempt to alleviate any embarrassment my readers specifically may feel about having not seen particular films was to begin my What I Watched weekly column showcasing the films I watched over the week, most of which I had never seen before. There is no shame in not having seen a movie, all that means is you have better things to do than sit at home on your ass all day staring at a television. My excuse hearkens back to when I was younger, back when I played every sport imaginable and have worked since a very early age. The movies I watched typically had special effects or loads of killing going on. I caught a few of the artsy films around Oscar time, but for the most part it was blockbusters for me. No harm. No foul.
So, now’s the time to come clean. Have you ever lied about having seen a movie just to avoid embarrassment? If so what movie did you lie about?
Another question would be to ask what movies haven’t you seen that “everyone” says is a must see?
The films that topped Orange’s list of films most people lied about seeing are all three Godfather features, Dirty Dancing and The Shawshank Redemption. Other films included Taxi Driver, Gone With the Wind and It’s a Wonderful Life. Do any of those titles provide a starting point? Also, if you want to add a little more to the conversation include your age with your comment, but that is certainly not a requirement.
