Today we will be interviewing Professor Eli Barclay! He is a psychology professor at Lamar University as well as a psychology instructor at Fort Lewis College. Additionally, he has had a publication in the Journal of Organizational Psychology. He is also a member of the American Psychological Association, Southwestern Psychological Association, and Psi Chi. What a stellar individual!
“If you could be any character in a movie or tv show, who would you be and why?“
Professor Barclay: “I think I would be George Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life. George isn’t a superhero with epic powers, an important political figure, or some visionary artist that changes the world. He isn’t rich, he isn’t exactly a Casanova, and, honestly, he experiences some earth-shattering tragedies along his journey (he even contemplates suicide at one point). He’s an everyday man with everyday struggles. However, his is a story that highlights the profound impact being an everyday, decent, selfless person can have on the lives of those around you. I don’t need the fastest car, the biggest house, fame, heat vision, recognition, any of that; I just want to know that I’m the kind of person that tries their best to make life better for people in little ways every day, that I made a difference to someone in need. You never know if someone is hurting, if someone is going through tribulations or loss or hopelessness, and while none of us can fix that pain in others, I just hope I’m giving people a smile, an encouraging word, a hand up, whatever I can. I just want to help make life a little easier to carry than it was before for others. If I could know I’ve done that half as good as ol’ George, well, that would be enough for me. ”
“What is one movie that you feel is overrated/overhyped and why?”
Professor Barclay: “I’m going to get hate for this, but for me it’s a tie: Titanic and Avatar. Sorry James Cameron. Don’t get me wrong, both of these movies are great films, but they aren’t anything special. I like that they both pioneered many new technical aspects of filmmaking, but those are technical achievements, not narrative ones. From a storytelling standpoint, both of those movies are pretty paint-by-number. I love a lot of Cameron’s movies (Aliens, Terminator, The Abyss) which also shared in that element of pioneering of technical advancement… they just ALSO had groundbreaking stories to go along with those technical advancements.”
“If there was a movie made about your life, what famous actor would you cast to play yourself and why?“
Professor Barclay: “God I hope they don’t make a movie about my life haha. If they did, I would want them to cast Adam Sandler… so nobody would watch it (need some aloe for that burn, Adam?)”
“What is one movie you feel should have received more appreciation/love and why?“
Professor Barclay: “Grave of The Fireflies. I know it has a lot of love from those that have seen it, but not many Americans have seen it. Most folks in the US didn’t start watching Studio Ghibli films until Princess Mononoke or Spirited Away, but Grave of The Fireflies is one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking films ever made. It so powerful, and haunting, and heavy, and just so very good.”
“What are 3 movie recommendations would you give to our readers to watch from your favorites?“
Professor Barclay: “12 Angry Men (1957), Rear Window (1954), Network (1976)”
Talk about having exquisite taste in movies and film! I want to thank Professor Barclay for joining us today! ❤
Thank you for reading! Be sure to follow us on social media below and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on new posts!
Clouds Curiosity Corner 