Background Movies
From the dark twisted mind that brought you "Airplane Movies" and "Phone Movies"
I’ve talked in the past about two types of movies that I think present a fundamental kind of cinematic experience—airplane movies and phone movies. One is a movie that is best enjoyed on and heightened by a trip in a floating death trap. The other is a movie that does not demand attention beyond looking up from your phone.
Today I’d like to throw something else into the mix. This is a kind of movie related to phone movies but different in a key way. Phone movies require little attention and are often better enjoyed without full attention, as they allow you to tune out the technical flaws, unsavory jokes, or boring sequences of said movies.
Airplane movies are there because nothing else is. Phone movies are often there just to throw something on OR because your family has requested “family movie night” (who invented such a terrible thing?)
Background movies, however, fulfill a different function. They serve as a drone playing as you focus on some tedious work, a layer of ambience as you clean or organize, an extra dimension as you (a 26 year old) warm up in preparation for your adult french horn lessons.
Background movies may overlap with airplane movies and phone movies. There’s no perfect split between the three categories. But the key difference to me is that background movies almost always have something you enjoy when you get a chance to look up.
Background movies are personal, of course. Mine may not be yours, but I have some examples I’d like to discuss.
Ratatouille: This I have concluded from personal experience. This movie is a hoot and a half and a feast for the eyes. Whenever you get a chance to look up at the screen, you’ll be delighted. The music is a friend in your home to make you feel a little less alone. Of course, choose another comfort animated film if you must. But if you’re looking for the best Pixar movie…look no further.
The Devil Wears Prada: This is a blast with so many iconic montages and moments of dialogue you’ll be glad to catch. But if it’s something that you’ve seen a million times, you probably don’t have to stand there and see every time Andy gets coffee or Emily’s a bitch. And the good thing about watching this in the background is that it won’t give you the need to say “the real villain is Adrian Grenier.”
Once: A very beautiful movie wherein very little happens. But every musical number will warm your heart and lift your spirit. Could be perfect for mindless work or chill cleaning vibes. If you fancy any other quiet Irish (or even British) indie-ish movies, go for it.
The Mama Mia cinematic universe: On the opposite side of the spectrum this is a movie where EVERYTHING happens and each musical number will either make you laugh or, in the case of Lay All Your Love on Me, feel confusingly horny. Every song is a present but you don’t really need to pay attention to the plot. Why not do your taxes with this in the background? You can sub out whatever your favorite movie musical is.
The Holiday: At Christmas, this is the quintessential background movie. There’s like no conflict, nothing really happens, but it’s cozy and warm. What more could you ask for while last minute shopping or decorating the tree?
Pre-Marvel Spiderman movies: These movies just really do something to my brain that soothes it so much. Maybe it’s pure nostalgia from growing up with a mother who had a not-so-secret Toby Maguire obsession, but these movies really do bring a little joy with them. And, yeah, I wanna see MJ and Peter Parker kiss while I balance my checkbook. Of course, you can pick your own superhero movie to fulfill this need. They’ll all work.
Bottoms: Once you’ve seen it in theaters, you never need to give it full attention again, but you’ll definitely want to see like three fight scenes while clearing out your inbox. If you’ve got another go-to comedy action flick, go for it.
Bring it On: 2000s teen movies are perfect background movies because the plots are so iconic and widely referenced that you could probably act them out while sending your silly little emails. For this one in particular, all of the cheerleading is an added bonus to make you feel like you have your own personal pep squad. Like, “yeah! you did literally one thing working from home!” Sub out John Tucker Must Die, Easy A, or Mean Girls if you must. And if you need to go later, spring for a Do Revenge or Booksmart.