“Shawshank Syndrome”

One of my online students tipped me off about this from Bill Maher on his HBO show:

New Rule: Scientists must explain why we will stop and watch a movie on cable even though we own that exact same movie on DVD, and could watch it any time we want. I call it “Shawshank” Syndrome. And I’ve realized that DVD’s are a lot like marriage: when it’s there every single night, just sitting right in front of you, for some reason, you don’t feel like putting it in.

Oh, yeah. I’ve got several movies like that. Shawshank. Shakespeare in Love. But the worst is The Natural. I mean, I like The Natural, it’s a good movie, but it’s not in my top 100, not nearly. But if I’m flipping channels and hit that at any point from where Redford is in the hospital before the Big Game, I have to watch that movie. All the way to the end. Something about the build up to the final at-bat — and yes, the scene is over the top — the swing, the ball soaring, hitting the floodlights, the slow motion reaction shots, the shower of sparks, and of course, that incredible musical score, then the denouement of Redford playing catch with his son in that field of tall, golden grass… gotta watch it.

How about you? What are your Shawshank Syndrome movies?

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