With all of the lights turned off, the only source of light was from the movie “I Saw the TV Glow.”
The Pierce Film Club screened “I Saw the TV Glow,” followed by a panel discussion about the movie after in the Great Hall.
“We’re all told how to act, we’re all told how to be in society, and that’s not always the truth of who we are,” Performing Arts Professor JP Evans said. “This is a very emotional film for me, because my life has been about knowing who I really am.”
The film follows two teenagers, Owen and Maddy, as they bond over their shared enjoyment of a TV show called The Pink Opaque, which causes Owen’s perception of reality to shift.
Film Club President Justin Bautista believes showing “I Saw the TV Glow” was one of the best choices the club has made.
“When we actually did show the movie and I was in the back, just watching it, I realized that this was possibly one of our best choices, not just because of the turnout, but because of the movie itself,” Bautista said.
Pierce alum Steve Lopez was fond of seeing the film and the panel.
“I think this is a wonderful screening, and a very strong panel to go along with it. Film Club has always done high quality panels like this. I actually used to be in the film called President around 2019 and it’s just very wonderful for them to keep up this tradition,” Lopez said.
Lopez added that the film, which he said is extremely inclusive, talks about a subject that is important now.
On a personal level, Lopez takes away from the movie the idea of being an outsider.
“What I really take on a personal level from this film is just this idea of the film, reaching out to people of a queer identity, but also just this idea of being an outsider, society and just learning that there is time to just find out who you are and ever being afraid to find everywhere.” Lopez said.
Film major Christopher Rubinstein said the character Maddy reminded him of a friend.
“Definitely Maddy’s character reminds me of someone I used to be very close with who kind of disappeared for about a year from my life and came back with a completely different appearance. Our friendship ended after that, not necessarily on bad terms but it kind of runs its course,” Rubinstein said.
When addressing the audience, Evans shared that they felt anyone can relate to the film.
“So when I watch this movie with all of you, I feel like we can all relate to it on a very deep level, not just whether you’re non binary or trans or queer, but as a human being, being taught to live a certain way or not live a certain way, and having to grapple with that identity that’s inside of you.” Evans said.
