(500) Days of Summer (Fox Searchlight, 2009)
Christopher Schammel: How did you first hear about Film Matters and what inspired you to submit your article to Film Matters?
Harry Ryan: Film Matters was first brought to my attention in my final year as a Comparative Literature and Film student at Queen Mary University. A great lecturer of mine, Dr. Guy Westwell, had recently partnered his online editorial “Mapping Contemporary Cinema” with Film Matters Magazine, whereby selected works written by film students would have the chance to be published in future issues. When the opportunity arose for my work to be showcased, alongside the fact I was a budding writer at heart, I was keen for my article to be exposed to a larger audience and one I knew Film Matters had.
CS: What did you gain from the experience of getting published in Film Matters?
HR: Whilst I had written my fair share of critical essays throughout my degree, I had never experienced the process of having my work edited. It taught me a lot in terms of attention to detail as well as removing the superfluous from my writing – something that has since helped me in my professional career as a marketer. I would also add that having any article/piece of work published is an achievement and can be a crucial help in standing out from the crowd when applying for jobs in any field.
CS: What was the response to your article and how did you react?
HR: The response was incredibly positive both within my University and outside of the academic world. Whilst (500) Days of Summer was a commercial success, barely anything had been written about the film from a cultural/academic perspective. As such, if I could assist in any future film scholars’ work by means of reference, in my eyes my job was done. In terms of my reaction, well, it was my first printed article – and I couldn’t be prouder!
CS: What path have you taken since getting published in Film Matters?
HR: My early career started with me working in the world of film distribution for independents such as Verve Pictures to the majors like Universal Pictures International. After a brief stint in film partnerships, I now work as an account handler for a marketing and brand activation agency called Blue Chip Marketing. The parallels between the world of film and advertising are uncanny as both require an eye for the commercial, the ability to analyze and most importantly a flair for all things creative. Whilst I may not work in the film industry per se, my passion for the medium still remains and with the substantial rise in film promotions and product placement being more prominent than ever, I’m sure our paths will cross again shortly.
CS: What made you want to write about the film (500) Days of Summer?
HR: Aside from a personal favorite of mine, Morrissey, being featured on the film’s soundtrack, there was something about (500) Days of Summer that I couldn’t leave behind after exiting the theatre. Perhaps it was the way falling in love was shown to be as temporary as IKEA furniture, to the universal notion that all hearts can break but can ultimately be mended; the film rang true to many moments of mine growing up. A guilty pleasure it may be – but (500) Days of Summer has more beneath the surface than its pop culture facade and it is this I had to investigate from an academic and theoretical standpoint.
Author Biography
Christopher Schammel is a Film Studies major with a minor in Political Science at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He is originally from Charlotte but loves living near the beach in Wilmington. He loves everything about film and hopes to have a thriving career in the industry.
