Strike, shmike, this thing has lasted longer than a couple days which means it is officially time to stop thinking about it. I mean, what kind of Americans would we be if we did not constantly distract ourselves from the ever-evolving hellhole we find ourselves in?

Sure I could write ANOTHER column about the strike, but what would that do? It definitely would not inform you in any capacity because I do not know jack.

And besides, these next few columns are going to be my last. You heard that right: after this semester ends, you will never hear from me again.

Sad, I know, but we all have to grow up sometimes, even though I was voted “Least Likely to Act Their Age” my senior year of high school (that is actually true, by the way).

This is a column I have wanted to write for a while but got distracted like the schmuck I am.

Now, I have recently been watching a lot of movies because I have a lot of free time and no friends and I have come to the conclusion that you all need to start watching more foreign films. Seriously, you HAVE to.

Do you know how many awesome movies are out there but you are too scared to watch them because you refuse to read subtitles like the coward you are? I can think of three off the top of my head, but I swear there are way more.

The bottom line is that being afraid of subtitles is like being afraid of clowns: it is totally valid but come on. If I could recommend two, I highly suggest you watch “The Worst Person in the World” (not about me) and “Tokyo Story”.

Both of these films come from overseas and they are INCREDIBLE. “Tokyo Story” in particular was, at one point in time, considered the best film ever made.

It is amazing and then, whenever you are at some snobby party and the perennial douche accuses you of only liking “popular” movies, you can tell him your favorite movie is a Post-War Japanese film. That will show him.

However, if you find yourself still hesitant to watch foreign films, might I recommend you watch at least one film from the pre-1960’s era?

I know most of them are as dull as dirt, but this one is actually much better than you would think. It is called “The Night of the Hunter”.

It was made in 1955 and it is probably one of the most gorgeously shot films I have ever seen. If you watch it, you probably would not believe it is from a time when they thought cigarettes were “good” for you.

I do not quite know where you would be able to watch it without spending mondo money—thanks Criterion—but if you can watch it you absolutely should.

Another day, another chance to distract ourselves from the chaos that surrounds us. Who knows what the coming days and weeks will look like. If you are looking for a bit of escapism, try watching the movies I mentioned. Or do not; I am not your mom.

We all need a breather every now and then so why not try just not thinking about anything for a couple hours? That always helps me.

Will Padgett is an English graduate student. He can be reached at [email protected] or 217-581-2812.