The problem with an indie film that's relatively early in its US release is it hasn't yet rolled out internationally beyond a few territories and that excludes part of your readership. Maybe not that large a part. But at least me. And it's all about me, isn't it?

Perhaps you're right, Matthew. Maybe I'll hold off on it. I'm going to see Avengers later this week. Already seen Mad Max. Maybe launch in 2 weeks. But if you haven't seen Ex Machina, definitely recommend it. Smart, compelling story with lots of twists and turns.

I'm all in for discussing "Ex Machina" and other current movies. I suggest scheduling discussion with an eye to the release date schedule posted at IMDB for each movie. According to the IMDB release schedule for "Ex Machina" has yet to be released in Belgium, France, Italy and Sweden.

Oh hell yes I will be all over this :) Also absolutely adored Ex Machina - and Mad Max. I will look out for when we start the discussion. Hopefully we can do a kind of directed discussion, rather than a free for all commentary?

Paul, probably end up going with Avengers first as that will have been out everywhere in the universe in 2 weeks time, and given most people a chance to see it. The problem with waiting until end of July to include Italy in the conversation is the movie will be rather 'old news' to those of us in North America. Plus memories fade, there's a certain value in discussing a movie when it's fresh in one's mind. As we feel our way into this process, perhaps we give movies 4-6 weeks chance to be in release before discussing them. But any longer than that might feel a bit stale. Thoughts?

I had some thoughts on that. If you check out the GITS Script Reading and Analysis archive, you'll see some ways we've managed conversations in the past, day by day analyzing story by Plot, Character, Theme, etc. We could do something similar with this, although again, some of that would depend on the response rate. There may only be enough people involved to warrant 1 post where we discuss the movie in all facets. Or enough people to justify more posts and break it down by subject. In any event, my goal is to be directly involved myself. I've been frustrated in the past by starting dozens of posts analyzing movies I've seen, jot down some initial thoughts, put into draft mode, then they get lost due to more pressing matters. I figured this way, I wouldn't have to carve out the several hours at one time to create a thought piece on a movie, but rather organically lay out thoughts in the context of a discussion with other folks. We'll see. I just know it's super important to watch movies. Hopefully this will motivate people to get out and do that more often.

I would love to join, but unfortunately, just as @matthewkane, Ex Machina isn't available where I live. I have watched the Avengers Age of Ultron and tomorrow I'll watch Mad Max Fury Road. Count me in for those. This sounds like a very fun and useful exercise. I'm already wondering what Avengers fit into the roles.

Great!

Sounds like a great exercise and a 4 week window seems like a fair ask.

4 weeks sounds fair to me, too, Jacob. Thanks for that feedback.

Hi, Scott. Your initiatives have me revved up for summer. And summer movies. Bring 'em on! Congratulations on a smashing 7 years. They have helped and inspired me.

Thanks, Judy. It's writers such as yourself with whom I intersected years ago that inspired me to do the blog. Great to hear from you!

Yeah! Can't wait!

Great, Victoria. Going to start next week. Mad Max: Fury Road first on the docket.