I’m Mickey Boardman, and I’m the Editorial Director of PAPER. Working at a well-known pop culture magazine, I see a lot of movies and TV shows – everything from big-budget blockbusters to avant-garde independents. With that in mind, here are my five tips for how to keep yourself distracted, entertained, and amused during quarantine.  

 

Tip #1: Pick an overarching theme. Look at AFI’s 100 Best Movies Ever Made list, or do every Best Picture Oscar winner going from 2019 back to 1927. This will give you a big project to keep you busy, and you’ll have a sense of accomplishment as you watch more movies. I’m thinking of watching all of the movies starring every Best Actress Oscar winner.  

 

Tip #2: Start a movie club with your friends. That way you can each watch movies alone and then have a Zoom call to discuss the movie. You can do the same with books, TV shows, or Governor Cuomo press conferences. 

 

Tip #3: Pick a genre you know nothing about and give it a try. Bollywood spectacles. The works of Parasite director Bong Joon-ho. The films of Greer Garson. It’s fun to discover new types of films or TV shows with no preconceived notions. It will be like taking a film studies class during quarantine. 

 

Tip #4: Also work some of your old favorites – especially comedies, romances and adventures –into the rotation.Some days we just need to watch our favorite mindless comedy for a laugh, or a sentimental romance to cry. Nothing helps you forget your stress or anxiety like your favorite movie. 

 

Tip #5: Don’t overdo it. We all love to stay up all night and binge an entire new series, but for this, let’s pace ourselves. Take a break here and there to read a book, take a long walk, or clean out your closet. That will help keep your brain fresh and your mood relaxed.