In April 2015, I started The Backseat Driver Reviews as stress relief. In a moment of great hopelessness, a friend asked me what I loved most in the world. My reply was movies and the meaning I take from them. He told me to write about that; I started writing and haven’t looked back.

 

Why analysis? It’s who I am. I’ve always been one of those people that likes to take a step back and look at the larger picture, then step forward and look at the tiny details that someone loved enough to include. Different angles, taking on other perspectives, letting something speak to me — I’m fascinated continually by the world around me. Adding to that is a lifelong love of film. As a child with an active imagination, film fascinated me because it played out just like the stories floating around in my head. It was a kinship, a companion in a lonely childhood. It also doesn’t help that I majored in English in college (I hold both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in the subject). A thesis on William Blake, Edward Taylor and their visions of Hell really sealed the deal on me being an over-analytical explorer.

 

I’m also an incurable smart ass, which helps in solemn situations and times of great joy alike. If nothing else, it’s entertaining. Plus it attracts other smart asses. We can’t help it. We smell our own.

 

I’ve gotten to meet some amazing people, and some wonderful friendships have grown. In my time writing this site, I would not change a thing; even the painful parts. So my question to all of you: what gives you the most joy in this world? That’s what you should be doing. Now go do it.

 

Erin may be reached on Twitter (@bsdriverreview) as well as backseatdriverreviews@gmail.com. She is currently co-editing the forthcoming Scared Sacred: Idolatry, Religion and Worship in the Horror Film from House of Leaves Publishing.