The much-buzzed-about little indie that could, "Catfish," is finally in theaters. Despite the unusual approach Universal took with the marketing campaign — i.e., setting up the Sundance darling as a genre or horror-like film — it is a must-see movie with a very timely and unique message.
The heavily hyped documentary revolves around NYC-based photographer Nev Schulman and a series of curious events that occur when he begins an online friendship with an 8-year-old girl and a romantic relationship with her older sister.
When MTV News caught up with the filmmakers, Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, they addressed the persistent "is it real?" debate. A few weeks later, we had the opportunity to sit down with all three of the "Catfish" guys: the filmmakers and the movie's star/subject, Nev Schulman.
Because the film exposes a very real and, at times, emotional real-life experience related to the realm of online relationships and social networking, we asked Nev if he has since changed his virtual presence or approach (without revealing any spoilers, of course).
"Through all of this, basically, I'm trying to stay true to my regular behavior," Schulman said. "I like to take risks, putting myself out there, saying yes to things. I have certainly a new appreciation for where that can lead when it comes to the Internet," he explained. "So when it comes to meeting new people online, I'm definitely a little bit more wary now as far as getting to know them too personally before I actually meet with them in person, but as far as using the Internet and Facebook and Twitter and YouTube and having accounts on all these social-networking websites, I think it's great. I think that there's a lot of good that can come from it."
Nev Schulman added that until you really know someone, it's best to err on the private side of things. At least in the beginning of a virtual relationship — no matter if it's platonic or romantic.
"Basically, what it comes down to is, keep it private, because you can always share with people once you're ready to, but there's no reason to willy-nilly share everything about yourself with anybody."
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