A discussion with Dee Bunk and Leon in a recent Open Thread prompted me to start this forum. I'm interested in everyone's top favorite films. In particular, I'd like to see people mention films that are not only "enjoyable" to watch, but that are, to you, important or meaningful or just really worth seeing. For instance, while I really enjoy the Harry Potter films, I wouldn't exactly categorize them as brilliant cinema. Perhaps this sounds elitist. Whatever, that's the watchword of film buffs. Commentary optional.
In no particular order:
Match Point (Woody Allen, 2006): Unlike any other Allen film in every way. Brilliant plot; Dostoyevsky would be proud.
Eraserhead (David Lynch, 1977): Mind-bogglingly weird and surreal.
Lost Highway (David Lynch, 1997): Blue Velvet always gets all the credit when it comes to Lynch's "dual realities" films, but I think this is better.
Rope (Hitchcock, 1946): Hitch was the master, and I'll take this film over any of the classics.
Irreversible (Gaspar Noe, 2002): Quite simply the most profoundly disturbing film I've ever seen. Combine the cartoonish violence of Braveheart and American History X, and it's still nowhere near as overwhelmingly unpleasant and disquieting as this film's notorious first and fourth scenes.
Citizen Ruth (Alexander Payne, 1996): Back before he was doing cute little films about yuppies drinking Pinot Noir, Payne made this, the most savage satire on the abortion question I've ever seen.
Menace II Society (Hughes Brothers, 1992): Makes Boyz In Da Hood look like Sesame Street. Brilliant commentary on Rodney King-era race politics, among other things. Highly quotable. Some great shoot-outs. Embarassingly cheesy sex scene.
Bad Education (Pedro Almodovar, 2004): Explicit gay/transexual activity. But a brilliant story.
Tie: Miller's Crossing and Fargo (Coen Brothers, 1993 & 1996): Too close to call.
Your Friends and Neighbors (Neil LaBute, 1998): Not much to say about it. You'll love it or hate it, and either way you'll be uncomfortable the whole time.
The Believer (Henry Bean, 2001): Intense flick about a Jewish Neo-Nazi. Sounds cheesy. Isn't. Lots of theological questions raised, though some of the more complex aspects of Judaism may have gone over my head. Possibly the greatest final scene of any film I've ever watched.
Guess that's it for me. Any suggestions??
Comments Policy
Blue Velvet!
January 15, 2008 - 17:21 ET by LeonBlue Velvet!
I just saw this film for the first time a few days ago
January 17, 2008 - 17:01 ET by Dee BunkIt was awesome
Yeah it is Dee! Plus
January 18, 2008 - 16:08 ET by LeonYeah it is Dee!
Plus Bobby Vinton's Blue Velvet is one of my all time favorite jams.
Do you have any idea what drug that was that Dennis Hopper was doing when he put the mask over his face? Those were some wacky scenes!
I thought the mask was just oxygen
January 18, 2008 - 16:17 ET by Dee BunkI thought the mask was just oxygen. Dennis Hopper is good at playing a creepy guy.
Dee, That's what I
January 18, 2008 - 16:24 ET by LeonDee,
That's what I thought at first, but his behavior seemed to change drastically whenever he used the mask, suggesting to me that it was some kind of drug.
Either way that movie was so great.
Lesson learned: Never pick up random ears along the road.
It's never actually stated
January 18, 2008 - 17:11 ET by JasonCIt's never actually stated what he's breathing, but according to Hopper it was supposed to be Amyl Nitrate, which Hopper himself was known to abuse at the time. Apparently it was originally going to be helium; imagine if that had happened, how different would the film seem with all of Frank's dialogue in a high-pitched helium voice?!
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
Jason, That was my guess
January 18, 2008 - 17:14 ET by LeonJason,
That was my guess based on my Hunter S. Thompson reading, but I wasn't sure.
I had thought amyl nitrates were pills that you broke open beneath your nose and inhaled. Or something to that effect.
Helium would have been too too much. God that would have tripped me out.
Re: Amyl Nitrate administration
January 18, 2008 - 17:18 ET by JasonC...a true junkie will always find a way to get a more concentrated hit. more bang for the buck. That's why stoners invented the gravity bong.
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
JasonC, You're bringing
January 22, 2008 - 15:19 ET by LeonJasonC,
You're bringing back some fond memories with that final sentence.
I will always reflect positively on my friend, the 5 gallon deer park jug gravity apparatus. AKA Voodoo b/c it made zombies.
Have y'all seen Lost
January 18, 2008 - 17:15 ET by JasonCHave y'all seen Lost Highway? I've always thought of it as BV's underappreciated sister film. The character Robert Blake plays will be in your nightmares...
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
Jason - I haven't seen that but want to
January 18, 2008 - 17:21 ET by Dee BunkThe other Lynch films I've seen are Inland Empire and Mulholland Drive. I want to get around to all of them eventually.
Ooh, I've been wanting to
January 18, 2008 - 17:24 ET by JasonCOoh, I've been wanting to see Inland Empire. That and Fire Walk With Me are the only one's I haven't seen. Anyway, let me recommend that you queue up Lost Highway and Eraserhead on Netflix ASAP.
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
Jason - those two are the next ones I want to see by him
January 18, 2008 - 17:46 ET by Dee BunkI can't decide whether I love or hate Inland Empire. It's way more out there than Mullholland or Blue Velvet. There were things I loved and things I hated about it. It made me mad because I think he just threw stuff in there to purposely make it not make sense. If you see it some day you will have to let me know what you think of it.
There was an overall theme of people not being able to distinguish between reality and Hollywood and I liked that.
I have to run but will definitely be back to this thread and I still have to comment on that article you sent. I have a very nuanced position. ; )
The Patriot
January 15, 2008 - 17:33 ET by bigtimerThe Patriot
BT, I thought that movie
January 15, 2008 - 17:36 ET by LeonBT,
I thought that movie was entertaining but I think it was sort of just a Braveheart USA style and, as such, can never really surpass Braveheart.
On a side note, I also thoroughly enjoyed Apocalypto. What does it mean when a man can be completely insane, but still make movie gold?
Little One... Leave it to
January 15, 2008 - 17:42 ET by bigtimerLittle One...
Leave it to you ...
I liked Braveheart also.
For me The Patriot told the hard fought struggles of the beginning of this country with the utmost class, kept you glued to what was going to happen next....I loved it all.
On top of that could you see any leftists in this country now even surviving just one of the hardships our forefathers did?
How to defend oneself/or family hearth and home with gasp a gun or bring home dinner ect...fight for ones believes...ect.
Sigh...I actually own The
January 15, 2008 - 18:49 ET by JasonCSigh...I actually own The Patriot on VHS. The scene where Mel and his little kids save Heath Ledger by ambushing an entire British crew, while completely improbable (my dad has an antique musket from 1811, and believe me, no one's sharpshooting with those) is probably the most thrilling military action scene I can think of. Some other scenes are pretty cool too.
From a cinematic standpoint though, I always found it a bit trite. I was really happy that an epic about the American Revolution had finally come out (long overdue) but I would have liked something a bit grittier. The British antagonist is like a Bond villain; sheer evil, no subtlety.
Also, I watched it with my dad once (he's a historian who specialized in the Revolution, hence his ownership of the kick-ass musket) and he was picking out historical inaccuracies left and right.
But yeah, still a fun flick.
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
I must agree with the Bond
January 17, 2008 - 15:09 ET by BinxlyI must agree with the Bond villian characterization. I would've enjoyed the movie alot better, and think that it would've been more dimensional, if they portrayed the British as also patriotic. While they were the 'evil' during the revolution, it was also their patriotism that lead to their passion to quell the rebellion. They were proud Britons who, much like the Union during the Civil War, was unhappy and unwilling to accept seccession. I think they could've better represented the Brits side and, in doing so, would create more tension for the viewer and present a more realistic moral quandary.
I agree with BT - both Patriot and Braveheart are great films
January 17, 2008 - 16:59 ET by Dee BunkWhat war movie out there doesn't portray the enemy as a dark villain? It maybe trite but it's right. Even Letters from Iwo Jima, the first film to show both sides from a soldiers perspective, still makes villains of the Japanese leaders.
trite
It's better to be trite and right than to irresponsibly make your own country out to be a villain just to be different. I don't think there is a movie that has been made that is "historically accurate".
I have to disagree. I
January 17, 2008 - 17:14 ET by JasonCI have to disagree. I think it is eminently possible to depict war without unduly demonizing the other side. Saving Private Ryan did this beautifully. We never doubt the evil of fascism, but the enemy is not made out to be a gang of hissing villains. I think it is a disservice to those who have actually had to fight in a war to reduce an historical conflict to a black-and-white Good vs. Evil fable. The "Redcoats" were no more "evil" than the minutemen; to so strenuously insist that they were (and to lazily embody that evil in one single, easily-hateable character) cheapens the cinematic integrity for me. This is, for me, simply a disconnect between an "enjoyable" film (which I absolutely think The Patriot is) and a "good" film.
This excerpt from a review by critic James Berardinelli pretty much sums it up for me:
"The screenplay, written by Saving Private Ryan scribe Robert Rodat, is The Patriot's
central disadvantage. Structured and developed with painful
predictability (only one event in the entire picture surprised me), the
story diminishes the scope of the Revolutionary War into one man's
struggle for revenge. Gibson might just as well be in a Colonial
version of Payback.
To make sure we don't lose sight of the fact that all the carnage and
death isn't only about killing Col. Tavington, we're occasionally
subjected to speeches about the virtues of freedom and shots of the
American flag filmed with a degree of reverence equaled in recent film
only by Kevin Costner's The Postman. There's virtually no strategy or sense of place - battles just happen,
and their importance (or lack thereof) is rarely placed into an overall
context. It's a rare thing for Washington to be mentioned. And the
concluding struggle of the war, at Yorktown, is presented in a
perfunctory, dissatisfying epilogue."
Here's the full review: http://www.reelviews...
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
It's nice to see a liberal admit that Apocalypto is a good film
January 17, 2008 - 17:14 ET by Dee BunkMost are too brainwashed against Mel Gibson. He is a very talented director and just because he is religious the media and leftists hate him. It's really disgusting because he doesn't try to force his religion on anyone. He has years and years of having nothing but praise from anyone who has ever worked with him and just because he makes a movie about Jesus he is vilified. After that, one drunken comment is supposed to erase everything good he's ever done. He's hasn't treated a Jewish person badly when sober and yet they want one drunken incident to define who he is.
Didn't see Apocalypto. I
January 17, 2008 - 17:17 ET by JasonCDidn't see Apocalypto. I can't imagine anyone claiming Mel has no talent, regardless of his quirks. He's proven himself again and again. Passion of the Christ definitely represented a serious throwing down of the cinematic gauntlet. I saw it three years ago and still can't decide if I like it...
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
Passion of the Christ was Excellent
January 17, 2008 - 17:35 ET by Dee Bunkand his most artistic. I loved how all the critics and liberals complained about the violence but had no problem with Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs. Most action lovers I know that are either conservative or non political loved Apocalypto. Most liberals I know either wouldn't see it, or saw it and panned it. That indicates brainwashing to me. It's really sad because Mel Gibson isn't really even very political - just religious.
Oh man, don't get me
January 17, 2008 - 17:42 ET by JasonCOh man, don't get me started on film criticism and violence...
To play devil's advocate though (um, no pun intended), I think that Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs are vastly superior films in every respect. This is strictly from a point of view of auteurism and thematic impression. The thing about Passion was that all of the torture and anguish was in no way tied to Jesus' teachings. This is why I'd argue that Last Temptation of Christ was a much better attempt to depict Jesus' suffering; the suffering was seen in light of his beliefs and the mental anguish that would have accompanied any flesh-and-blood person in his position. Simply put, I thought Scorcese's film was, at it's core, a more Christian film. In Passion, frankly, the body that the viewer had to watch being mangled for 2 hours could have been any victim of Roman persecution.
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
The Passion was about forgiveness
January 17, 2008 - 18:10 ET by Dee BunkYes it could have been anyone being mangled and victim of Roman persecution. Jesus was Flesh-and-blood whether you believe in him as the savior or not. He felt pain like everyone else. What was extraordinary about the story was that he could have avoided his persecution but didn't and he forgave them despite the torture.
There was nothing hip, cool or gratuitous about the violence in Passion of the Christ. Terantino's films glorify violence (and I still like them) and yet they are A okay. The violence in Passion is meant to make you sick to your stomach and uncomfortable for a long period of time and it did. Even if you take the religion out of it, it would be a good depiction of how brutal they were. Scenes like when Mary flashes back to him as the boy that she took care of and back to watch helplessly as he was tortured were extremely moving. She was his son there - not the savior. The cinematography was brilliant and the acting was good. It was a great film. Do you dismiss Shindler's list as a good film just because a lot of people that weren't Jewish went through Nazi torture?
I didn't see The Last Temptation of Christ, but I doubt very seriously that it was more Christian.
Jesus was Flesh-and-blood
January 17, 2008 - 18:20 ET by JasonCJesus was Flesh-and-blood whether you believe in him as the savior or not. He felt pain like everyone else.
Yes, exactly! And Last Temptation dealt with this fact, not just with regard to his flayed body, but to the confusion and ambivalence that anyone would feel at being spoken to by God. I implore you to see it. The crucifiction scene is long and violent and difficult to watch, but it makes up perhaps only 1/5 of the film's running time. That the viewer sees what led to the moment of crucifiction and what could come of it (I'm trying not to drop spoilers here) makes it, I believe, a far more in-depth and respectful meditation on Jesus.
Terantino's films glorify violence
I don't know, there was nothing glamorous about Tim Roth bleeding from a pistol shot to the gut for all of Reservoir Dogs. Or the back of that guy's head in Pulp Fiction. While I see your point, I think these are films that simply explore nihilism and violence from a unique tone/perspective - well, unique until everyone started doing it - but these films also feature top-notch dialogue and plotting. Passion, for me, had none of these things going for it. It was nothing but gore. The Christian meaning to be taken from it was wholly dependent on a viewers a priori knowledge of scripture.
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
Dee, Passion was ok. It
January 18, 2008 - 16:10 ET by LeonDee,
Passion was ok. It was cool to hear the use of old school languages, but I found it to be soooo boring.
The whipping scene was the worst. We get it. He's being brutally whipped. Ok. Jesus is suffering. I don't need 30 minutes of the same thing over and over again to get the point.
Not too mention, given his family history of anti-semitism, he probably should have avoided using Bach in the film.
Leon
January 18, 2008 - 22:20 ET by RESTLESS 1"Not too mention..."
Weren't you the one complaining about the extra "o" in "loser" on another post. ;>)
Leap of Faith (Steve
January 15, 2008 - 17:39 ET by TruthMongerLeap of Faith (Steve Martin)
Forrest Gump
The Apostle
Tender Mercies
The Godfather
Being There
Unforgiven
4 Weddings and a Funeral
Lord of the Rings
Dances With Wolves
Lord of the Rings Trilogy
January 15, 2008 - 18:05 ET by hydrodynDMLord of the Rings Trilogy – friendship, loyalty and perseverance through impossible odds -plus lots of orcs.
Bladerunner – Not necessarily important, but damn cool.
Raising Arizona – Is to comedy what The Usual Suspects is to drama.
The Usual Suspects – See above and reverese.
Fight Club – What does it mean to be a man in our society? Unless you’ve been popped in the face a few times, your opinion doesn’t matter.
Unbreakable – Anyone can be a hero. But it helps if you can bench 350 lbs.
Bambi Meets Godzilla
January 15, 2008 - 18:10 ET by vrwc13- King of Hearts
- Time Changer
- Joshua (2002/I)
v
short - Bambi Meets Godzilla
http://en.wikipedia....
There are so many, but
January 15, 2008 - 18:06 ET by BDThere are so many, but those that are in my personal DVD collection include.
1.) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
2.) Zulu (Michael Caine screaming "Hold them - hold them!" as Gonville Bromhead during the Zulu's pressing of the attack is priceless.
3.) Band of Brothers - all episodes in the miniseries.
4.) Master and Commander.
5.) Slap shot - the first time the Hanson Brothers take the ice is HYSTERICAL.
6.) Rollerball - At the end when James Caan as Johnathon E who has survived the game which was designed to be his final/fatal matchstarts skating around the track and the crowd begins chanting "Johnathon E!" It is impossible to not be moved.
"Once Were Warrors".
January 15, 2008 - 19:14 ET by RESTLESS 1"Once Were Warrors". Brutally raw film set in New Zealand. Left that one remembering it for weeks.
In the Line of Fire Almost
January 15, 2008 - 19:26 ET by balboaIn the Line of Fire
Almost Famous
Grosse Point Blank
LA Confidential
Wonder Boys
Great list Balboa
January 19, 2008 - 10:48 ET by Dee BunkI loved all of these except Wonder Boys. I'm not sure if I liked Wonder Boys or not even though I know I saw it which probably means I didn't care for it that much.
LA Confidential was superb modern Film noir that actually improved what it was imitating unlike so many others like the recent Black Dahlia or Hollywoodland
In the Line of Fire is one of the best thrillers out there and Grosse Point Blank is one of the best fun ones with an awesome soundtrack. Almost Famous was so nostalgic for me and very well done. Too bad Kate Hudson has not lived up to her performance in that one. She was outstanding.
Yeah, Kate Hudson was so
January 19, 2008 - 10:55 ET by balboaYeah, Kate Hudson was so good, and now she's just in romantic comedies that are not good.
I was really disappointed in Black Dahlia. Great cast, and just...eh.
Not sure exactly what it was I liked about Wonder Boys, maybe the university setting.
Best scene in Grosse Point Blank: When Cusack discovers his childhood home is a convenience store, set to "Live and Let Die" by Guns 'n' Roses.
Yeah balboa - I love that one!
January 19, 2008 - 11:39 ET by Dee BunkAnd the guy sits there playing the violent video game while it's all happening. I love that film.
Black Dahliarrrrggghhhh A
January 19, 2008 - 13:36 ET by Jack BauerBlack Dahliarrrrggghhhh
A movie so awful it was unintentionally hilarious.
If James Ellroy was dead he'd be spinning at 78rpm.
LA Confidential was most certainly one of the movies of the 1990s, and captured the esssence of the two novels it was based upon superbly. IMHO, of course.
Jack - Did you see Hollywood Land?
January 21, 2008 - 11:53 ET by Dee BunkI thought it was just as bad, if not worse. The women (Swank and Johansen) were bad and seemed like they were playing dress up in Black Dahlila and the Men (Afflack and Adrien Brodey) were horrible in Hollywoodland.
I don't think anyone will be able to do as good with the genre as LA Confidential. It was flawless. I like when people get creative with the Nior concept like with the film "Brick" (high school setting) and "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang"(hysterical take). Did you see either of those?
Dee -- Hollywoodland. Had
January 21, 2008 - 12:03 ET by Jack BauerDee -- Hollywoodland. Had the two words that usually stop me seeing any movie
And I think it was directed by that guy who did Kinsey?
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang was fun. Nuts but fun. Brick seems to have passed me by? I'll check it out.
I rate Johannsen, but she was truly Penelope Cruz in this one. And that's not good for me. Seen trees act better.
Jack - you were smart to stay away. Ben Affleck was at his worst
January 21, 2008 - 12:26 ET by Dee BunkBrick is not for everyone but if you are a fan of film noir and don't mind indies (this is a first feature from the director) you will enjoy it. It stars Joseph Gorden Levitt and I think he is really good.
Brick was wonderful.
January 21, 2008 - 13:33 ET by JasonCBrick was wonderful. Absolutely unique. If you're a noir buff (and it sounds like Jack is) you've at least got to give it a chance.
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
DEE! Brick and Kiss Kiss
January 21, 2008 - 12:06 ET by balboaDEE! Brick and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang are two of the most enjoyable movies I've seen in a long time. I loved the cool veneer everyone had in Brick. So cool. And Val Kilmer should get a special award for his performance in KKBB.
Two great films.
Balboa & Jason - I was thinking you guys would like Brick and
January 21, 2008 - 14:13 ET by Dee BunkKiss Kiss Bang Bang. And especially Balboa with Kiss Kiss because it's kind of Grosse Point Blank Like. I found myself laughing at things I'd never thought I would laugh at in Kiss Kiss - like a guy being shot in the head! That film is even better the second time around.
Brick is so unique and cool and I can't wait to see what that director does next.
Great Idea Jason and Great list
January 16, 2008 - 09:19 ET by Dee BunkEveryone has some great choices. I'm a film addict so it's really hard for me to narrow down, but I'm going to try tomorrow when I have more time.
Movie List
January 16, 2008 - 20:20 ET by Free StinkerNewsbusters. Log on and find out What the heck is so yummy over here!
Ice Castles? As in "skater
January 18, 2008 - 16:17 ET by balboaIce Castles? As in "skater goes blind" Ice Castles?
Grosse Point Blank? As in
January 19, 2008 - 13:29 ET by Free StinkerGrosse Point Blank? As in "I want that 90 minutes an $10 back" Grosse Point Blank?
;-)
Newsbusters. Log on and find out What the heck is so yummy over here!
Free - I've never heard of any of yours except
January 22, 2008 - 09:11 ET by Dee BunkBreaveheart. I looked them up and most look very interesting and netflix thinks I'd rate all but Ice Castles 4 Stars. They don't have the Falcon films. I've added a bunch to my queue and am especially interested in Shadowlands and Office Space.
Free...Loved the Falcon
January 22, 2008 - 16:28 ET by JerFree...Loved the Falcon films, also Open Range...but The Sand Pebbles is the one film on your list I will watch every time it is telecast and never tire of.
Jer
Movies
January 17, 2008 - 06:26 ET by Cool ArrowWe Were Soldiers - Mel Gibson. Warning serious tear jerker.
I ♣ My Seal
I saw a movie years ago
January 17, 2008 - 08:26 ET by LeonI saw a movie years ago that should be a Newsbusters staple. It shows liberals to be the intolerant, hateful group of people you all constantly claim them to be.
THE LAST SUPPER
Here's the short description from IMDB:
A group of idealistic, but frustrated, liberals succumb to the temptation of murdering rightwing pundits for their political beliefs
Great flick. Worth watching.
Now that everyone is done
January 17, 2008 - 14:54 ET by Dee BunkNow that everyone is done with this thread – I finally have my list of great films. They aren’t in any particular order and some could fall off and be replaced by other good ones on a different day, but City of God would be on any best list I would ever make. I tried to keep this to 10 but ended up with 11.
City of God – South America’s Boys in the Hood. It’s probably the most violent film I’ve seen but it’s very well done. It’s hard to keep up with the subtitles because it’s so fast paced and has so much going on, but it’s worth the effort. I wish everyone in the world would see this film and then also watch the Documentary Favela Rising. There is a big difference between poverty in America and poverty in other countries.
The Big Labowski –The best most intelligent comedy from the Coen Brothers. It’s a screwball comedy that also makes you think.
Before The Rain – This is what the Oscar nominated Babel should have been. It’s a much better illustration of the same point on how language barriers and cultural differences cause problems in our world. Unfortunately it’s not out on DVD and it’s really hard to find on VHS.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – This is a very strange but brilliant take on Love and the unbearable pain it can cause. It’s very tragically romantic, original and well done.
Le Circle Rouge – Great French crime thriller. I’m sure it has influenced many American films.
Becket –Recently released on DVD – this film staring a young Peter O’Tool and Richard Burton is based on a true story and history in England and is my favorite period piece.
The Decalogue - This is a polish series of 10 1hr films based on the 10 commandments. They are very dark but not the least bit judgmental. It shows ordinary people from the same Polish housing project living ordinary lives and struggling with the same problems and moral dilemmas that seem to visit many of us. Highly contemplative and you don’t have to be religious to enjoy them. In Polish with English Subtitles
The Unbearable Lightness of Being- This film is filled with nudity and sex, but it’s not gratuitous. It’s a beautiful epic love story that examines two people in love who have different morals, work ethic and politics and are forced to confront their differences after the soviet invasion of their country. The film starts out comedic and raunchy then builds to sexy and ends with love, happiness and deep meaning of life issues. It’s in English and stars Daniel Day Lewis and Juliette Binoche. It was Binoche’s break-out role.
Amadeus – The very interesting, well done and suspenseful story of Mozart that made this strictly rock –n- roller (at the time) appreciate classical music
Dark City – Sci-fi at it’s best. This film never really got proper attention. It’s smart, creative, and it’s got love, mystery and action. It should appeal to everyone.
Amelie – The most creative film about a shy girl who lives vicariously through others by setting up romantic encounters. It sounds like a Chick flick, but men who don’t mind subtitles usually love it also.
Dee, Great list. I've
January 18, 2008 - 16:12 ET by LeonDee,
Great list. I've seen and loved all of those movies.
Leon - Even Before the Rain and The Decalouge?
January 18, 2008 - 16:23 ET by Dee BunkLeon - Even Before the Rain and The Decalogue?
Dee, Good catch Dee. I
January 18, 2008 - 16:31 ET by LeonDee,
Good catch Dee. I haven't seen Before the Rain, but I have seen The Decalogue many times.
Please, I went to one of the most liberal colleges in the country.
Pompous liberal undergrads, while intensely annoying and lacking basic hygiene, do have an eye for good entertainment.
Other Leon Suggestions:
1) City of Lost Children
2) Brazil
3) Pi
4) Shallow Grave
5) Mickeybo & Me
6) Kolya
7) Three Extremes
8) Triumph of the Spirit
9) Billy Elliot
10) It's All Gone Pete Tong
How cool that you like The Decalouge -
January 18, 2008 - 17:31 ET by Dee BunkI wouldn't think you would. Before The Rain is really hard to get, that is why I wondered but you could have been one of the ones lucky enough to see it in the theater. I saw it on VHS and the place I got it from specializes in hard to get stuff. There has been a movement to try and get in on DVD and I just heard today actually that Criterion is going to do it.
I loved Brazil and Pi and I think I saw Billy Elliot but I'm not sure. I've had City of Lost Children on my Netflix queue for a while and hope to get to it soon. I have to look up the rest when I have time. My queue is getting huge!
City of God American
January 17, 2008 - 15:11 ET by BinxlyCity of God
American History X
SLC Punk - amazing movie and easily the best acting Matthew Lilard has ever done. This is a must see for any free and rebellious spirit.
Party Monster - Simply an *insane* movie worth watching if only for pure 'wtf' factor.
Kids - read above. Slightly more realistic and relavant than party monster.
Binx, oh man, Kids was so
January 17, 2008 - 17:03 ET by JasonCBinx, oh man, Kids was so depressing. But well done. Have you seen Larry Clark's other film, Bully? That and Gus van Sant's Elephant are, I think, the two most interesting filmic studies of adolescent violence.
One director I somehow neglected to mention is Peter Greenaway. His film The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover really pushes the 'wtf' factor as well, although I'd still argue that nothing compares to Irreversible in that category. Noe's other big film I Stand Alone is reputed to be even more intense; I haven't even found the guts to watch it yet. Oh, and Greenaway's 8 1/2 Women is just wonderfully bizarre and funny.
I'm having a great time reading everyone's picks, keep 'em coming!
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
Binx, Party Monster was
January 18, 2008 - 16:14 ET by LeonBinx,
Party Monster was great!
I actually have met and worked with James St. James several times when I was living in NYC and working with some fashion companies.
He's about as bizarre as they come. Everyday is Halloween for that guy.
HAhaha while my fashion
January 23, 2008 - 13:18 ET by BinxlyHAhaha while my fashion isn't NEAR that outlandish, I applaud those eccentric types for doing what they do. I'm sure there are times and places where certain fashion is a distraction so much it shouldn't be allowed, but in private life, who gives a damn!
That's the main appeal I had with many of the characters in that movie. That said, the drug use, extravagant lifestyle, I think it was presented almost perfectly true to life. Everyone's having a blast until it all comes crashing down. Same reason I liked Kids. It doesnt take the route of making 'that lifestyle' look like it isn't entertaining and fun, but rather, presents it that 'sure, being irresponsible and high on drugs IS fun, that is, until you come down. Then there's the whole issue of reality. The moment I saw these movies, for the first time I became genuinely afraid of such a lifestyle.
Instead of these marijuana harmless? commercials we should just suggest these movies. They don't lie that drugs are entertaining, but they are 100% correct in the presentation that your life will ultimately fail when you are dependent upon them, and that dependency is ultimately where most if not all drug users will end up.
Binx, also, if you liked
January 18, 2008 - 17:58 ET by JasonCBinx, also, if you liked American History X, you simply must see The Believer. See my description above. It's really just a stunning movie.
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
Prisoner of the Mountain
January 17, 2008 - 17:17 ET by Gary HallIt came to mind the other day when we were watching "Charlie Wilson's War, " which was quite entertaining - although from a full disclosure and historical perspective was a joke - Crile's story actually manages to make Democrats look good for doing a lot less than they did, with a lot of leadership from the R's, who's whose role was not displayed, while in the end left the usual gulible crowd believing that somehow only becasue of the R's we dropped the ball in Afghanistan (which we did) and armed Bin Laden (which we did not).
Back to "Prisoner of the Moutain." It's a powerful little film - certainly from the seat of the invaded.
I seldom recall the minutia
January 21, 2008 - 09:20 ET by KarmaI seldom recall the minutia of films ( actors, directors, year etc...), but I like all types. Just a tiny fraction of those I would watch over and over:
2001 & the sequel, 2010
Little Miss Sunshine
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Little Big Man
The Professional (90's version)
One of my more recent favorites...Pan's Labyrinth.
Favorite? Difficult. But here are a few of the ones I've enjoy
January 18, 2008 - 19:24 ET by Ten7sFavorite? Difficult. But here are a few of the ones I've enjoyed over the last couple of months (and think have special importance/meaning).
Three that speak to the human condition:
"Of Human Bondage, 1934, Betty Davis, Leslie Howard
"The Circus", 1928, Charlie Chaplin
"The Crowd" 1928 dir. King Vidor
Three of historical significance
"Forbidden Planet" 1956 Leslie Nielsen, Walter Pidgeon (based on The Tempest) Star Trek to Star Wars, scifi owes so much to this one
"King Kong" (the original) scratch every monster movie since, it bleeds "King Kong"
"The Great Dictator" 1940 Charlie Chaplin
ever heard of/seen
January 19, 2008 - 17:31 ET by botgBread and Chocolate?
Casablanca
Bread and Chocolate sounds good
January 19, 2008 - 17:36 ET by Dee BunkI love Casablanca
Top few are
January 19, 2008 - 13:45 ET by Jack BauerTop few are easy...ish
Dr. Strangelove
Some LIke It Hot
Double Indemnity
Alien
Manhattan
Ghost World
Goodfellas
Godfather 1 & 2
Groundhog Day
Night of the Demon
Great picks. I found
January 19, 2008 - 14:03 ET by JasonCGreat picks. I found amusing (but agree with) your pointed omission of Godfather III.
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
Godfather 3. Possibly the
January 19, 2008 - 20:25 ET by Jack BauerGodfather 3. Possibly the most disappointing "anticipated" movie ever.
The only thing that could have made it worse would have been Penelope Cruz in it.
But I did forget
HEAT
off my original pick.
I may have included MANHUNTER but that was TV movie.
A great TV movie, and superior to all the Lecter movies except Silence.
So many movies so little time.
January 19, 2008 - 17:25 ET by upcountrywaterDr. strangelove
Mars attacks
Aliens
They Live
A Fish Called Wanda
Contact
Bedazzled
Lost in Translation
Looker
A bunch on this thead I hav'nt seen..
iranian uranium; iranian uranium, iranian uranium..
Oh joy to the world, 19 more atomic power plants!
They Live
January 21, 2008 - 19:42 ET by Free StinkerThey Live - One of the all-time greats! ;-)
Newsbusters. Log on and find out What the heck is so yummy over here!
Great thread, Jason...Did
January 22, 2008 - 16:23 ET by JerGreat thread, Jason...Did anyone see AFI's 10th anniversary show about a month ago with clips of the top 100 American films as voted by a panel selected by the American Film Institute?
It was hard to disagree with the vast majority of the selections, but certainly some quibbles about the ranking. [For example, "Singin' in the Rain" of course had a couple of classic song and dance numbers, but no way would I consider it the 6th best movie of all time.]
Admittedly, there is a great deal of subjectivity involved, but I felt there was one particularly incomprehensible omission. Does anyone who watched [the list is also probably on the internet] care to guess? I'll give you my opinion shortly.
Jer
.
JasonC, Saw a great film
January 23, 2008 - 09:21 ET by LeonJasonC,
Saw a great film last night from Denmark:
Adam's Apple.
It's brutal at times but a great movie about the power of Christianity
Leon - I loved Adams Apples!
January 23, 2008 - 09:45 ET by Dee BunkIt is so hysterical. I love that Mads Milkesen he's so talented. Have you seen "Bothersome Man" or L'Iceberg?