A good way to see what kind of details a movie buff pays attention to is by looking at his or her favorite movies. I feel that a list of any individual's ten favorite movies is not only fun for starting debate and discussion, but is also very excellent for showcasing the kind of things about movies that different people take note off. All of us certainly interpret movies differently because we focus on different aspects within the picture and therefore develop our own sensibilities. The following is a list of my top 10 favorite movies (in order) and a small disclaimer as to why I chose each film (10 - 6).
- Brazil wasn’t the first film directed by Terry Gilliam that I saw, but after seeing it for the first time some years ago it instantly became my favorite in his catalog. This film simply bleeds atmosphere and aesthetics. The dystopian future that is portrayed with much humor and wit is also gorgeous and terrifying to look at. Each set is bursting with detail and imagination and the story about a man trying to escape the trap of a world ruled by paperwork and endless policies is not to be missed. This is a winner on every level and works brilliantly as a science fiction/comedy/action/romance.
- This probably seems like an odd choice. This satirical comedy film went pretty much unnoticed in theaters but has begun to develop a devoted fan base. Personally, I find Walk Hard to be the funniest movie ever made. Most of the comedy play out as most Judd Apatow produced films do (lots of raunchy, bod-related humor), but this movie is unique in how incredibly brilliant the satire is and how heartfelt it is in the end. Having a somewhat thorough knowledge of 1960’s and 1970’s pop culture (emphasis on the music) helps with some of the references, especially in the extended cut of the movie (when is the only version I watch). Also noteworthy is the soundtrack. Its a tragedy that this film went so unnoticed, as a handful of the songs are easily Oscar-worthy in their hilarious satire-soaked absurdity. Walk Hard is the dark horse on my list, but I stand by it. I love this film.
- Just a few years ago I purchased the Criterion Collection blu-ray release of Fredrico Fellini’s brilliant film 8 1/2 without knowing much about it except that it is considered a classic and that it was on sale. When I sat down and watched the film, I was stunned. When the 2.5 hour film was over, I had zero idea of what to make of the thing. This movie is surreal and splendid in style and substance. Dream sequences start and stop without any real context or consideration of linear narrative. The plot is simple enough (a film director is out of ideas and is making things up as he goes along on the set of his latest movie, all while dealing with his past and the relationships he has formed over the years), but the movie is a tough nut to crack. I watched 8 1/2 with English subtitles (this is an Italian film), and so much is going on so quickly that I found myself struggling to keep up with the dialogue. You will need to see this film more than one time. 8 1/2 is a fever dream and is constructed with a brilliant sense of atmosphere and imagination.
- Casino has been treated unfairly since the year it was released. Martin Scorsese was riding the success of the almost equally incredible Goodfellas when he shot and released Casino. Almost instantly the consensus was that Casino was so similar in form to Goodfellas that it seemed like an imitation movie that did nothing but copy the former film with no progressive intentions. While I certainly see where those criticisms are coming from, I have to disagree and say that Casino takes all of the positive elements of Goodfellas and polishes them. Casino is, indeed, very similar in style to Goodfellas (constant narration, music-video like editing, and strong stories with strong characters), but for me works much better as a whole. Casino is an epic movie with some of the greatest performances in cinema history. Don’t write this one off!
- I know I cheated here, but I couldn’t help myself. The three Lord of the Rings films are not to be ignored and continue to be a force to be reckoned with. Consisting of three films (Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, and Return of the King), the Lord of the Rings Trilogy follows the epic story of the ring of power and the various characters that are involved with the emergence of the ring’s power. Honestly, no other film matches the huge scope of these films nor the precision and attention to detail. There isn’t a single miscast actor, poor creative choice (derived from the legendary novels written by J. R. R. Tolkien ), or moment of boredom in the entire trilogy (almost some may disagree… I’m talking to you Kevin Smith). The extended cuts of each film are easily the best way to see them, as they add countless important scenes that fill in each gap of the story. Lord of the Rings is how big-budget films should look and feel. While their visual and visceral appeal is undeniable, the emotional depth of the trilogy is also a force to be reckoned with.
Well that is part 1 of my top 10 list! I’m sure most people will shutter at my choices and others will agree in at least a few of my decisions. These movies mean a lot to me and help showcase my personal taste in films. Stick around because part 2 of this list (feature my five favorite movies EVER) will be posted shortly!
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