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An error has ocurred. Please try againTheir themes have made a lasting impression on my own thoughts by either appealing to my philosophical ideas, placed personal or societal values under the microscope, were successful in making me forget everything momentarily for pure good enjoyment, or have simply connected with my sense of humor.
These films are not ranked on their universality but rather on how they relate to me.
This list is to be updated constantly.
Rules of Style Club: No more than 4 participants at a time allowed. Minimal Gunplay/Projectile Powers Swords (lasers included) ok. Cinematography important. Music or Sound important. We're keeping it with humans/humanoids on this one. Sorry Godzilla fans.
Discuss here.
Reviews
The Godfather (1972)
Perfect
It's really hard to argue against this film as the greatest of all time. The Godfather is one of those rare instances where incredible plot meets incredible interpretation. It has Iconic performances to iconic characters. Dialogues that are bursting with quotes, style, and even wisdom. Themes that resonate immediately with anyone: family, loyalty, honor, power, revenge, legacy. Etc.
The story is essentially an emotional tragedy sprinkled with humor/fun. It makes us feel for this family. Moments of warmth if you will, largely thanks to characters like Vito (warmth) or Sonny (humor). As such we feel more impact when family members make mistakes that effect the whole.
There's also something special about how the film interacts with the viewer, and it's hard to exactly explain what it is; it's an unusual tone. I guess it has something to do with how it all mixes: the superb acting, the almost-strange-but-beautiful camera shots, the haunting music. I would argue that it makes the film as a whole haunting.
It's just damn perfect.
Vertigo (1958)
Hitchcock Gold
If I had one word to describe this film, that word would be style. Serious style. Whatever tone or mood that Hitchcock is presenting to us during this film is executed in a memorable way. From suspense, to romance, to intrigue. For example, one of the things that Hitchcock knew how to do great was to tastefully showcase the beauty of a woman as opposed to letting her simply be sexual eye candy. (To put it into modern context: girls in modern blockbusters come across the same as any girl next to a car in a magazine. whereas in a Hitchcock film they feel more like they stem from a painting). But Hitchcock does that in all his films, and this one has a lot more going for it than just showcasing a beautiful woman.
The most memorable trait of this film for me is that it borders on two tones, a Romance and a Ghost Story, the mix of the two tones is what gives it an off but intriguing tone, and even aids in the pace of the film. For you see at times this film feels like a mix of the two, then suddenly something will trigger one of the tones to stand out, and then back to the other. The best thing being is that neither compromises the other; when it feels like a romance it doesn't feel cheap it feels truly emotional. And when it wants to make you feel uncomfortable in the horror fashion it feels intense; psycho/rear window level intense. These two tones are what defines Vertigo for me; its an unusual but fascinating experience.
My personal favorite Hitchcock film.
Gravity (2013)
A Perfect Movie
There is not a thing that I would change about Gravity. It's straightforward, and its execution is flawless. This film accomplishes two things so well that it deserves praise, it makes you feel great about being in a theater, and it makes you happy to be alive
If you've heard anything about this movie already, you've heard something alluding to how it makes you feel like you're in space, how stunning it looks, visuals, etc. and its true. Having seen Transformers in IMAX and Resident Evil in 3D, huge wastes of money, Gravity reinvigorates the need and greatness of 3D and IMAX that Avatar promised. Gravity not only joins the field of best 3D movies, but directly challenges for its top spot. Gravity hit closer to home. Cuaron just chose a simpler more realistic plot, didn't waste any time with annoying filler (its only 90 minutes), and reminded us that going to the theater is sometimes really, truly worth it.
This simple premise, of escaping earth for just a moment, tapped into so many themes relating to individual human experience, that it created an unexpected rush and excitement that most action movies can't even accomplish. One of the more important themes that is felt throughout is the choice of truly WANTING to live. The main character has a tragic past, and has simply been carrying on in life without any hope or joy anymore. Suddenly, she is faced with the option of a beautiful death: the truest, darkest, quiet, easy fade into nothingness. And our main protagonist must dig deep into herself to choose to live or not. This kind of theme may have been approached before, but Gravity truly makes you FEEL it.
I will definitely return to watch it again. Beautiful film.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
You're Left Confused...but Satisfied
This is definitely a film that you come back to watch again for two reasons: 1) You're not immediately sure you understood what happened, and 2) You are left feeling mentally/philosophically engaged.
To be straight, you should know going into this film that you should have an eye for subtleties and symbolism, and above all, an open mind. From the onset, you can tell that the director is not going to attempt to appeal to the audience with fast paced action, explosions, etc. but rather with direct mental stimulation. You watch this film with a similar manner to that of an obscure yet significant painting, because the themes that are presented to you feel epic, and they are left open for interpretation; the lack of dialogue in favor of eerie music helps.
However, even through all of the confusion, and tense mood, you also know you are watching something beautiful. With a few minor exceptions, the screenplay feels like it is consistently appealing to the eye in a simple nature. And when it does change into more flashy and complex imagery, your eyes seem to welcome it.
I wouldn't say it is in my personal favorite films, but either way I am still thinking about it weeks after having watched it