Rebecca and I were talking this evening and the conversation moved onto which movies we could watch over and over again.
This isn't the same as fave film or best flm, it'ss which 5 films could hold your attention to watch them over and over again, then the big question....Why
Mine, in no particular order are
Grosse Point Blanke
Why, because it is so rare for americans to do black humour well, and this is funny, exciting and as well as great humour and acting from John Cusack has a fantastic small part for Alan Arkin.
The American President
A well written film that combineshumour, drama and romance. This was the film that Aaron Sorkin wrote which led to the West Wing, and when you watch it you can see the West Wing begin to form.
The 13th Warrior
There is nothing splendid about this film, but it was great that director John McTiernan used such a variety of actors many unknowns playing lead rolls next to Omar Shariff and Antonio Banderas, many never did anything else after this film. The film is an adventure for boys about good and evil and thats all there is to it, but it's brilliant to watch over and over again
Dark Star
Many just dont get it. This is an ultra low budget film, the first film by John Carpenter which he started as his university project. I love that you can do so much for free and make it look so good. For instance the lift was filmed in a corridor with the camera on its side, one of the actors was so cheap because he could not speak english, and John had to dub his own voice in.
Funny, sad, intelligent film making on a shoestring.
Local Hero
I like the extremes in this film and how they come together, the city dwelling american and how he grows to enjoy the one street town. The beach comber and the executive.
Its compelling, and one of Burt Lancasters last great performances even though his role is small.
So now I want to see all of you blog about your desert island dvd's. Things that stand the test of time. Things that you can watch over and over again.
If you dont have a blog just list them AND THE REASONS WHY it's very important in my comments.
I'm going to do this one. I like the idea.
(probably by my tomorrow)
Posted by: just a girl | January 17, 2006 at 12:07 AM
The Usual Suspects
because there's something new in it every time. It's a supremely clever film.
Cliffhanger
I'd never buy it or rent it, but I have to watch it every single time it's on the TV. Trust me, it's on a lot. It's just so damn funny!
Chicago
I'm not usually a sucker for musicals. In fact, I hate musicals. But this is genius. Specially Big Mamma Morton's be good to mamma routine... and the murderers' song. And the press puppet song. Oh, and Mr Cellophane.
Aliens (in fact, virtually any one of the Alien series)
Perfect hangover cure material. You just watch, and speak along...
Million Dollar Baby
I'm not sure this will stand the test of time, but I've watched it 5 or 6 times, and it's still incredibly moving.
Can I have one more?
House of Flying Daggers
Mesmerisingly beautifully shot. Just gorgeous. The whole story is in the landscape and the photography, and some of the shots are breathtaking. A beautiful film to watch.
Posted by: Silver Lining | January 17, 2006 at 07:38 AM
Oh this is so difficult because the way I've approached it is like, which films couldn't I live without? There are about 30 that come to mind that fall into that category, and there are probably many more, but I've got to pick five, so here goes. No particular order of importance...
1: American Beauty
A modern classic. I love everything about this film, from Kevin Spacey and Anette Benning's utterly believeable yet entertaining performances, to the plot, to the sublime music by Thomas Newman, to the directing. I always feel uplifted despite the sad ending. This film takes me somewhere else, and I believe that I'm there. I don't think I'd change a second of t.
2: The Shop Around The Corner
James Stewart plays a shop assistant who works with a new girl and they can't stand each other. Secretly he has a written correspondance with the woman of his dreams who he's never met, but constantly imagines what she must be like as they arrange to meet. A superb plot with a twist, and the film on which the later and hugely inferior You've Got Mail was based on. Can James Stewart do no wrong? And an unbelieveable performance from Margaret Sullavan, who is very funny and believeable.
3: Jean de Florette / Manon Des Sources
Two French films that really have to be treated as one, and absolutely MUST be viewed in the right order, as above. They tell the story of Ugolin, an awkward and unattractive young man who lives with his mean and scheming uncle in a remote and rundown farm. Together they hatch a plot to make a fortune out of growing carnations - the only problem being the lack of water. That's where the plot thickens and what follows is an epic and tragic tale of greed and revenge that has the most heartbreaking ending of any film I know.
4: It's a Wonderful Life
Jimmy Stewart again, with a perfect cast and a perfect film. Quite simply sublime, moving, funny, sad and ultimately life-affirming. The perfect Christmas film, and of the five chosen here, probably the one I would put at the top of the list.
5: When Harry Met Sally
I know there are many better films in terms of art and importance, but I could watch this film over and over again. The two central performances by Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are excellent, and the writing is funny and real. The characters mature throughout the movie - I really feel as though I've grown up with them, and the journey their characters take is entertaining and authentic. Fantastic stuff.
Ones that got away: Amelie, Truly Madly Deeply, The Browning Version, All About Eve, Cinema Paradiso, Some Like it Hot, Magnolia, Fargo, Singing in the Rain, Brief Encounter, Punch Drunk Love, Betrayal, Sexy Beasy, Goodfellas, Nuts in May...
Posted by: Jason | January 17, 2006 at 08:06 AM
1. Wizard of Oz - The best Muscial EVER and contins the greatest song EVER written - EVER.
2. Where Eagles Dare - Clint speaks 53 different Words in a 2 and a half hour film. His actions "speaks louder than words"
3. Empire of the Sun - I still cry at the end. Spielberg's best
4. Star Wars - Sorry, but without this film all cinemas would be closed by now.
5. The Wild Bunch - I love Westerns and this is a loveable and believeable film .... up until The Unforgiven came along, but I already have a Clint film
Posted by: Mr. Mavin | January 17, 2006 at 10:07 AM
done.
Posted by: just a girl | January 17, 2006 at 11:12 AM
Mmm, as Jas says very hard this one. OK here goes
1, The good, the Bad, & the ugly. Wonderfully shot, great acting, amazing story. A western with a something to say, and the best spaghetti western ever made.
2, The Fifth element. I know it’s a bit cheesy. But, it one of those films I can watch over and over again.
3, Kill Bill. I like the idea of people immersing themselves in their profession. And Tarrantino is the epitomy of that kind of person. I don’t get most of the references and nods which he puts in his films. It’s enough to know they’re there. To know it looks, sounds, progresses and reads the way it does, because one person wants it to look exactly that way. I like the way he chooses great actors, and uses them over and over again in different films. The fact HE feels it’s art even if critics call it pretension.
4, Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind. I loved this film so much I could eat it, the cast the crew, and people who produced the DVD just so they could be part of me… I dislike most of the other films Jim Carrey has been in, but he wasn’t allowed to overplay his part here. Getting back to the whole idea of films which can be funny, dramatic but also make you think is a good progression by the film industry.
5, (but actually first) Singin’ in the rain. I may not look like a musical nut, but I am. And this is the pinnacle of all musicals. I thought of including High society (which I also love) but this is the biz. Debbie Reynolds is gorgeous, Gene Kelly is awesome and Donald O’connor is hilarious. I realise it doesn’t fit the above category of films that make you think. But, films need to be escapist. My Mum has always loved musicals, and although we’d probably disagree as to what we like now, the though of curling up in front of the telly to watch a film on Sunday afternoon is perfection. Pick anything with Cary Grant, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, James Stewart, Doris Day, Howard Keel, (and by no mean least) Audrey Hepburn-and I’m happy.
Posted by: John Cooper | January 17, 2006 at 11:49 AM
Put mine on Andy Curtis's first but here is the repeat.
My top 5
1) Hobson's Choice - I love John Mills in this
2) The More the Merrier - yet another black and white comedy
3) Beaches - for when you really need a good cry
4) Pirates of the Caribbean - Johnny Depp at this best
5) Seven Brides for Seven Brothers - forget singing in the rain this it the best musical ever.
also at number 5 would be The Big Country which is the best cowboy film ever and I couldn't decide between them.
Posted by: Ann Cooper | January 17, 2006 at 12:27 PM
My politeness prevents me from venting anger at '7 brides' and 'best' being used in the same sentance
Posted by: Mr. Mavin | January 17, 2006 at 12:34 PM
Sorry I was indoctinated as a child. Baby Bro did go fot Singing in the Rain though.
Posted by: Ann Cooper | January 18, 2006 at 05:08 PM
Heaven can wait(both versions)
Some like it hot
It's a wonderful life
Oceans 11 (first version)
Mrs Brown
Posted by: christine | January 18, 2006 at 11:25 PM
OK, childhood indoctrinated nightmares are fogiven.
Top 5 Musicals?
Posted by: Mr. Mavin | January 19, 2006 at 08:40 AM
Wow thats hard:
1) 7 Brides
2) Guys and Dolls - saw Ewan McGregor in the West End version which was nearly as good and the Radio 2 version with Mandy Patinkin but the film is good 2.
3) Return to the Forbidden Planet although not available as film.
4) Singing in the Rain (Well it had to be there)
5) White Christmas
Posted by: Ann Cooper | January 19, 2006 at 09:54 AM
OK ....
1. Wizard of OZ - Of course!
2. West Side Story - OK, maybe because I just love the percussion in it, but there are soooo many superb songs and lyrics in there.
3. Oliver! - Dont lauch. Very few Musicals have a balanced repetoire for all major parts and voices. Everyone gets about 3 songs to do and the cast covers all ages and styles.
4. Calamity Jane - Great humour, great songs and really tugs at the heartstrings when Act 2 opens.
5. My Fair Lady - Sheer Bliss
Would like to have added Tommy but thats more Rock Opera and of course G&S is operetta and Gershwin is too borderline.
Worst 5?
Posted by: Mr. Mavin | January 19, 2006 at 10:13 AM
My top 5 movies that I can watch at Any Time:
1. The Graduate
2. Cast Away
3. Doctor Zchivago
4. Forest Gump
5. The Magnificent Seven
No particular order. I've not included 'Wonderful Life' or 'Seven Brides', which I also love, but feel that they are for watching on special occasions only.
Posted by: Tim the Enchanter | January 19, 2006 at 07:07 PM
OK, I did six.
Happiness
My favorite movie. I love the characters, the acting, the awkwardness, the overwhelming discomfort felt by each character. And for some reason it pleases me to watch their dysfunction.
Muriel’s Wedding
I love the best friend story and the music. It’s an upbeat, girl-becomes-woman story, always makes me smile.
The Bad Seed
A classic. Mom and I used to watch it almost every day for months. I love the melodramatic performances and the dark subject matter.
Halloween
A classic horror story, one of my all-time favorites and I never get sick of watching it.
Pretty in Pink
I can watch Duckie Dale again and again and still love him every time. I always wanted to be Molly Ringwald in this movie.
Christmas Story
This movie so excellently captures old-fashioned American Christmas. I can watch it again and again.
Posted by: Pictsie | January 20, 2006 at 05:24 AM
Dirty Dancing
I was forced to watch this for 3 months solid by my daughter who was then four years old, so kind of stuck in my head. In fact, I basically know the script.
Amelie
Only saw that on Sunday night and totally smitten.
Strictly Ballroom
As a previous ballroom dancer totally tuned in with this film and appreciated all that it said.
Close Encounters of a Third Kind
I thought this was wonderful and loved the mashed potato scene.
The Dish
Australian acting at its best wonderfully simple and deep, with the correct proportion of humour.
Posted by: Rebecca | January 24, 2006 at 04:06 PM