Tuesday, February 15, 2011

My Favourite 36 (36?) That's Right, 36

Hello, Friends:

It's been some time since my last post. Alas, I did not win another year's pass to The Bloor because they didn't have the contest this year to win the pass--I had a great quote all lined up too ... oh well.

Nonetheless, The Bloor is still the best dang theatre around and I will continue to go there and write reviews as well. I have no idea if anyone is actually reading the reviews, but if nothing else, it's good to practise your spelling.

A friend recently asked me to send him a list of my favourite movies, so I thought I'd pass the list along to anyone who may read this ol' blog.

Clearly, there are movies on this list that wouldn't be on traditional "best ever" movie lists, but that's what makes individual lists more interesting. You could say, Taxi Driver is better than 90% of what I have down on my list, and I would say; maybe, but I don't care, Hannah and Her Sisters is better ... to me. God Bless Art.

Enjoy, and if you can figure out how to leave comments, it would be great to hear what you think.

My Favourite Film List

THE TOP 36

36?

That’s Right, 36




1) Citizen Kane: A cop-out? No way, there’s a reason this film is universally regarded as the best of all time—it is. Quite simply the most superbly crafted film I’ve ever seen. The acting, the writing, the stunningly beautiful and compelling (and groundbreaking) cinematography; I’m sure you’ve seen it, but if you haven’t, rent it, or better yet, buy it—now!

2) Jean de Florette/Manon des Sources (or Manon of the Spring): Number 2? Fucking “A” right, buddy. I’m cheating a bit by counting two films as one selection, but these French films were shot together and must be seen back to back, if not on the same night, then back to back nights … ok, you can have a couple of days off in between, but you know what I mean. These films are arguably the best French films of all time, and that’s saying something. I’m not going to tell you too much about them, because the less you know the better; just see ‘em.

3) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: All right, I admit it, I’m biased. As mentioned above, there will be films (such as this one) that are unlikely to be on other "best ever" lists, but I have watched this film more than any other. As you know I’m a big Harry Potter fan, and this film captures that world superbly. The changes made from the book make sense and aren’t jarring or infuriating, and the film itself is exceptionally beautiful and remarkably well thought out. Since I’ve seen it so many times, I’ve had the chance to see the imagery and foreshadowing that is so delicately layered throughout the film. It’s the first time the young actors really sink their teeth into their roles, and the music is the best in the series. I could watch this film over and over again, and I do. Best. Harry Potter Film. Ever.

4) Hannah and Her Sisters: Most people list Annie Hall as the best Woody Allen film of all time, and it is on my list, but Hannah is my favourite. It’s just so damn funny, “Did you masturbate too much? Hey, don’t knock my hobbies.” And it’s spectacularly acted and (yes, I’m a sucker) so damn heart-warming … “no one, not even the rain, has such small hands.”

5) Sling Blade: A virtuoso performance and the fact that he wrote and directed it as well makes one wonder whatever happened to Billy Bob. Nonetheless, this film deeply affected me when I saw it in the theatre (I saw it twice) and I have it on DVD too. It’s just simple and perfect; deeply sad and deeply loving and it features not just a great lead turn from Thornton but a fantastic supporting cast led by John Ritter and Dwight Yoakam.

6) Rocky: Go to hell if you disagree. What about Raging Bull? Sigh, sure it’s “better” but it’s not as good. I saw Rocky when I was quite young in the theatres and it was the first time I remember thinking, “this is the best film I’ve ever seen.” Hell, I liked it more than Star Wars, way more. Even as an 11 year old, I could see that Star Wars, as fun as it was, was no Rocky—which is beautifully written, beautifully acted and quite possibly the best “underdog” movie ever made. Yes, yes Raging Bull is a very well made film, but it doesn’t have Rocky’s heart; Raging Bull makes you appreciate film, Rocky makes you appreciate life.

7) This is Spinal Tap: The question is, how much more brilliant could this comedy be, and the answer is, none—none more brilliant. Michelle Pfeiffer says this is the best comedy ever (so there!) and I have to agree. Repeated viewing only makes it funnier. The only DVD where listening to the commentary is a must, since they’re done in character—however, you should only do this after you know the movie inside and out—no cheating! One of the first (and still the best) mockumentaries, Spinal Tap is shockingly hilarious. The more you know about rock ‘n roll, the better it is, but even if you don’t know much, the songs, the lyrics, the escapades, the superb improvising make for a film that’s so outrageous and honestly done, that many people thought Spinal Tap was a real band. If you’ve never seen it, hang your head in shame. After you’ve recovered, get it on DVD, and watch, over and over.

8) It’s a Wonderful Life: This isn’t just my favourite Christmas movie of all time, it’s one of my all time favourite movies, Christmas or no. I think this is Jimmy Stewart’s greatest role (and he agrees) and the film itself is inspiring. “Capracorn,” you say? I would have to disagree. While having a beautiful, almost spiritually profound message, it’s also gritty; showing Jimmy Stewart angrier than I’ve seen him in nearly any other film. It shows the effects of poverty, the striving to simply live a decent live, and the immense power of one man doing good. If cinema can’t convey a message like that without being accused of being “corny” then I don’t want to watch cinema.

9) Amelie: If you don’t fall in love with Audrey Tautou after seeing this movie, you are a cold-hearted knob who doesn’t even deserve to read this list—stop reading! The film is inventive, funny, romantic, touching and sentimental without being maudlin. The viewer will be sucked into Amelie’s world and will have no choice but to root for her. For such a fantastical movie, it’s remarkable how high the stakes feel. It’s a great film and I will forever have a crush on Ms Tautou … Audrey, my number is 647-991-69 ...

10) Aliens: This film is a tad different than Amelie and it’s the first action film on the list, and I would contend it’s the best action film of all time. Alien was a great film, but for me, Aliens is the best in the series; although they are almost different genres. Alien, despite the creature, is a psychological thriller; whereas, Aliens is a kick-ass, full throttle bonanza. Still, if Aliens didn’t have great acting and real characters, we wouldn’t care that much. If anything, we get to know Ripley more and her relationship with Newt gives the film a core the viewer genuinely cares about. All the supporting cast is great, with a special nod to a hilarious Bill Paxton. Ironically, this is one of those films where the director’s cut is not as good as the studio’s, but you can only get the original studio cut if you buy the entire Alien set—what a rip off. Still, Aliens makes the top ten.

11) The Exorcist: Is the theme music running through your head right now? Are you scared? You should be. It’s the best horror film of all time; end of story. But it’s more than that, it’s a brilliantly crafted film; that’s well written, well acted and will scare the fucking shit out of you. How many films can say that?

12) The Godfather: This is very near the top on most lists, but once again, art is beautiful and powerful because it is so subjective; and while I don’t have it in my top ten (I can hear my friend George saying, “Amelie? Amelie?! In front of the Godfather?!!!”); it is properly regarded as one of the all time great films. Although it’s a long film, it’s never boring and it stands up to repeat viewing; indeed, you will want to watch it many times. Superbly shot, acted and written, it’s a great, great film.

13) Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb: One of the all time great political satires with a profound message that is both a product of its time and a message for all generations. It also features a superb acting turn from Peter Sellers playing no less than three main characters, each distinctly different from the other. A must-see for anyone not yet initiated. Yeeeee-Haaaawwww!

14) Psycho: Hitchcock’s a master and I should probably have more of his on this list, but this is the one that had such an effect on me the first time I saw it. Still shocking; it is so effective, not because of gore or special effects but because of some of the eeriest atmosphere ever created on film, and featuring one of the all time great creepy characters in Norman Bates. Before Jaws scared you out of the ocean, Psycho had you checking and re-checking the shower … better check it one more time.

15) Schindler’s List: It’s an epic, but never drags. It showcases one of humanity’s worst moments; but it’s uplifting. Every single actor in it is great. The black and white cinematography is breath-taking. Schindler’s List is the best film from a director who has a number of films in the “all-time” category.

16) Jaws: Hey, what do you know, here’s another one of ‘em; a very early Spielberg film that’s still considered one of his best. It’s also known as one of the first summer “blockbuster” movies that, for better or worse, threw us into the “opening weekend” obsession that we have to this day. If Jaws were made today it wouldn’t be nearly as good—why? Because the shark would be a computer-generated piece of garbage. They didn’t have that option in the mid-seventies, so they went out and made a freakin’ shark, and it’s fantastic. I’ve watched the movie several times, and the FX still blow me away. But it’s the unlikely camaraderie amongst the motley crew of shark hunters that brings the film together.

17) To Kill a Mockingbird: One of the best film adaptations of a book, ever. Another beautiful black and white film and one of the first films to directly confront racism, it’s more than just a beautifully acted and made film, it’s important. This film is Gregory Peck’s greatest performance and the young actors never seem like young actors, they just seem like kids. A truly great film that deserves to be something more than a film you’re forced to watch in high school. See the film, become a better person.

18) Apocalypse Now: An epic that will blow your mind, from the sound track to the poetry, man! A liberal adaptation of Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, the film drags you into the jungle with it. With Martin Sheen proving that some people in that family can act, and Coppola providing his best effort since The Godfather; Apocalypse Now details the descent of man to his darkest, most primal self. And by setting it during the Vietnam War, it shows the descent of a nation into darkness as well. Featuring an array of fantastic characters (many, literally stoned for much of the filming), Apocalypse Now details the madness of war perhaps more than any other film.

19) Annie Hall: The last comedy to win an Academy Award for best picture, it is considered by many to be the best Woody Allen film; and one of the best comedies ever. But the reason it’s so good; indeed, the reason so many of Allen’s films are so good, is because it’s much more than a comedy. It’s freakin’ sad, man. It really is. Yes, it’s hilarious, but it’s damn poignant too. Truly great comedies must have pathos, just as truly great tragedies usually have some comedy blended in. Made at the height of Allen’s greatness, this is a must see for any one who loves film.

20) Good Night, and Good Luck: What the hell? Back off man, I think this is a great film. First, it looks great. You may think I have a “thing” for black and white, and you may have a point; but when it’s done right, it just seems to carry more of an impact, and it’s done right here. Of course, it’s right for the time period it’s set in—the McCarthy Era 50’s. And naturally, its message rings true today. The story of a journalist, Edward R. Murrow taking on the powerful senator, Joseph McCarthy during the height of the Cold War communist scare mongering; has an echoing effect on those today living in the era of Corporate News Conglomerates that attack anything that doesn’t agree with their capitalist tyranny. This movie shows that journalists once actually investigated stories, and asked tough questions and challenged the powers that be—and that doing all those things was tough even back then, but they did it. Murrow’s final speech to his fellow TV journalists and producers has a chilling effect on the modern viewer who has witnessed the nearly complete capitulation of today’s “news.” It looks fantastic, there are too many talented actors to mention, it deservingly had multiple Academy Award nominations, and it’s on my list, damn it.

21) Monty Python and the Holy Grail: I fart in your general direction. Combining crude humour with philosophy and old English literature provides us with one of the most absurdly hilarious movies ever made. Too many brilliant moments to mention, too many quotes worthy of being repeated for the rest of your life; and the memory of my mother laughing louder than anyone in movie watching history; Holy Grail is a comedy masterpiece. It deserves to be on every top 100 films list, but sadly, I’ve only ever seen it on mine.

22) Children of Men: Alfonso Cuaron, to me, is one of the best directors around and this film certainly reflects that. It had three Academy nominations and won several British Academy Awards. It tells a story that is sadly believable but still inspiring and redemptive. The cinematography is top notch; Clive Owen is at his best, Michael Cain is fantastic, and the film feels like a wonderful realization of a Greek Tragedy … with hope. This film won’t be on many other “all-time” lists, but if you haven’t seen it, I think it’s a must see.

23) The Matrix: Anyone who doesn’t have this on their list is simply a snob. This is a great film. This is one of those films that you remember seeing in the theatres. I honestly feel that it is a pivotal film in modern movie making. I see countless Matrix influences in nearly every action film made since, as well as “altered reality” movies, attempting to catch some of the original Matrix’s magic. Keanu Reeves, not always the strongest of actors, is perfectly cast in this film and when he has the right role, this Canuck hero can deliver. The look, the feel, the “rabbit-hole acid trip” philosophy will challenge your perception of existence; and it’s still the best of its ilk, even after repeated viewings. Do you know kung fu?

24) Pleasantville: What the hell is wrong with you? Why isn’t this on your list? It’s on mine! Another film that many people see as good, but I regard as great. The acting is top notch, it has a fantastic concept, but most importantly of all, it has a profoundly beautiful message that challenging your boundaries and finding your own strength and beauty is the only way to truly live. It’s the only way to bring colour into your world, and that this kind of change on a large scale will be attacked and misunderstood but ultimately accepted as we move forward. It has this big message, but it’s still a small, funny, inventive movie. Yes, it pulls on your heart-strings and inspires you but it doesn’t resort to hoary clichés or over-the-top cinema de fromage. It’s truly a wonderful, little film.

25) One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest: Normally, when a film doesn’t follow a book that I love, it drives me crazy; however Cuckoo’s Nest is an interesting exception. It actually follows the book very faithfully, but also, not at all. The story in the film is nearly exactly as it is in the book but for this one major point; it’s not from the Chief’s point of view. The book is told by the Chief, with his perceptions and madness, and his truth, which (like the bible) is symbolic rather than literal. The film tells the same story, but from McMurphy’s point of view. This obviously changes things, but the film is just so well done, I have to appreciate it on its own. The film was only the second ever to win the Oscar Grand Slam—best picture, director, actor and actress, a remarkable accomplishment that has only been repeated once since … by Silence of the Lambs … seriously. I believe this is Jack Nicholson’s greatest performance and it’s one for the ages. Louise Fletcher is perfect. Will Samson as the Chief is so bang-on, when I read the book, I can only picture him. Another film that is both depressing and inspiring (it seems a lot of the great ones are) it is an American Classic and deserving of any top films list.

26) Let the Right One In: All vampire movies should be this good—so good; the vampire part hardly needs to be told. More about childhood fears and loneliness, it just happens to have a vampire character at its core. An atmospheric Swedish film, that takes it time with beautiful images that only makes the horror that much more effective. The children deliver remarkable performances and it ends with one of the best climaxes in horror film history.

27) The Wizard of Oz: One of the first (but not the first) films to use colour (and to use it brilliantly) The Wizard of Oz has been a classic for generations—and rightfully, so. The acting, especially in that era and in that story, could have been way over the top, but it wasn’t. Margaret Hamilton is particularly great as the Wicked Witch and of course, Judy Garland became nothing short of an icon through Dorothy. The flying monkeys still scare me and the songs are some of the best and most memorable in musical history. God damn, this is one good movie. I hear it’s on sale right now at HMV—I’m totally buying my own copy, you should too.

28) Close Encounters of the Third Kind: One of the best UFO movies because it hardly focuses on the UFOs at all. It’s the turmoil that an electrician (Dreyfuss) and other ordinary people go through after their encounters, and their obsessive pursuit to repeat the experience, that drives the film. Of course, the build up to the Third Encounter is as thrilling as the contact itself. This is the third Spielberg film on my list but it’s one I don’t have on DVD, but I should—another trip to HMV is in order.

29) The Terminator: I just watched this again recently, and man, this is a good, little action flick. It’s funny seeing it, because it’s nearly an independent film, with a small budget, but Cameron still knows how to work it. Another film that has zero CG effects and is better for it; it’s the story that’s at the heart of this film and not the FX. Also, it was an original concept at the time--an indestructible cyborg from the future, it seems almost cliché now, but it was pretty mind-blowing back then. And what Cameron does best is build the atmosphere of the hunt. That claustrophobic feeling around Sarah Connor as she realizes that someone is hunting her down, simply because of her name; and the magnitude of this feeling once she realizes the hunter cannot be killed. A great film, that’s helped by its low budget rather than hurt by it.

30) Planet of the Apes: Speaking of mind-blowing, here’s one of the originals. The make-up was ground breaking, and I’m sure it’s the only film in existence where you can see Charlton Heston laughing at the American Flag. But Chuck’s not the only strong actor in this one, the supporting cast includes Kim Hunter, Roddy McDowall and Maurice Evans and we can never forget, one of my first crushes (I was about 4) Linda Harrison as Nova. Although the make-up looks good, and the forbidden zone makes for some cool imagery, it’s the twisted story of a planet where Apes are civilized and humans are hunted as mute vermin, which makes the film so compelling. The ending is one of the best in science-fiction history, and SHAME on 20th Century Fox for literally putting the ending of the film on the cover of the DVD. Seriously! The twist ending is on the cover! You can’t assume everyone has seen the film and knows how it ends; there are generations of people out there who haven’t seen the film, but if they ever rent or buy the DVD, they will know the ending (the best part) before the opening credits come up. Wow, that’s stupid … but the movie’s not! It’s on the list.

31) The Others: Quite simply, I think this is one of the best pure ghost stories ever done. The atmosphere is authentic, you feel like you’ve been invited into some old European house to hear ghost stories from a master-storyteller, and in a way, you have. All the acting is great, Nicole Kidman is wonderful, and the children are fantastic. Often, when there’s a twist ending with a film, it loses its impact on future viewings simply because you know what’s coming. But The Others, I can watch over and over again, because the tone, the look, the music are so perfectly assembled; you are once again a kid being told a fantastic ghost story that you’ve heard dozens of times before, but you still jump at all the right places.

32) Paranormal Activity: Say what? Ok, a bit of a different choice for an “all-time” list, but hear me out. Much like The Others, this is a simple story, but brilliantly done and exquisitely executed. Made on a shoe string budget, the special effects are still, well, perfect. It has been compared to The Blair Witch Project, but I actually think this film is superior. I care more about the people in it, and there’s way more pay off in Paranormal Activity than Blair Witch, with none of the nauseating “shaky camera.” Blair did a great job of building terror by the viewer not seeing anything … ever! But Paranormal Activity still builds the suspense, seems 100 per cent real, and then we get to actually see things! And when they’re done, they’re so well done and so realistic, they’re terrifying. I saw it in a theatre, and I don’t know if I’ve ever seen/heard such a response to something as simple as the sheet moving.

33) Lost in America: Albert Brooks co-wrote, directed and starred in this little known American comedy that is one of my all time favourites. Completely cashing in on both the shallowness of yuppies and the hypocrisy behind the hippie ideal, this film is one of the sharpest comedies ever done. Julie Hagerty (from Airplane!) plays his wife and they are both hilarious. This is not a “zany” comedy—it’s smart; although, Brooks’ freak-out scene when he doesn’t get his promotion is hyper comedy at its best. Brooks has made some pretty good comedies, but this is his best by far—check it out.

34) Notting Hill: Ok, ok, now don’t get angry. I thought I should include at least one “romantic comedy” on the list. I’m not counting Woody Allen, because his films, I feel are above that genre. So, I needed a traditional romantic comedy, and this is my favourite one. First, it opens with a great rendition of She sung by Elvis Costello, boom! It’s already on the way to being on the list; but it’s the acting, that sets it apart. I’m not always a Julia Roberts fan or even a Hugh Grant fan, but they’re both great in this film. Mostly because they’re so far from perfect. Hugh’s character is nice, but ineffectual to the point of ruining his life, and Julia’s character can be kind, but also an outright bitch. But like so many real couples that work, their strengths and weaknesses seem to compliment each other. The supporting characters are great as they almost always are in every British film, with Rhys Ifans standing out as Grant’s gleefully odd roommate. A touching ending, pretty good soundtrack, and one of the better montages of seasons changing that you’ll ever see—Notting Hill makes the list … forgive me.

35) The Princess Bride: Do I even have to explain this? If you don’t love this movie, you’re a cruel, inhumane person, with no sense of humour and a lump of coal for a heart. You should just go home and say to yourself, “What is wrong with me, why don’t I like The Princess Bride?” For those of us who do like it, who have the wind at our backs, a smile on our faces and the knowledge that true love is the only thing worthy of miracles, I’ll just say this: “as you wish.”

36) Pulp Fiction: Zed’s dead, baby. Tarantino’s best film, and he’s made some pretty damn good ones, but none are the total package of Pulp Fiction. Sometimes, I think back on scenes from Pulp Fiction and I have to remind myself that they were all from the same movie, because they seem like cool little movies all on their own. Every story line is compelling, every turn brings you in closer and the way they’re woven together was (and still is) groundbreaking. Not to mention one of the better sound tracks and ensemble casts put together. A Royale with Cheese.