Daniel M's Top 100 - 2014

[Daniel M]

http://i.imgur.com/reACtWF.png
Coming Soon...

[Cobpyth]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he2pOrvRlek

EXCITED!

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MoFoMovieGifs/joaqwoohoo.gif

[Skepsis93]

:willem:

[Daniel M]

I'll probably be finished before you Cobpyth :D

Anyway some quick notes:

- Lots of changes from last years list, don't be too shocked to see massive movers and even some high films failing to appear at all. This is because of a combination of multiple viewings, having more time to reflect and just generally expanding my tastes in cinema.

- These are all pretty much films I'd consider 'great', I was initially going to do a top 50 but deciding to expand to 100 in order to include some more personal favourites.

- Mixture of all sorts of films, and I hope the list accurately reflects my few years as a moviegoer so far.

- This will probably be a yearly thing. My top 100 is changing all the time because I am always watching more great films, so I initially wasn't going to do a top 100 in ages, but I thought it would be interesting to keep a record every year and watch how my top 100 changes. This list is a lot different, but as I have said, still feels right to me and I think its got a delightful mix of films.

[The Sci-Fi Slob]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/White_Star_2006/Forum%20Emotions/hulk-1.png

[Mr Minio]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNfhN_F5GrU/UeSwHm04hhI/AAAAAAAAA3w/CrHheoyetWY/s1600/veruca.png

[Cobpyth]

I'll probably be finished before you Cobpyth :D


Yeah. Probably. Mine should be finished somewhere in October/November. :p

[The Gunslinger45]

:leo:

[cricket]

Bring it

[Skepsis93]

What's the hold up? ;)

[LateRegistration]

I've watched all of them in the banner, with the exception of The Long Goodbye, and a lot of them are some of my favorites as well, so I can already give you a thumbs up. :p

[Jack1]

Looking forward to this...

[Daniel M]

What's the hold up? ;)

Torturing you

[Skepsis93]

Torturing you

Which would work if I gave a crap. :D





hurry up u douche

[Skepsis93]

Give us the list Sexy Celebrity style

[Cobpyth]

SPOILERS:

1. Pulp Fiction
2. Boogie Nights

[Skepsis93]

Get it right:

1. Con Air
2. Boogie Nights

[Cobpyth]

That would be tragic.

[Skepsis93]

.That would be tragic awesome.

[Swan]

Awwww yeah!

[Daniel M]

Going out for a bit now, but I should get started with this tonight, or at the latest, tomorrow.

[Skepsis93]

You're such a tease.

[Daniel M]

Here's an early one for you then Skepsis, and it's 100% serious.
http://i.imgur.com/l2fM7An.png
Perhaps an odd choice considering what is soon to follow, but I would be lying to myself if I did not include this film. It is over the top and ridiculous, filled with implausible moments and cheesy dialogue, but it knows it, creating a film that is pure popcorn entertainment that I could watch over and over again. Nicolas Cage and John Malkovich are great opposite each other, but it is the great supporting cast of oddball characters that also make the film work so well: M.C. Gainey, Ving Rhames Danny Trejo and the brilliant Steve Buscemi. The day that such moments as "Nobody on this plane gives a flying f*ck" and "Put the bunny back in the box" do not make me laugh, will be a sad day.

[Skepsis93]

http://i.minus.com/ibfoqBT169nmnW.gif

Hell yeah! The first time I watched Con Air, I liked it in a so-bad-it's-good kinda way. The second time it was still atrocious (and as I discovered, appropriately self-aware) but I kinda really enjoyed it despite its awfulness. An absolute guilty pleasure if you believe in those kinds of things.

There's loads of stuff I could pick as the worst (read: best) part, but this takes the cake:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Olo8gzgpC4

[mark f]

+1 for the awesome director Simon West and Cage's hair extensions.

[Skepsis93]

Loving the layout, by the way.

[Nostromo87]

it's beautiful

http://oi57.tinypic.com/21k05xj.jpg
http://oi59.tinypic.com/2w5llht.jpg

Con Air :up:

[Cobpyth]

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/comalies/25658039/287116/287116_600.gif

Not a big Con Air fan, personally.

I'm not sure if the film should've taken itself more seriously or less seriously to work better for me. I can see why some people would think it's entertaining and a lot of fun, but apart from several over the top moments, it doesn't really work for me as either a good action flick or a good comedy.

[Skepsis93]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPVAq94Tk9M

What's not funny about that?! It's probably the cheesiest thing ever committed to celluloid.

[Cobpyth]

Yeah, that's one of the "over the top" funny moments.

[Skepsis93]

There are so many of those! Daniel, nostromo and I will convert you to the cult of Con Air, Cob. :p

[Cobpyth]

I also like all of Buscemi's scenes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWY69mTr5gM

I'm not a hater, but the film doesn't give me the kick it seems to be giving you guys.

[cricket]

I didn't like Con-Air when I saw it at the movies, but I watched it again after the 90's list and loved it. That's a real fun movie.

[The Gunslinger45]

I approve of the first selection!

[jiraffejustin]

Nothing says good list like a terrible Nicolas Cage movie...I am excited about the rest of the list. :D

[Swan]

Never seen Con Air.

[Lucas]

Haven't seen Con Air either, but I should probably change that as that mullet is something special.

Really looking forward to the list Daniel, I reckon there's gonna be quite a bit of Altman on here. :D

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz7p1bGi791qbce2uo1_500.gif

[LateRegistration]

I like Con-Air. One of the only times another actor overshadows Nic Cage in one of these kind of movies. Malkovich is the best part of that movie.

[The Sci-Fi Slob]

Never seen Con Air.

:cage:

[honeykid]

This list isn't going to be anywhere near as much fun as the last one. :(

Still, bring it on, Daniel. :up:

Sadly, that's probably one of the few fun films that are going to appear and it's crap. :p Nevermind. Bring on the next film.

[Swan]

This list isn't going to be anywhere near as much fun as the last one. :(

Why not?

[jiraffejustin]

Why not?

Cuz Danny Boy went all arthouse on honeykidbooboo

[Swan]

Yes but that means the list is going to be a lot more fun. :D

[jiraffejustin]

Yes but that means the list is going to be a lot more fun. :D

Only for those of us that are sane (this of course actually includes Sane)

[Cobpyth]

I'm expecting a sane mix of classics, "fun and entertaining movies", a couple of personal choices and a few "arthouse" pictures.

[honeykid]

I'm hoping for the best, but I fear it'll get worse and worse once we hit the top 50. :(

[Sexy Celebrity]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m118/White_Star_2006/Forum%20Emotions/hulk-1.png
GASP. This must be added.

[Miss Vicky]

When you announced this list, my very first thought was "I wonder if Con Air will make it or if Daniel's become too much of a film snob to acknowledge it?" Glad to see it sneaked on here. I have fond memories of our commentary.

He's got the whole world in his hands....

[donniedarko]

Excited for this list Daniel!

Con Air, I watched when you managed to sneak it on the 90s list, tons of flaws but entertaining enough and glad to see you included it on our list, wouldn't be a Daniel M list without it.

[Daniel M]

I'm hoping for the best, but I fear it'll get worse and worse once we hit the top 50. :(

Whilst overall you might be right, I think there are quiet a few choices on here that you'll be happy about.

[honeykid]

I'm sure there will be. :) Just not as many as I'd like. :D Still looking forward to it, though.

[Daniel M]

Lets post another five films then:
http://i.imgur.com/XSAaQ30.png
A fascinating war film that like most good films of the genre focuses on the human side and hypocrisy of war. Renoir seems like an extremely clever director, with a perfect intelligent and at times satirical screenplay and direction. Great performances give us insight to the individuals on the different sides during war, and we genuinely care for the characters as they attempt to escape.
http://i.imgur.com/SBzN8Pj.png
A simple tale often regarded as a neorealistic masterpiece, and with good reason. The film relies almost entirely on the two main characters as we watch them battle against the challenges of post-war Italy. A film that packs a powerful emotional punch come the end and one I would recommend to anyone interesting in branching out into foreign films.
http://i.imgur.com/5GxjatC.png
I had to watch this film as part of an online course in Scandinavian film, and I am glad I did. Probably the best film about religion that I have seen (even better than Dreyer's The Passion Joan of Arc), provoking many questions about faith and what it means to have it. The ending for which its known for is extremely effective and powerful, there are great performances but what really brings the film to live is Dreyer's expert direction, it is a masterpiece in photography.
http://i.imgur.com/tOSRd1u.png
Another film that focuses on the hypocrisy of war, and whilst obviously more 'Hollywood' than La Grande Illusion, its just as effective. Alec Guiness is fantastic in the lead role as a character who stands up for himself and sees his principles challenged throughout. David Lean is a superb 'epic' director who handles the plot with great control, resulting in an unforgettable ending.
http://i.imgur.com/0hX04N8.png
A film that I have watched many times, each one ending with a huge smile on my face. A coming-of-age comedy that feels very relateable, has great performances, and many funny, human moments. I would call this film a 'classic' for sure, and whilst it may not be so in the way that other films in this set are, it is a one of a kind film that is extremely memorable with many fantastic moments. A definitive film of its time that you do not get nowadays.

[rauldc14]

Kwai is too on my last top 100. The Graduate is great too. I couldn't get into Bicycle Thieves though.

[Swan]

Love Bicycle Thieves, The Bridge on the River Kwai and The Graduate are great too. I want to see Ordet, mainly because I need to check out more Dryer (I've only seen The Passion of Joan of Arc). And I've got to see Grand Illusion too.

[Skepsis93]

:up:, especially for Kwai and The Graduate, though I've seen and liked (ish) Bicycle Thieves too. I want to get round to Grande Illusion soon.

[Cobpyth]

The Graduate is one of my favorite films of all time. It still has to appear on my list, so that already says a lot about how much I love it. ;)

Surprisingly, I haven't seen any of the four other classics you included yet. I have The Bridge on the River Kwai on DVD and obviously I "know" the other three films, but I haven't seen them yet. I'll fix that after my exams are over. It's always exciting to realize that there are still plenty of important films out there that I haven't seen yet. :D

P.S. The lay-out looks great!

[mark f]

You've started well, my Son.

[cricket]

I absolutely loved The Bridge on the River Kwai so it's nice to see that.

I know I liked The Graduate but I have to see it again for the 60's list.

Bicycle Thieves is on my watchlist and I never heard of the other two.

[TheUsualSuspect]

Love me some Con Air.

"Put...the bunny...back...in the box"

[rauldc14]

Looks like Daniel is putting up the skills to be a potential 60s list presenter!

[seanc]

Looks like Daniel is putting up the skills to be a potential 60s list presenter!

I second this. Great looking graphics.

[Miss Vicky]

Well this set looks a lot more like what I was expecting to find in this thread. I've only seen The Graduate, which was okay but I wasn't crazy about it.

[honeykid]

:yawn:

Sorry.

:o

[donniedarko]

Big :up: for Bicycle Thieves and even more so The Graduate. Also great work on the graphics they're great.

[HitchFan97]

Yaaaaaaaaas :cool:

The Graduate is great and would probably make my Top 100 as well. Haven't seen the others but I really ought to, some real classics there.

[Captain Spaulding]

Con Air is an example of a big dumb action movie done right. So many memorable scenes and quotes with a talented cast having fun with the material. One of my favorite action movies.

The Bridge on the River Kwai would make my top 100, too. One of the most impressive movies I've seen.

Bicycle Thieves and The Graduate are all-time classics that I admire and enjoy, but don't necessarily consider personal favorites. Haven't seen La Grande Illusion or Ordet.

Really looking forward to the rest of your list. Although I'm still relatively new, I've already come to admire and respect your taste in movies more than most on here. :cool:

[TokeZa]

Wow, you included Ordet! One of my favorite Dreyer movies. I completely agree with your writeup!

[Daniel M]

Thanks for all the kind words so far guys, glad to see the majority like a film or two so far, and quite a lot share my love for Con Air!

Regarding doing a list: I have always considered it but been unsure for a few reasons, but I might put myself forward for the 60s, we'll see.

Honeykid: Ssssh, I think I knew that you weren't big on even Bridge and Graduate.

Wow, you included Ordet! One of my favorite Dreyer movies. I completely agree with your writeup!

Thanks, I also enjoy The Passion of Joan of Arc but don't absolutely love it like you do, for some reason the ending of Ordet hit me more powerfully. From a direction viewpoint both are absolutely brilliantly crafted, so I definitely need to explore more Dreyer.

[Swan]

We want more!

[Daniel M]

http://i.imgur.com/RAXAmo2.png
Peter Greenaway's experimental film won't be for everyone, but I love his attempt in challenging the formal construction of a film as he creates fascinating images as he mixes the various elements within the frame, focusing - as the title suggests - on numbers and patterns.
http://i.imgur.com/U04iTug.png
The first horror film to appear on my list, and it definitely won't be the last. Like many great horrors, Polanski focusses on suspense and the unseen in order to build up atmosphere and make the ending truly frightening. Fantastic performances by a paranoid Mia Farrow and a slightly insane and very creepy Ruth Gordon make Rosemary's struggle seem all the more terrifying.
http://i.imgur.com/sj0SAgA.png
Taking aim at Hollywood, the film looks at a fading silent film star, Gloria Swanson, who gives a towering performance as a desperate and intimidating character. Mixed in with usual noir conventions with the story starting with our dead narrator, Wilder pulls no punches in getting his acerbic message across.
http://i.imgur.com/5hy0zhF.png
"Yes, I killed him. I killed him for money - and a woman - and I didn't get the money and I didn't get the woman. Pretty, isn't it?"

Unlike Sunset Boulevard, this is pure film noir, focusing on a complex plot to gain money, with a scheming femme fatale at the centre of it all. Fred MacMurray is great as the salesmen who tragically falls into the plot. The film has everything you could ever want from a noir, with another delicious Wilder script. It is very similar to Sunset Boulevard in terms of narrative, starting at the end in order for us to develop more sympathy for the main character that succumbs to something greater than him.

[Swan]

Good stuff, Rosemary's Baby is the best of those although I haven't seen Drowning by Numbers.

Rosemary's Baby: the only movie to scare the crap out of me after the age of 12.

[Captain Spaulding]

Never seen Drowning by Numbers, but the other three are phenomenal films. Rosemary's Baby is one of my favorite horrors, and Billy Wilder is one of my favorite directors, so of course I love Sunset Blvd. and Double Indemnity.

[Sane]

Con Air is very good, Bicycle Thieves is excellent and The Graduate is a classic. Really like Rosemary's Baby & Double Indemnity and Drowning By Numbers is good but not one of my favourite Greenaway films. Sunset Boulevard is the only one I'm not a big fan of but I need to rewatch it.

Nice list so far :)

[the samoan lawyer]

Great list so far, although i was certain you would have Double Indemnity much higher.

[The Sci-Fi Slob]

I like Rosemary's Baby, Con Air, Bridge on the River Kwai and The Graduate. I haven't seen any of the others. The list has started 50/50 for me, still plenty of films to go, and judging from the choices so far there's defiantly some erotic potential here.

[Swan]

I like Rosemary's Baby, Con Air, Bridge on the River Kwai and The Graduate. I haven't seen any of the others. The list has started 50/50 for me, still plenty of films to go, and judging from the choices so far there's defiantly some erotic potential here.

Well, Ordet is basically porn, so...

[cricket]

Big thumbs up for Rosemary's Baby, Double Indemnity, and Sunset Boulevard. Even though Sunset Boulevard didn't grab me as I had hoped, it's still a high quality movie.

I don't think the other one is for me.

[bluedeed]

Yeah, Ordet is really erotic, that scene with the bucket is so steamy. It's also the best movie on this list so far by a long shot (or that's just my own recency effect talking :D ).

[Cobpyth]

Rosemary's Baby, Double Indemnity and Sunset Boulevard are all on my own list. The latter one still has to appear, so I think that's the best one of those three. I've only seen CTWL from Greenaway so far and really liked that one (it even made my '80s list), so I'll definitely check more of his stuff out.

:up:

[donniedarko]

Rosemarys Baby is absolutely brilliant. I've wanted to see all the others, especially Drowning by numbers

[weeman]

Daniel, what have you become :(

(I kid)

[Camo]

This is going to be great :cool:.

Con Air is just dumb fun. I don't like it as much as you, but films like this are what makes these lists great.

Of the second bunch i have only watched The Graduate which i loved, it has one of the best suited soundtracks of all movies imo. I clearly need to get moving on the rest of them.

From the second bunch i love Rosemarys Baby, Sunset Boulevard and especially Double Indemnity which i personally think is among the best cinema has to offer. Never watched or actually heard of Drowning by Numbers to be honest, but it's now on my watchlist.

[BlueLion]

I love everything I've seen from this list so far, and I'm interested in seeing most of those that I haven't.

[The Sci-Fi Slob]

Con Air is just dumb fun.
And there was I thinking it was Nic Cage's best film...:D

[Mr Minio]

I adore your aesthetics.


I like the list so far.

[Camo]

And there was I thinking it was Nic Cage's best film...:D

It probably is :D

[Miss Vicky]

Sunset Blvd. seems to be showing up on a lot of these lists lately. It's a good movie, though not one of my favorites, and is the only one of this set I've seen.

[Lucas]

Fantastic start so far Daniel! I love pretty much everything I've seen, from the Wilder classics to Dreyer's masterpiece Ordet.

:up:

[Daniel M]

http://i.imgur.com/bbAsQTU.png
Werner Herzog is a fascinating director whose work I really ought to explore more. Filmed on location, facing the extremes of the Amazon river, and making sacrifices in order to make a truly great, mesmirising film. Klaus Kinski is unforgettable in the lead role as we watch his descent into madness.
http://i.imgur.com/GEo9cZi.png
A few weeks ago and this film would not have made my list. When I first watched it I had mixed feelings, but now I believe that it is one of Kubrick's best. The film truly captures the madness, horror and hypocrisy of war, looking at the different challenges those involved faced. As always with Kubrick, the film is superbly photographed and has a great sense of dark humour.
http://i.imgur.com/RfAnhT3.png
As you will find with many films still to come on this, I massively admire ambitious films that aim to take a look into a human life, collections of moments, memorys and dreams that come together perfectly like a collage in a way that is emotionally powerful. 8½ can perhaps be described as the movie to end all movies, about the life of a director, and The Mirror is often regarded as the greatest non-linear art house film. When it comes to animation, this delightful short attempts something similar and succeeds, a masterpiece of animation.
http://i.imgur.com/7AqFMMa.png
Often described as an 'acid western', I can not really add much more than that. Jodorowsky's film is unforgettable, using striking imagery and peculiar editing to create a fascinating piece of art that feels highly personal yet makes for a very fun experience.
http://i.imgur.com/1csQ6NK.png
A fantatsic blend of horror, comedy and mystery makes Scream one of my personal favourite horror films. Whilst its sometimes less than serious tone some people seem reluctant to group this with other more 'respected' horror classics, but it is just as good. The opening scene is a mini-masterpiece itself, and from there on in it continues to be great fun. Filled with film references, homages, and self aware comedy, it is a film that absolutely succeeds in what it attempts and should be a treat for all horror film fans.

[Miss Vicky]

I don't care at all for Scream. Tale of Tales was a fascinating film that made my 70s list (though has no chance of making the countdown) so :up: for that.

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MoFoPics/taleoftales.gif

Haven't seen the others.

[Swan]

I just watched Aguirre again last night. Such a masterpiece, one of the best movies ever made for sure. El Topo is great (I'm a massive Jodorowsky fan), Scream is great, and I dig Full Metal Jacket too.

[Swan]

Klaus Kinski is unforgettable in the lead role as we watch his descent into madness.

You know, I was thinking about this last night. He's kind of mad even when the film begins.

[Camo]

You know, I was thinking about this last night. He's kind of mad even when the film begins.

Kinski was mad from the moment he was born :p.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPKODzv1PD4

Loved Aguirre, Klaus Kinski here is probably in my top 10 performances ever, but after watching My Best Friend i'm starting to wonder if he was acting at all :p.

Also really like Scream and Full Metal Jacket. Haven't seen the rest

[donniedarko]

What an awesome set, and I there's tingly enough as the rankings increase my rating increased for each movie went up by half a star (skipping El Topo which I have not seen yet). Starting with Aguirre at 2.5 the set just gets better from there, and I truly understand why you love each movie. I'm so jealous of your graphics too.

[The Sci-Fi Slob]

Scream is pretty good; Full Metal Jacket is superb.
:flair:

[Jack1]

This is fantastic. Some lovely graphics, and some top-class films as well, even if I haven't seen many of them.

[The Gunslinger45]

El Topo over Full Metal Jacket? Preposterous! :p

I kid of course. A diverse set of films. I love it. Expect me to keep peaking in Danny Boy! :D

[BlueLion]

El Topo 1.5 Wouldn't say I hated it, just couldn't get into it. Should probably give it another try some day since I loved The Holy Mountain
Aguirre 1 Watched this almost a year ago and I've stayed away from Herzog since
Full Metal Jacket 4.5 +rep for this one

[Cobpyth]

I liked Aguirre.
For me personally, it works more as an admirable piece of cinema than a purely enjoyable film, though, but then again, out of that admiration I still get a high degree of enjoyment, so ultimately it definitely ends up far on the positive side of "my balance". I wouldn't rank it as a favorite of mine, but it's an incredible film and I highly respect it.

Full Metal Jacket is also on my list, so you already know that I love that one.

Scream is a solid movie. It's definitely smart in its construction and I enjoyed watching it, but I personally wouldn't rank it as a favorite because it lacks resonance for me personally.
The reason for that is probably my general lack of interest in the slasher genre, even though I can't deny that some of them are fun watching experiences. Scream is definitely one of the best, because of its unique approach, so I can see why fans of the genre love it so much.

Haven't seen the other two, but definitely will in the future! El Topo looks amazing.

[Derek Vinyard]

Scream , FMJ and Aguirre are awesome picks !

[Sane]

Aguirre and Full Metal Jacket are very good. I like other movies from both directors more but there is time for those to show up ;)


I liked Scream when I saw it but not seen it recently enough to really comment on it.

[cricket]

Aguirre was a nice surprise for me, and it has turned out that I've really liked a few movies from Herzog.

Full Metal Jacket has always been one of my favorites.

I don't care for El Topo, I like Scream, and haven't seen the other.

[honeykid]

Daniel, what have you become :(

(I kid)

So much truth is said in jest. ;)

Well, we finally got some good films. Double Indemnity, Sunset Booulevard and Scream are all top notch. I must see Aguirre at some point. I have it and it's something I think I could like.

[Captain Spaulding]

Aguirre, the Wrath of God was very high on my 70's list. Awesome film, awesome director. I highly recommend Fitzcarraldo if you haven't seen it.

I'm one of those people that thinks the first half of Full Metal Jacket is much better than the second half, but I definitely owe it a re-watch. As of right now, though, it's one of my least favorite from Kubrick.

El Topo is one of a kind, but I think The Holy Mountain is the much better film. It's cool to see El Topo on your list, though. I assume it has already missed its chance of showing up on the 70's Countdown, but you never know.

Never been the biggest fan of Scream, but it's a good movie. Tale of Tales looks interesting, but I haven't seen it.

[JayDee]

Oh man I think this list is going to be ugly! Your lists in the past have been quite fun but your taste has really nose dived since then! :p

That said you've managed to come up with a few decent ones so far - Con Air, River Kwai, Sunset Blvd, Double Indemnity.

Oh and I agree that your presentation is great. :up:

[HitchFan97]

Really great stuff here. Rosemary's Baby, FMJ, Sunset Boulevard, Scream... :up: I don't love Aguirre as much as most people but it's still quite good.

[honeykid]

I'm one of those people that thinks the first half of Full Metal Jacket is much better than the second half, but I definitely owe it a re-watch. As of right now, though, it's one of my least favorite from Kubrick.
I was like that. I loved the first half of the film when I first saw it, but was really bored by the second. Then I saw it again and it was the other way around, only the first half didn't bore it, but I hated it. Third time I saw it, I just hated the first half and was bored by the second. :p:D One day I'll watch it again, if only to see how it works out this time. :D Who knows, maybe I'll love the whole thing. It's about the only thing left for me.

[Daniel M]

So I heard you all liked black and white films?
http://i.imgur.com/dnsIJj2.png
A masterpiece of silent cinema, there is just so much to admire about this piece of art. Everything is perfect, Murnau's direction and photography is breathtaking and really elevates the love story that although simple on paper still manages to be told in a complex and emotional manner. Each frame is beautiful and meaningful, and at a brisk ninety minutes, Murnau manages to build up great suspense for a powerful ending.
http://i.imgur.com/ZSUa0RC.png
Known as one of the films that put Japanese cinema on the map for English-speaking viewers, Rashomon is another film that takes quite a simple idea but uses a combination of camerawork and editing to make something rich in detail and fascinating human study as we see a tale of murder shown from varying perspectives.
http://i.imgur.com/ShvjmQ1.png
I love me some noir and Humphrey Bogart, and this film for me is seminal for its kind, it has all the usual noir twists and turns, a highly cool performance by Bogart ann one of the greatest femme fatales in Mary Astor. Highly entertaining and massively recommended for fans of such films.
http://i.imgur.com/TOzF35f.png
One of the greatest and most important surreal films ever created, born out of two dreams of Buñuel and Dali, it is a crazy combination of all sorts of striking abstract images. A fascinating watch that everyone interested in cinema should watch.
http://i.imgur.com/kpVVljm.png
The first David Lynch film to appear on my list, and everyone knows that it won't be his last. One of his purest films and a piece of work that feels highly personal with many comparisons to be made with fear of fatherhood and the difficulties of life in general. Shot in black and white, the imagery is at times minimalist and helps build up great atmosphere, with many genuinely creepy scenes.

[Skepsis93]

Sunrise is by far my favourite of that set, and I like Rashomon, Un Chien Andalou and Eraserhead as well. As you might know I'm not the biggest fan of film noir, but I'll get round to Falcon at some point.

[The Gunslinger45]

Rashomon and Eraserhead are too low for my taste, but glad they showed up. Also, The Maltese Falcon is great.

[rauldc14]

Sunrise was on both of my previous top 100s. Im not sure if it will make it on my next one, but its great. Eraserhead is my second favorite Lynch I've seen.

Maltese Falcon isn't bad, just not a personal favorite of mine.

[Gideon58]

Love Double Indemnity...Barbara Stanwyck was robbed of an Oscar.

[Cobpyth]

Love The Maltese Falcon! As you know, it's also on my list. ;)

Eraserhead is also a great film. It may or may not be on my '70s list.

Un Chien Andalou is, as you say, "one of the greatest and most important surreal films ever created."

Haven't seen Rashomon or Sunrise yet, but both have been watchlisted for a while now.

[Gideon58]

http://i.imgur.com/bbAsQTU.png
Werner Herzog is a fascinating director whose work I really ought to explore more. Filmed on location, facing the extremes of the Amazon river, and making sacrifices in order to make a truly great, mesmirising film. Klaus Kinski is unforgettable in the lead role as we watch his descent into madness.
http://i.imgur.com/GEo9cZi.png
A few weeks ago and this film would not have made my list. When I first watched it I had mixed feelings, but now I believe that it is one of Kubrick's best. The film truly captures the madness, horror and hypocrisy of war, looking at the different challenges those involved faced. As always with Kubrick, the film is superbly photographed and has a great sense of dark humour.
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As you will find with many films still to come on this, I massively admire ambitious films that aim to take a look into a human life, collections of moments, memorys and dreams that come together perfectly like a collage in a way that is emotionally powerful. 8½ can perhaps be described as the movie to end all movies, about the life of a director, and The Mirror is often regarded as the greatest non-linear art house film. When it comes to animation, this delightful short attempts something similar and succeeds, a masterpiece of animation.
http://i.imgur.com/7AqFMMa.png
Often described as an 'acid western', I can not really add much more than that. Jodorowsky's film is unforgettable, using striking imagery and peculiar editing to create a fascinating piece of art that feels highly personal yet makes for a very fun experience.
http://i.imgur.com/1csQ6NK.png
A fantatsic blend of horror, comedy and mystery makes Scream one of my personal favourite horror films. Whilst its sometimes less than serious tone some people seem reluctant to group this with other more 'respected' horror classics, but it is just as good. The opening scene is a mini-masterpiece itself, and from there on in it continues to be great fun. Filled with film references, homages, and self aware comedy, it is a film that absolutely succeeds in what it attempts and should be a treat for all horror film fans.
Nice to see some love for Scream...a very smart horror film featuring a clever screenplay that lets us in on the joke.

[Miss Vicky]

I've only seen Sunrise out of this set. It was okay.

[jiraffejustin]

This list is a good list. It could end now, and still be one of my favorite lists. Un Chien Andalou and Tale of Tales are both excellent shorts :up:

Have you watched any other Soviet animation?

[Camo]

Eraserhead, Rashomon and The Maltese Falcon are among my favourite ever films. The other two have been on my watchlist for ages.

Great set :up:

[Mr Minio]

El Topo rating_1_5

http://www.tiburon-acupuncture.com/images/1JODOROW.gif

Aguirre rating_1 Watched this almost a year ago and I've stayed away from Herzog since


http://37.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mb673cx2aC1qdwtljo1_500.png

The footage from the shooting is hilarious. Them Herzog and Kinski having an argument.

http://strangeflowers.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/klaus1.jpg

GLO-RI-OUS LIST!

Theoretically, Scream feels out of place compared to all these films. Practically, I've never seen it, so I can't say. :)

[cricket]

Thumbs up for The Maltese Falcon:up:, and I did enjoy Eraserhead. Haven't seen the other 3 but I will.

[Swan]

I haven't seen Sunrise, but the others are great. I'm surprised Eraserhead is so low, considering what a big Lynch fan you are.

[BlueLion]

Sunrise is the only one I haven't seen from that set. Eraserhead has grown on me lately, but I don't consider it one of Lynch's best. I've seen better from Kurosawa and Bunuel as well. Maltese Falcon didn't impress me so I don't remember much from it.

[Mr Minio]

Sunrise is the best Murnau. Everybody should watch it!

[Brother Blue]

Good stuff. :up:

[honeykid]

Haven't seen Rashomon or Sunrise yet, but both have been watchlisted for a while now.
So you've not seen the only two films in that set worth watching? :p:D

Theoretically, Scream feels out of place compared to all these films. Practically, I've never seen it, so I can't say. :)
Wha? All the crap you watch for hours on end and you've not seen the greatness that is Scream? What's wrong with you man?!?!?! :eek:

Rashomon is, by far, the best of that set, IMO.

[jiraffejustin]

Yeah, Minio, get out of your comfort zone and try Scream. You might not like it, but I think it's good/unique enough for you to at least give it a shot.

[Mr Minio]

Maybe I will sound like a smug, but there's very little people who get outside their comfort zone as much as I do. In terms of movies, of course.

For me it means watching Hollywood stuff with a lot of dialogue. I love some of it. Like Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Because arthouse obscurities are inside my comfort zone, apparently. WTF. It's upside down for me.

Anyways, maybe I will watch it.

[Sane]

Sunrise is very good. I think Rashomon and Eraserhead are maybe the weakest by their directors but I still like them. I'm a fan of Bunuel but haven't seen that one yet but it's been something I've wanted to watch for ages.

I really didn't like The Maltese Falcon. I'm generally not a big fan of noir and there were many parts of it that really annoyed me. I'll watch it again one day though :)

[jiraffejustin]

Maybe I will sound like a smug, but there's very little people who get outside their comfort zone as much as I do. In terms of movies, of course.

For me it means watching Hollywood stuff with a lot of dialogue. I love some of it. Like Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Because arthouse obscurities are inside my comfort zone, apparently. WTF. It's upside down for me.

Anyways, maybe I will watch it.

I wasn't being totally serious, but I do want to hear what you have to say of Scream.

[HitchFan97]

Seen everything from that last set except for Sunrise, and all get a :up: from me.

[Captain Spaulding]

Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans is right up there with Greed as being the best silent film I've seen. Beautiful, phenomenal, powerful, heart-wrenching film.

Rashomon was my introduction to Kurosawa. Unfortunately, that introduction came in a world literature class after reading the works that the movie is based on. Because of the less than ideal viewing experience, it's my least favorite from the director, but I imagine that would change after a re-watch.

Bogart + Noir = The stuff dreams that are made of.

It's a little surprising to me to see Un Chien Andalou ranked on a favorites list alongside feature-length films. That would be like ranking a short story on a list of favorite books. Regardless, though, Un Chien Andalou is an important work of art and one of the most bizarre things I've seen.

I don't think Eraserhead is Lynch's best film, but it's definitely my favorite and the one that I re-watch the most often. I'm hoping it will sneak into the top twenty of the 70's Countdown.

[donniedarko]

+rep for Rashomon, Un Chien Andalou, and obviously Eraserhead

[Daniel M]

http://i.imgur.com/3ivnHLs.png
One of the finest Westerns ever made, Eastwood stars as both an actor and director as he takes the genre and challenges its conventions in a visceral and human way. Famous for starring in fairy tale type tales as a cool character who singlehandedly saves the day, here Eastwood abandons all the gloss and coolness in favour of a more grounded and real tale, with true human consequences, killing a man is not pretty.There are fantastic supporting performances from Morgan Freeman, Jaimz Woolvett, Gene Hackman and Ed Harris, each bringing a different dimension to the film. Hackman could easily have been painted a straight up villain, but here we see a man who uses violent as a deterrent to keep peace in his town as he tries to settle down, building his own home. Lines are blurred, and by the end you are not sure whose right or whose wrong, but what should know is that you have just watched a great film.
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Going into this film I was not quite sure what to expect, I know a lot of people on here are massive fans on modern Asian cinema, but I have not really explored it all yet. The film is very slow and methodically paced, with peculiar camera and editing choices, when it started I was not sure how much I would enjoy it, with it being quite a long film, but it kept me hooked, as if I was in a trance. There are many moments that are very challenging and under different circumstances could have resulted in self-parody, but instead they add to the fascination of it all: the dead family members appearing as weird ape like creatures, the fish sex scene, and the ending that takes a very drastic change in tone. One of the most thought provoking and interesting films I have ever seen, and I see it as a great example of how I have branched out in terms of exploring cinema.
http://i.imgur.com/5CMlxqX.png
Another short film that I would perhaps consider a masterpiece (of shorts), a perfect example of how images can be used to convoy a powerful message. Composed of almost entirely still images, it is a fascinating experiment that shows how there are many different ways of creating a 'film'. Despite its simplicity in terms of production, the story is very interesting and complex, I would consider it one of the most interesting science fiction films. I have always been interested in time travel, and the theory in which this film follows works perfectly for me. There are two extremely powerful moments that stand out, the ending, and another magical moment that people should watch and find out for themselves.
http://i.imgur.com/t1oj63W.png
Stanley Kubrick is often criticised for being a cold and distant director, something which I have never agreed with and a statement that is surely completely disproved with one this film, one of the most human and touching war films of all time. Considering its one of his first ever films, Kubrick shows maturity and confidence in his own directing well beyond his age, you can already tell you are watching a master behind the camera, and there is probably nothing in this film that could really be improved. A great commentary on the hypocrisy of the war and the challenges soldiers face, with one of the most heart wrenching endings ever filmed.
http://i.imgur.com/LDvnRQK.png
If you look at the image and you think it looks interesting, go ahead and watch the film. Its one of a kind in its tone, encapsulated perfectly by its title character, an oddball man who goes on one of the strangest journeys ever filmed with his prostitute friend and an old man. It is well known that Ian Curtis from Joy Division watched this before committing suicide, and without trying to sound disrespectful or attempt to make any specific comments towards his life, I could see why someone would pick this film to do so, or include it as a favourite. It seems deeply personal and relateable, as if it is laughing at the oddities of life, it has its ups and downs, it makes you want to smile sometimes, cry at others, its extremely touching with its many unique and over the top scenes that still somehow feel real and relateable. I am disappointed this probably won't make the seventies list now, and really wish more people would watch it. It is a film that I want to watch many more times in the future, and one that could hopefully move very high up the list in the future.

[Jack1]

Not heard of a couple of those, let alone seen them. I do like Unforgiven, though.

[Swan]

Good stuff, I haven't seen Boonme but I have most of Weerasethakul's movies downloaded and ready to watch. Bluedeed told me I need to start with his other movies before I get to Boonme, and while I imagine you can watch Boonme without seeing his other work just fine (obviously you can, if you put it in your top 100), I'm going to listen to bluedeed here just to be safe.

I like Unforgiven but don't love it... I need to give it another go, but it's probably my least favorite Eastwood western. The other three (that I've seen) are great. Especially Stroszeck! Just recently watched that. Very nearly a masterpiece. Going to be high on my own top 100, for sure.

[donniedarko]

Love La Jetee and really appreciate Paths of Glory. I've wanted to see Stroszek and Uncle Boonme for a while now.

[Daniel M]

Not heard of a couple of those, let alone seen them. I do like Unforgiven, though.

All the movies are quite different, but I think you'd enjoy Paths of Glory the most. I'd recommend watching La Jatée as it's on youtube and only half an hour in length. Uncle Boonmee is by far the most radical and non-traditional there, I don't think you'd like it.

Good stuff, I haven't seen Boonme but I have most of Weerasethakul's movies downloaded and ready to watch. Bluedeed told me I need to start with his other movies before I get to Boonme, and while I imagine you can watch Boonme without seeing his other work just fine (obviously you can, if you put it in your top 100), I'm going to listen to bluedeed here just to be safe.

I like Unforgiven but don't love it... I need to give it another go, but it's probably my least favorite Eastwood western. The other three (that I've seen) are great. Especially Stroszeck! Just recently watched that. Very nearly a masterpiece. Going to be high on my own top 100, for sure.

Yeah, I need to get to his other stuff and a whole lot of other modern Asian cinema, I know Bluedeed and TokeZa massively like such films, and when it comes to world cinema, you can't go wrong with their recommendations.

Love La Jetee and really appreciate Paths of Glory. I've wanted to see Stroszek and Uncle Boonme for a while now.

Nice, both those films are pretty weird in their own unique ways, so I'd be delighted if you enjoyed at least one of them :)

[bluedeed]

Yeah, I need to get to his other stuff and a whole lot of other modern Asian cinema, I know Bluedeed and TokeZa massively like such films, and when it comes to world cinema, you can't go wrong with their recommendations.

Right, I am never wrong!

[Mr Minio]

Right, I am never wrong! Except for when you are. I've seen Uncle Boonmee before any other Weerasethakul and loved it. :P

[Tyler1]

I think Uncle Boonmee is the most accessible of Apichatpong's films, but not his best. Syndromes and a Century is a more cohesive film stylistically. I have not seen Mekong Hotel though.

[Mr Minio]

Tropical Malady has to be my favourite. :cool:

[bluedeed]

Except for when you are. I've seen Uncle Boonmee before any other Weerasethakul and loved it. :P

But you're Minio, can we really expect you to not like a movie containing fish orgasms? I say that because I find Uncle Boonmee highly self-reflexive and draws upon his other films heavily.

I think Uncle Boonmee is the most accessible of Apichatpong's films, but not his best. Syndromes and a Century is a more cohesive film stylistically. I have not seen Mekong Hotel though.

I've seen Mekong Hotel, and it's safe to say that it's certainly not his most accessible work, and I'm not sure about most cohesive. It was pretty inscrutable to me, possibly a highly political work, but I'd have to see it again with more background to know for sure

[The Sci-Fi Slob]

Unforgiven is still the best western of the modern era; though, Open Range, 3:10 to Yuma and True Grit all gave it a run for it's money.

Stanley Kubrick is often criticised for being a cold and distant director, something which I have never agreed with and a statement that is surely completely disproved with one this film, one of the most human and touching war films of all time. Considering its one of his first ever films, Kubrick shows maturity and confidence in his own directing well beyond his age, you can already tell you are watching a master behind the camera, and there is probably nothing in this film that could really be improved. A great commentary on the hypocrisy of the war and the challenges soldiers face, with one of the most heart wrenching endings ever filmed.

Couldn't have described it better myself. Masterpiece!:up:

[Daniel M]

Unforgiven is still the best western of the modern era; though, Open Range, 3:10 to Yuma and True Grit all gave it a run for it's money.



Couldn't have described it better myself. Masterpiece!:up:

I like those two a lot, I haven't seen the other. From the 21st century I also love The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada.

[cricket]

Unforgiven is one of my favorite movies even though I'm not a big Western fan. It's a masterpiece in my mind.

I loved Stroszek enough to where I considered putting it on my 70's list.

I'll probably be watching Paths of Glory within the next couple weeks and I'm really looking forward to it.

Haven't seen the short.

[Captain Spaulding]

Unforgiven is Eastwood's crowning achievement. One of my favorite films of all-time and an excellent deconstruction of the western myth.

Uncle Boonmee has been on my queue for awhile. After learning of a fish-sex scene, I think I might have to bump it up to the top of my watch list.

La Jetée is coming on Turner Classic Movies sometime in the next week or so. I've got it set to record. Very much looking forward to it.

Paths of Glory is an excellent movie. I've only seen it once, but I could easily see it becoming a favorite after multiple viewings.

Stroszek was on my 70's list. It's my favorite non-Kinski-starring Herzog film.

[Guaporense]

La Jetée is my favorite French movie.

[Sane]

La Jetée is my favorite French movie.
I have it at 135th on my list of French films ;)

I need to rewatch it so glad it's in the Shorts HoF list. I think I'll probably appreciate it more now.

[Daniel M]

http://i.imgur.com/EUH9g8o.png
A masterclass in acting with one of the greatest performances of all time from Marlon Brando and great performances too from the supporting cast, especially Eva Marie Saint in her big screen debut. There is an interesting video on what is the correct aspect ratio for the film, the photography is superb, capturing an epic feel with its sometimes grand black and white cinematography capturing the docks, and at other times capturing the intimate and personal nature of the tale, in particular Marlon Brando's character and his relationship that make for a heartfelt and powerful 'underdog' story.
http://i.imgur.com/acmcrxC.png
One of the greatest horrors ever made and one of the films that I have watched the most, mainly because it is a family favourite too, with it being my step-brothers favourite film, he always wants to watch it when he comes round. Oh how I wish I was around when this was released, the film has a fantastic demonic story (the greatest of its kind), with a fantastic adapted screenplay, providing plenty of suspense and genuine horror. The direction is spot on, and the effects are brilliant and startling today.
http://i.imgur.com/IQa0668.png
I like the three Monty Python feature films about equal, and on another day I could have chosen another film to represent them on my list. I find their films hilarious, and love their satire as they use history, politics and religion for many laughs. I don't know what else I can say really?
http://i.imgur.com/7ZXuAjz.png
A haunting three hour epic, a maddening journey that we share with Martin Sheen as he ventures into the heart of darkness. The atmosphere is superb, and from the opening sequence with 'This Is The End' playing, I knew I was going to love the film. The storytelling is ambitious and complex, sometimes a little messy, but I think it works well in representing the madness how it wants to, I find the ending fantastic and love Marlon Brando's small time on screen.
http://i.imgur.com/0APzAqy.png
Another Humphery Bogart noir, this film has a much more complex plot (and was the inspiration for The Big Lebowski) handled very confidetly, so much packed into under two hours. Bogart and Bacall are perfect together, a match made in heaven that suits the story as if they were made for it. The dialogue is crisp and memorable as all Chandler adaptations I seen have been, brilliant photographed and filled with both surprise and suspense, a film that I could see rising much higher if I watch it again.

[rauldc14]

On the Waterfront is in my top 20 and is one of my favorite 50s films of all time. Apocalypse Now is probably close in my list to where it is in yours. Its a really well made film. I'm not a Month fan though I haven't seen it in a long time. The other two I have not seen yet.

[Swan]

Haven't seen The Big Sleep, but the others are all very good movies. The Exorcist is an absolute masterpiece.

[BlueLion]

Some top choices. I expected Apocalypse Now to show up much higher.

[mark f]

This looks like your version of the mafo MoFo Top 100. I think I'll call it the Damo MoFo Top 100. Keep up the good work! :cool:

[Camo]

The only one i haven't seen there is The Big Sleep. I love all of the others especially The Exorcist, your step-brothers got excellent taste :cool:

[Daniel M]

Thanks for all the kind comments guys :) I know some of these films might surprise you with their rankings, but most of them are interchangeable within reason, and I think these all deserve to be called 'great movies' :)

This looks like your version of the mafo MoFo Top 100. I think I'll call it the Damo MoFo Top 100. Keep up the good work! :cool:

Damo, I like it :D I knew you'd enjoy that set, you know there will be a few more anti-Mark ( :p ) choices later on, but I think this is quite a well rounded, honest list, I'm not completely lost to the dark side yet :p

[honeykid]

The Exorcist and Apocalypse Now. :up:

[Jack1]

Love The Exorcist and Apocalypse Now.

[cricket]

Not a big fan of Monty Python, but the other 4 are all outstanding movies:up:

[HitchFan97]

Haven't seen The Big Sleep but I like all the others - and I LOVE Apocalypse Now. Keep 'em coming :cool:

[donniedarko]

I'd give all of the first three a 3

Love Apocalypse Now though

[Captain Spaulding]

On the Waterfront is fantastic. I don't like it quite as much as some of Kazan's other films, like A Face in the Crowd, Baby Doll and A Streetcar Named Desire, but it's still deserving of its status as an all-time classic. "I coulda been a contender . . . I coulda been somebody . . ."

I think you read my review for The Exorcist. It's a very good movie, but it didn't have quite the same impact on me after seeing so many of the scenes parodied and replayed over the years. It's cool that you have extra reason for putting it on your favorites list, though, since it sounds like you and your brother have bonded over spinning heads and pea soup many times in the past.

I've never seen any of the Monty Python movies. Shame on me, I know.

Apocalypse Now is one of my top five favorites movies of all-time, so I'll be disappointed if it doesn't also make the top 5 of the 70's Countdown. One of the most awe-inspiring movies I've ever seen.

Usually a muddled plot would annoy me, but the dialogue is so damn amazing in The Big Sleep that I don't care. Have you ever read any of Chandler's work? As much as I like his film adaptations, I feel like I should've already picked up one of his books by now, but I still haven't.

[Daniel M]

On the Waterfront is fantastic. I don't like it quite as much as some of Kazan's other films, like A Face in the Crowd, Baby Doll and A Streetcar Named Desire, but it's still deserving of its status as an all-time classic. "I coulda been a contender . . . I coulda been somebody . . ."

I definitely need to watch some of his other films as he seems like a great director with many important works for his time, I saw you recommend A Face in the Crowd in the Seventies thread, and thought it sounded great.

I think you read my review for The Exorcist. It's a very good movie, but it didn't have quite the same impact on me after seeing so many of the scenes parodied and replayed over the years. It's cool that you have extra reason for putting it on your favorites list, though, since it sounds like you and your brother have bonded over spinning heads and pea soup many times in the past.

He mainly likes horror films, and watches a lot of bad films and enjoys them, but he ha always said he probably thinks this one is the best and always puts it on as it's 'on demand' with Sky Movies :p

Usually a muddled plot would annoy me, but the dialogue is so damn amazing in The Big Sleep that I don't care. Have you ever read any of Chandler's work? As much as I like his film adaptations, I feel like I should've already picked up one of his books by now, but I still haven't.

Agreed, despite my love for the film adaptations, I haven't read any of his work, I'll have to correct that sometime.

[Daniel M]

http://i.imgur.com/t6cAq1I.png
Not a spectacular grandiose film that normally appears on many lists, but a recent viewing reminded me just how powerful and effective a film this is. No special effects or unnecessary elements in terms of direction and photography, it feels real, like a documentary of 'the hood', the strength of the story lies in the different characters, all giving honest performances that make for a greatly affecting ending.
http://i.imgur.com/SXezWwf.png
On the contrary, Fanny and Alexander is a deliberately spectacular and extravagant production, with fantastic sets, costumes, cinematography and direction creating something that truly feels like a fitting masterpiece of a great director. A fantastic look at childhood and family, religion and the social landscape of Sweden. A great mix of formalism and fantasy that make it feel at times like a fairy tale through adult eyes. In five hours Bergman manages to capture all sorts of magical moments that remind us why we love films.
http://i.imgur.com/sBwByXp.png
One of the first films that I ever saw and I initially thought was great, Taxi Driver is a film that I enjoy every time I watch it, and I think each viewing gives me something different. I see it now as a very dark comedy, and find the character of Travis Bickle hilariously tragic. A great social commentary and look at one of the most fascinating characters created, with a fantastic performance also from a young Jodie Foster. Whatever you think about the film, the eerie glance of Travis's eyes will stay with you long after the credits roll.
http://i.imgur.com/mhWd3W0.png
A film that I watched in preparation for the Seventies list, and whilst I try to be careful in rating films straight after I watched them, I could not help but love this weirdly brilliant surreal satire. It has one of the greatest and indeed one of the most peculiar narratives I have seen, it is frustrating but in a way that keeps you hooked, wanting more. There are many hilarious scenes, that as stand alone surreal segments are great. From Fernando Rey taking fire at a toy outside, to dinner hosts sneaking off outside to have sex. A great look at the hypocrisy of society, a piece of work that is extremely complex and handled with great confidence, I definitely need to watch more Buñuel.
http://i.imgur.com/fbMtGI7.png
A film that I watched quite recently, and I have not stopped thinking about since. Initially I was not sure whether I was going to like it as much as some, but by the end I realised I had watched something truly great, and I eagerly want to revisit it and watch more Ozu. The films story is simple, but brilliant, its a tale that seems very relevant today with focus on the importance of family, caring for loved ones. Ozu's direction is understated in some ways but powerful in others, with great use of static camera and framing that cleverly captures everything needed without moving, drawing the viewer into a state where they can fully feel the emotional force of the family tale.

[Jack1]

Only seen Taxi Driver of that bunch, and it's one of my favourite films.

[Skepsis93]

Interesting take on Taxi Driver, though I'm not sure I agree that it's comedic, even very darkly so. Really cool, eclectic list so far. Of the last set I was somewhat lukewarm on Tokyo Story and Boyz n the Hood, but I like Discreet Charm and I think my top 10 speaks for itself as far as my feelings on Fanny and Alexander go. :)

[BlueLion]

I see it now as a very dark comedy, and find the character of Travis Bickle hilariously tragic.

Please elaborate.

[Daniel M]

I find it funny how he doesn't realise how socially awkward he comes across, and how he doesn't realise how what he says or does may be perceived as weird. I laughed a lot when I last saw the film. I think it's a compliment to how brilliantly written his character is, he's very convincing in his creepy delusion (on how what he does is acceptable). The third act gets more serious and less funny, because no matter how extreme his character may be, his concerns are very real and relateable.

Here's a few moments I found funny:

- When he is talking normally to Palastine when he meets him in the taxi, and then unleashes his foul language outburst about the city, and they just sit in the back, in silence, shocked but go along with him.

- When he takes Betty to see a porno and doesn't realise how uncomfortable she is.

- When he talks to Betty about her co worker, he hates him but doesn't know anythink about him but describes him so harshly because he is jealous of him and Betty's friendship:

"I would say he has quite a few problems. His energy seems to go in the wrong places. When I walked in and I saw you two sitting there, I could just tell by the way you were both relating that there was no connection whatsoever. And I felt when I walked in that there was something between us. There was an impulse that we were both following. So that gave me the right to come in and talk to you. Otherwise I never would have felt that I had the right to talk to you or say anything to you. I never would have had the courage to talk to you. And with him I felt there was nothing and I could sense it. When I walked in, I knew I was right. Did you feel that way?"

Betty finds him funny and hard to believe at times, but is intrigued by him, like we are. And Sport thinks that he is trying to be funny as well, and doesn't realise his seriousness. It's this separation to the rest of the world and the obliviousness of himself that makes what he says awkward and funny.

[BlueLion]

Are you sure you haven't confused it with The King of Comedy? :p

It's refreshing to see someone have this point of view. I can see why one might find it funny, as there are definitely laughs all through the film, but I myself wouldn't go so far as to label it a dark comedy. The film is very serious on its subject matter and it never tries to tone it down, and I believe that those awkward scenes that you mentioned perfectly demonstrate how unstable Travis really is mentally. Unlike you, I find this nightmarish and very disturbing.


Anyway, the other one I've seen from that set is Discreet Charm of the Burgeoisie, which I found very interesting but it didn't quite click with me for some reason. It has the elements which should make me love it though, so I should definitely watch it again. Have you seen The Exterminating Angel or Belle de Jour? Definitely watch those.

[Daniel M]

That's an interesting point about The King of Comedy actually, reading Roger Ebert's review and what he writes about it in his book, he feels similarly to you about Taxi Driver, he finds TKOC to be uncomfortable and disturbing, and can't find humor or likability at all in De Niro's character. I have seen Taxi Driver a few times and I do find it very creepy, disturbing and at times unsettling, but on more recent viewings I have found it more funny, and I think it's brilliant how Travis's character is written so seriously.

And nope I haven't seen any other full features by Bunuel, I certainly need to as I think I would enjoy them.

[cricket]

Taxi Driver is behind only Goodfellas on my favorite's list, and I completely agree with you about the dark comedy part. I think Taxi Driver is funnier than most comedies. It's just a matter of what makes you laugh. To me, the humor is a perfect compliment to the serious and disturbing. 4

The Discreet Charm is not in any way the type of movie I look for. I really liked it anyway. 3

Tokyo Story and Boyz in the Hood 4

I never imagined that I would ever watch Fanny and Alexander. Now that I've been introduced to Bergman, I can't imagine not watching it.

Awesome set!

[cricket]

Btw, from Bunuel, I'd recommend That Obscure Object of Desire. I watched it on recommendation from Holden and Pussy Galore, and I loved it.

[Swan]

Good sh*t Daniel.

Interesting take on Taxi Driver, though I'm not sure I agree that it's comedic, even very darkly so. Really cool, eclectic list so far. Of the last set I was somewhat lukewarm on Tokyo Story and Boyz n the Hood, but I like Discreet Charm and I think my top 10 speaks for itself as far as my feelings on Fanny and Alexander go. :)

Glad I'm not the only one who wasn't absolutely crazy about Tokyo Story. It's good, but not great. I don't know, I'm having a hard time appreciating Ozu as much as I'd like too. Hopefully in time I will come to like him more.

Btw, from Bunuel, I'd recommend That Obscure Object of Desire. I watched it on recommendation from Holden and Pussy Galore, and I loved it.

I second this. Possibly my favorite Bunuel. Either that, L'age d'Or, or The Milky Way.

[The Gunslinger45]

You have my favorite movie entirely too low on your list! :p But I will forgive you this time. Boys in the Hood is awesome, and Tokyo Story is a beautiful masterpiece!

[seanc]

I really like the first three from that set. Boyz In The Hood def needs a rewatch. It has been way too long, I could see it in my next 100. It is a movie I remember really responding to.

[rauldc14]

Tokyo Story is great! It would probably make my top 100 now as well.

[HitchFan97]

Well, you know I love that last set. ;) Fanny and Alexander and Taxi Driver - it really doesn't get much better than that.

[Harry Lime]

All I saw was Con Air.

[Captain Spaulding]

Never had much interest in Boyz in the Hood. I have great respect for your taste in movies, though, so obviously it must be worth watching. I'll check it out sometime.

I never knew until recently that Fanny and Alexander was a five-hour mini-series. I have the three-hour version on my DVR. Have you seen both? Two hours is a lot of content to leave out, especially when it's Bergman.

Never seen someone refer to Taxi Driver as a dark comedy, but you've explained your reasons well. It's all about how you look at it, I guess, since I definitely see humor in those scenes you referenced, but I feel too much sympathy and sadness for Bickle to laugh at him.

I've seen The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie and The Exterminating Angel from Buñuel. Both were okay, but I'd never consider them favorites.

Tokyo Story tends to be the highest ranked film that I've yet to watch on all these "greatest films of all time" lists. The only Ozu I've seen so far is Late Spring and Early Summer. Both are so similar that they've already blended into the same movie in my mind.

[honeykid]

Never had much interest in Boyz in the Hood. I have great respect for your taste in movies, though, so obviously it must be worth watching. I'll check it out sometime.

Be careful, Captain. I really like it too. :p:D Back in the 90's that was on my 100.

[TokeZa]

I dont know about Boyz in the Hood, but the rest is grade A movies especially Fanny and Alexander and Tokyo Story. I hope more Bergman and Ozu films will hit the list!

[Daniel M]

Never had much interest in Boyz in the Hood. I have great respect for your taste in movies, though, so obviously it must be worth watching. I'll check it out sometime.

I never knew until recently that Fanny and Alexander was a five-hour mini-series. I have the three-hour version on my DVR. Have you seen both? Two hours is a lot of content to leave out, especially when it's Bergman.

Never seen someone refer to Taxi Driver as a dark comedy, but you've explained your reasons well. It's all about how you look at it, I guess, since I definitely see humor in those scenes you referenced, but I feel too much sympathy and sadness for Bickle to laugh at him.

I've seen The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie and The Exterminating Angel from Buñuel. Both were okay, but I'd never consider them favorites.

Tokyo Story tends to be the highest ranked film that I've yet to watch on all these "greatest films of all time" lists. The only Ozu I've seen so far is Late Spring and Early Summer. Both are so similar that they've already blended into the same movie in my mind.

Boyz in the Hood is a film I would hope you would like, it doesn't get many plaudits but I think it's a great, honest American film.

I've only seen the five hour long version, I might watch the three hour version one day, I have them both on Blu-ray :)

And I'm really looking forward to exploring more Ozu and Bunuel, that's kind of why I wanted to do this list, so in years later I can look back and track the evolution of my tastes. Tokyo Story is my only Ozu so far.

I dont know about Boyz in the Hood, but the rest is grade A movies especially Fanny and Alexander and Tokyo Story. I hope more Bergman and Ozu films will hit the list!

Thanks, unfortunately Tokyo Story is my only Ozu so far, I watched it very recently. I'm really looking forward to watching more and hopefully more films making the lists and future years. And there may be more Bergman too come ;) I haven't seen that many films of his yet either though :(

[Daniel M]

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My favourite David Cronenberg film, it made me feel the most uncomfortable I have ever been watching a film, I am not completely sure what it was about the film, but I felt 'unclean' from start to finish, it is a film with crude and gritty imagery gets under your skin. The very mysterious plot is frustrating at times, but its distortion between reality and fantasy is what makes it such an unnerving.
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Another great Bergman film, The Seventh Seal is one of the greatest religious films I have seen. It manages to provoke many questions about life and death, and as someone who is an atheist I do not understand similar people who complain they can not get in to a film because it is religious. It is universal in its message, no matter what you believe in. Bergman manages to bring such themes into the story through some of the most memorable imagery I have seen, most of you would have seen Max Von Sydow playing chess with death, and if that images interests you, then I am sure you will enjoy the film.
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A recent viewing that blew me away, like Videodrome, Under The Skin has a strange atmosphere that lures you in (much like the main character) to something you do not quite understand, but fascinates you. Partly filmed with a hidden camera, picking up unaware locals who would later agree to appear in the film, the film is a great social critique of the way people work, our desires, especial in terms of sex. Scarlett Johansson is brilliant as the strange alien who lures men into a strange liquid that appears to be feeding something, it is brilliant that the attractive blonde actress was made to take on a different appearance and drive around Edinburgh in a white van, unrecognisable to the local people. Someone who starts off as the hunter, becomes hunted, falling victim to human ways.
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One of my favourite films of the 21st century, No Country For Old Men is one of the Coen Brothers' finest works, a unforgettable portrayal of pure evil with a brilliantly dark performance from Javier Bardem. Brilliantly shot and edited, allowing for great suspense and letting the tale unravel like a poem, there's a great sense of 'perfection' about the film, and there is not anything that I think I would change about it. The story has lots of the usual Coen Brothers' sensibilities about it, unaware people in way over their heads, and an impending sense of doom as everything around the main protagonist falls around. I think there are a lot of parallels with another Coen Brother great, Fargo.
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One of the greatest films that I have only seen once, I really ought to give this another viewing, because I loved it when I first saw it, and it could probably massively jump in my list if I saw it again. I used to include it as one of my very favourites, but it has been too long for me to rank it that high at the moment. Again a film that has a great sense of detail about its direction, a formal structure which a great sense of confidence, Polanski's attempt at a difficult 'genre' smashes the standard set by its noir predecessors. Everything is brilliant, the photography, the score, the lead performances by two of my favourite actors Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway, the supporting performance of John Huston, the screenplay and the unforgettable ending. I would not take offence by its ranking, the same goes for many of the films, as I have said before this list is more a compendium of 100 films I think are great with the order less important, I love them all.

[BlueLion]

Wow, never would have expected to see Videodrome in this list, and ranked above so many great films! I saw it recently myself and thought it was really weak. The premise is quite interesting but the overall execution leaves a lot to be desired, imo.

I probably need to rewatch both Seventh Seal and Chinatown one of these days. I have a feeling that on a second viewing I should love the former.

No Country for Old Men is terrific and top-tier Coen bros. As for Under The Skin, I just don't get the hype.

[Swan]

Holy f*cking sh*t, Under the Skin made your top 100? BRAVO DANIEL, BRAVO!

That's one of the best sets you've posted so far, those movies all range from great to masterpiece.

[Cobpyth]

I've seen all five of these:

Videodrome is an intense, little horror thriller with a cool concept. It's a great, small film to watch late at night if you're in the mood for something completely twisted and powerful. Not one of my personal favorites, but a film I did enjoy quite a lot!

The Seventh Seal is on my own top 101, so you know I love that one. ;)

I didn't love Under the Skin as much as you or Swan did, but most of it worked for me and the odd atmosphere did grab me during its whole running time. I think a couple of significant scenes are espcially very memorable (the scene with the disfigured man, the ending scene, the imploding man). Again, not particularly a favorite, but a unique film that deserves recognition!

No Country For Old Men is not one of my personal favorite Coen films, but it's undoubtedly a very impressive achievement with great meaning behind it. I've only seen it once actually, so I think it's probably time for a rewatch.

And well, you know Chinatown is one of my all time favorites. Easily top 10 material for me.

[Swan]

I didn't know The Seventh Seal was in your top 101, Cobpyth. Where's that internet fistbump picture.

[honeykid]

+ rep for The Seventh Seal and, of course, Chinatown. Still only seen the first 40 minutes of No Country For Old Men. :D

[Jack1]

Only seen Chinatown, but it's one of my favourites so hopefully that makes up for it. I think it's both glamorous and gritty.

[cricket]

I love the choice of Videodrome; it's a terrific movie, and the type of selection that makes these lists unique.

Chinatown and No Country for Old Men are enormous favorite of mine.:)

I haven't seen The Seventh Seal yet, but I have no doubt that I'll love it. I'm just recently getting into Bergman.

I don't necessarily dislike Under the Skin, but I don't like it either.

[Captain Spaulding]

At one point in time, I considered Videodrome the weirdest movie I'd ever seen. I'm not sure what movie claims that title now (The Holy Mountain and Eraserhead are the first two that spring to mind, although there's probably some other weird ass film that I'm forgetting at the moment). I haven't seen Videodrome in several years, so I don't know how much I'd like it on a re-watch. The imagery has stuck with me, though.

The Seventh Seal was my introduction to Bergman. I was just beginning to explore foreign cinema at that time, so I don't think I appreciated it as much as I would today, but I still enjoyed it quite a bit. Also, Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey was one of my favorite movies when I was younger, so it was cool to see the film that they were parodying.

It seems a bit premature to put Under the Skin this high on a favorites list, but I haven't seen it, so I can't comment. Looking forward to watching it, though, since it sounds like something I'd enjoy.

I love No Country for Old Men. My favorite from the Coen Brothers.

I had forgotten just how damn good Chinatown is until I re-watched it a week or so ago. I should've put it higher on my 70's list than I did.

[donniedarko]

Well I love Chinatown... :D

I really can't stand Videodrome, No Country for old men, and Under the Skin. I do agree with the uncomfortable feeling of Videodrome, did not expect all that when I rented it for a plane trip.

[Camo]

I watched the start of Under The Skin a few weeks ago but was unable to finish it and haven't returned. Personally i don't like No Country at all, in theory i should love it but it has never worked for me. Love both Chinatown and The Seventh Seal and i've yet to watch Videodrom.

[Daniel M]

Glad to see some more love for Videodrome, cricket :up:

At one point in time, I considered Videodrome the weirdest movie I'd ever seen. I'm not sure what movie claims that title now (The Holy Mountain and Eraserhead are the first two that spring to mind, although there's probably some other weird ass film that I'm forgetting at the moment). I haven't seen Videodrome in several years, so I don't know how much I'd like it on a re-watch. The imagery has stuck with me, though.

The Seventh Seal was my introduction to Bergman. I was just beginning to explore foreign cinema at that time, so I don't think I appreciated it as much as I would today, but I still enjoyed it quite a bit. Also, Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey was one of my favorite movies when I was younger, so it was cool to see the film that they were parodying.

It seems a bit premature to put Under the Skin this high on a favorites list, but I haven't seen it, so I can't comment. Looking forward to watching it, though, since it sounds like something I'd enjoy.

I love No Country for Old Men. My favorite from the Coen Brothers.

I had forgotten just how damn good Chinatown is until I re-watched it a week or so ago. I should've put it higher on my 70's list than I did.

Whilst it may be premature including Under The Skin, I think I shouldn't dismiss it just because it's a new film. A lot of other films on this list I have only seen once, and have done so very recently too, but because they're older titles, people don't ask many questions :p And I 100% agree on Chinatown, I watched it again yesterday and thought it was fantastic, I should have had it higher.

[Daniel M]

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Despite my mum's telling me every year that I need to watch this for Christmas, and my love for James Stewart, it was not until late last year that I finally got around to watching this film. I twas everything that I expected it to be, one of the greatest feel good happy films I have seen, a real heartful human film that I do not see how anyone can dislike.
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A film and director that divides opinion around here, but I knew as soon as I saw Breathless that I was going to like Jean-Luc Godard. Very stylish and cool, I instantly fell in love with its anti-noir style, its American culture obsessed character and story, and the overall tragic feel to it. It is not my favourite from the director, but it is a very good film and an important one for myself in terms of film watching.
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A very different noir from the the titles that have already made my list, Touch of Evil is a much more darker 'sleazier' style of film, it's gritty and it's messy in a B film type way, it is about corruption and true evil. Beauitfully shot with deep composition and one of the greatest tracking shots of all time, Orson Welles is brilliant both in front and behind the camera.
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I am a big David Bowie fan and watched this film as part of my Seventies exploration. I loved it and included it really high up on my list, Bowie is perfect in his weird role as an alien searching for water for his dying planet. The film is an effective critique of materialistic human society, our desires as Bowie's character becomes consumed by sex, alcohol and television, losing sight of his true needs.
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One of the most heartbreaking films of all time, The Elephant Man is a powerful film that also critiques human beings, the way that the media treats people and the understanding of people in relation to those that are disabled in some way. We see a man who is bullied and treated as a circus act. Anthony Hopkins is great as the man who shows compassion and understanding towards him and tries to help him become a normal part of society. A really moving and powerful movie, one of the saddest I have seen.

[Camo]

Love It's a Wonderful Life. The Elephant Man is one of my least favourite Lynch films but then again it's Lynch the man has only made one bad film (Dune), and even that was brilliantly bad :p. The other three are on my watchlist.

[Swan]

Five excellent picks. :cool:

[BlueLion]

Not seen The Man Who Fell To Earth, but some really good choices there.

It's a Wonderful Life is a good film, though I'm not a big fan of the ending. Good to hear Breathless is not your favorite Godard, as he's made much better films. Touch of Evil is a noir masterpiece. Loved it from start to finish, intriguing story and sublime camerawork throughout.

The Elephant Man is visually stunning, but I am otherwise neutral when it comes to this film. One of those films I find difficult to simply rate.

[donniedarko]

Awesome set, I've seen all but It's a Wonderful Life, and I appreciate all the other four except The Man Who Fell From Earth, which I found weird, just weird not surreal. Actually had a very similar reaction as I did to Under the Skin. I adore Touch of Evil and Elephant Man, T.O.E is by far my favorite Welles film actually. Breathless is my favorite Godard, and from what I've seen the only one I truly like, and honestly doubt there will be any more.

[Theo]

Great picks. I love Breathless but have yet to watch The Man Who Fell From Earth.

[Captain Spaulding]

And once again you illustrate your impeccable taste with five more excellent films. :cool: :up:

It's a Wonderful Life isn't a personal favorite, but it's a great film. James Stewart is up there with Bogart as one of my favorite actors from the classic era, so it's cool to hear that you like him too.

If Breathless isn't your favorite Godard, I'll be curious to see what ranks higher. It's easily my favorite from the director, who tends to make films I either love or loathe, with seemingly very little in between.

Touch of Evil would rank inside my own top 100. Amazing film. It's too bad a lot of people nowadays can't look past the whole Charlton Heston as a Mexican thing.

I wanted to like The Man Who Fell to Earth more than I did. Bowie is one of my favorite musical artists, and his screen presence kept me interested, but despite a few interesting scenes and visual flourishes, I found the film way too long and too meandering. I still enjoyed it, but I had higher expectations. Check out Performance, if you haven't seen it, also directed by Roeg and starring another iconic rock star: Mick Jagger. It was on my 70' list.

You're spot on with your write-up about The Elephant Man. It's not my personal favorite from Lynch, but I might consider it his best. I watched it again a few weeks ago and once again found myself struggling not to cry. The Romeo & Juliet scene gets me every time.

[honeykid]

Touch Of Evil, The Elephant Man and The Man Who Fell To Earth? :cool:

[Daniel M]

Not seen The Man Who Fell To Earth, but some really good choices there.

It's a Wonderful Life is a good film, though I'm not a big fan of the ending.

The ending IS the film :p

Awesome set, I've seen all but It's a Wonderful Life, and I appreciate all the other four except The Man Who Fell From Earth, which I found weird, just weird not surreal. Actually had a very similar reaction as I did to Under the Skin. I adore Touch of Evil and Elephant Man, T.O.E is by far my favorite Welles film actually. Breathless is my favorite Godard, and from what I've seen the only one I truly like, and honestly doubt there will be any more.

Yeah. I mentioned before how TMWFTO and UTS are very thematically similar, both deal with the same issues and seem to be commentating on human life.

Great picks. I love Breathless but have yet to watch The Man Who Fell From Earth.

Thanks, always good to see more people enjoying Godard :up:

And once again you illustrate your impeccable taste with five more excellent films. :cool: :up:

It's a Wonderful Life isn't a personal favorite, but it's a great film. James Stewart is up there with Bogart as one of my favorite actors from the classic era, so it's cool to hear that you like him too.

If Breathless isn't your favorite Godard, I'll be curious to see what ranks higher. It's easily my favorite from the director, who tends to make films I either love or loathe, with seemingly very little in between.

Touch of Evil would rank inside my own top 100. Amazing film. It's too bad a lot of people nowadays can't look past the whole Charlton Heston as a Mexican thing.

I wanted to like The Man Who Fell to Earth more than I did. Bowie is one of my favorite musical artists, and his screen presence kept me interested, but despite a few interesting scenes and visual flourishes, I found the film way too long and too meandering. I still enjoyed it, but I had higher expectations. Check out Performance, if you haven't seen it, also directed by Roeg and starring another iconic rock star: Mick Jagger. It was on my 70' list.

You're spot on with your write-up about The Elephant Man. It's not my personal favorite from Lynch, but I might consider it his best. I watched it again a few weeks ago and once again found myself struggling not to cry. The Romeo & Juliet scene gets me every time.

Me and you have quite a lot in common. I would see Bogart and Stewart are my top two actors from the classic era, and two of my favourites period, actually.

I watched Performance for the Seventies list too, it didn't make my list, but I liked it a lot. Very weird film and I loved the strange ending, mysterious and offbeat like all of Roeg's work that I have seen so far, it's an interesting piece on identity that I would want to watch again :)

Touch Of Evil, The Elephant Man and The Man Who Fell To Earth? :cool:

Honeykid, being positive? :o What is this? But thank you :up: I thought you might like a couple in this set, I think I recall you saying that Touch of Evil was just on the outskirts of your own top 100, so you must like it a lot.

[Jack1]

Picky, I know, but you've put a double 'n' in elephant.

Apart from that, nice selection. I've seen It's a Wonderful Life a few times as it's my mum's favourite film. Tried watching The Man Who Fell to Earth the other day then fell asleep. I'm a huge Bowie fan so I need to give it a proper watch.

[The Gunslinger45]

It's A Wonderful Life? In my Top 10.

Breathless? Thought it was pretty good. In no hurry to rewatch.

Touch of Evil? Brilliant.

The Man Who Fell to Earth? Not a fan.

The Elephant Man? Beautiful.


Great selection!

[honeykid]

Honeykid, being positive? :o What is this? But thank you :up: I thought you might like a couple in this set, I think I recall you saying that Touch of Evil was just on the outskirts of your own top 100, so you must like it a lot.

Yeah, y'see what happens when you post decent films. :D And, you're right, Touch Of Evil was one of the last cuts for my 100. I even rewatched it, just to make sure.

[cricket]

Nice to see It's a Wonderful life make your list; it's such a great film. I also really liked The Elephant Man and The Man Who Fell to Earth.

I might have been too hard on Breathless when I watched it recently because it did have good qualities. I just didn't like that main character at all.

Touch of Evil-on the watchlist.

[HitchFan97]

Ugh. This list is awesome. Not that I'm surprised :p

[JayDee]

Ugh. This list is awesome. Not that I'm surprised :p

Although me to paraphrase and correct that Hitch.

"Ugh. This list is awful. Not that I'm surprised."

:p

Got to admit Danny boy that there are lots I've not seen, many of which I don't have a great desire to watch either! :D You have managed to somehow stumble upon a few decent ones though - Con Air, Bridge on River Kwai, Sunset Blvd, Double Indemnity, Rashomon, Unforgiven and Boyz n the Hood.

Though you've also included one of my least favourite entries I've ever seen on one of these lists - Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I watched that a couple of years ago (my first bit of Python whatsoever) and god I hated it! Found it just brutally unfunny. It's just about the only DVD I've ever given away. Even blind buy films I've bought and disliked I've kept because I don't like getting rid of them (my OCD/hoarder mentality kicking in! :D) and to give them another chance someday. But that one....just no. I looked at it, thought I'm never going to want to subject myself to you ever again and gave it to the charity shop.

But you know, other than that monstrosity keep up the good work. :p

[Gideon58]

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Peter Greenaway's experimental film won't be for everyone, but I love his attempt in challenging the formal construction of a film as he creates fascinating images as he mixes the various elements within the frame, focusing - as the title suggests - on numbers and patterns.
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The first horror film to appear on my list, and it definitely won't be the last. Like many great horrors, Polanski focusses on suspense and the unseen in order to build up atmosphere and make the ending truly frightening. Fantastic performances by a paranoid Mia Farrow and a slightly insane and very creepy Ruth Gordon make Rosemary's struggle seem all the more terrifying.
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Taking aim at Hollywood, the film looks at a fading silent film star, Gloria Swanson, who gives a towering performance as a desperate and intimidating character. Mixed in with usual noir conventions with the story starting with our dead narrator, Wilder pulls no punches in getting his acerbic message across.
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"Yes, I killed him. I killed him for money - and a woman - and I didn't get the money and I didn't get the woman. Pretty, isn't it?"

Unlike Sunset Boulevard, this is pure film noir, focusing on a complex plot to gain money, with a scheming femme fatale at the centre of it all. Fred MacMurray is great as the salesmen who tragically falls into the plot. The film has everything you could ever want from a noir, with another delicious Wilder script. It is very similar to Sunset Boulevard in terms of narrative, starting at the end in order for us to develop more sympathy for the main character that succumbs to something greater than him.
Never seen Drowning by Numbers, but love the other three films mentioned here.

[Gideon58]

That's an interesting point about The King of Comedy actually, reading Roger Ebert's review and what he writes about it in his book, he feels similarly to you about Taxi Driver, he finds TKOC to be uncomfortable and disturbing, and can't find humor or likability at all in De Niro's character. I have seen Taxi Driver a few times and I do find it very creepy, disturbing and at times unsettling, but on more recent viewings I have found it more funny, and I think it's brilliant how Travis's character is written so seriously.

And nope I haven't seen any other full features by Bunuel, I certainly need to as I think I would enjoy them.
Have never really looked at all these similarities between Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy. Personally, I didn't find anything funny about Travis Bickle, but that's just me. There are amusing moments in The King of Comedy, but there is a nervousness and discomfort about the humor. The scene where Jerry Langford arrives at his country home to find Rupert and Rita there is one of the most squirm-worthy moments in cinema, yet I did find myself grinning during the scenes where Masha is trying on the sweater she's making for Jerry. Both characters are deluded, but it's hard to say that there's anything really amusing about either one, especially Travis Bickle.

[cricket]

Saw Touch of Evil last night-great movie.

[rauldc14]

Let's see some more :cool:

[Daniel M]

I'll try get this back on track after this week, just been busy with Uni and all that :p

[Daniel M]

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One of the funniest movies ever made, there is not much I can say about this film in terms of actually analysing it, it's just so funny. The documentary, improvisational style with the actors works extremely well, every character adds something funny and there are many great moments throughout. I remember I watched this, loved it, so watched it again the next day with my brother and he also loved it.
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Another great comedy that I have similar thoughts on. My step-dad's a big fan of this and the 'Naked Gun' films, but I never watched this properly until late last year. I think I recorded it and watched it a few times in a few days, another one that me and my brother both love and find hilarious. Loads of great characters with their different sub plots adding their own different comedic touches.
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Read this post. (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=32100)
http://i.imgur.com/Iad3BRK.png
I like pretty much everything I have seen from Terrence Malick, but I think this war epic might just be my favourite, a fantastic philosophical look at war and life/humans in general, it sounds cliché to say that it succeeds as a war film because of the way it deals with great themes so well, but it really is true of this beautiful film. A shame it had so many problems in the editing room too, it's a long film, but I would love to see an extended five hour epic with all the other great actors in their cut parts too.
http://i.imgur.com/6dF8shm.png
Read this post. (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=32100)

[Mr Minio]

I don't like Airplane. The rest is from decent to great.

[BlueLion]

Not a fan of Airplane either. I like Spinal Tap and I think the other three are great.

[Daniel M]

I don't like Airplane.

Surely you can't be serious?

[rauldc14]

Airplane is good. Jackie Brown is great! Thin Red Line is solid too! Enjoying this list.

[honeykid]

The first three films are great.

[gbgoodies]

http://i.imgur.com/CcpIV4k.png
Despite my mum's telling me every year that I need to watch this for Christmas, and my love for James Stewart, it was not until late last year that I finally got around to watching this film. I twas everything that I expected it to be, one of the greatest feel good happy films I have seen, a real heartful human film that I do not see how anyone can dislike.

http://i.imgur.com/zaiIUUe.png
A very different noir from the the titles that have already made my list, Touch of Evil is a much more darker 'sleazier' style of film, it's gritty and it's messy in a B film type way, it is about corruption and true evil. Beauitfully shot with deep composition and one of the greatest tracking shots of all time, Orson Welles is brilliant both in front and behind the camera.



+ rep for It's a Wonderful Life and Touch of Evil. Two great classic movies.

[gbgoodies]

http://i.imgur.com/4CfQdl4.png
Another great comedy that I have similar thoughts on. My step-dad's a big fan of this and the 'Naked Gun' films, but I never watched this properly until late last year. I think I recorded it and watched it a few times in a few days, another one that me and my brother both love and find hilarious. Loads of great characters with their different sub plots adding their own different comedic touches.



+ rep for Airplane!. It's one of the funniest movies ever made.

I haven't seen any of the other movies in this set.

[cricket]

Not crazy about The Thin Red Line or the Kill Bill movies, although I owe both another viewing.

I do love Airplane and Jackie Brown, and liked Spinal Tap.

[Captain Spaulding]

Airplane! and Spinal Tap are hilarious.

Jackie Brown is my second favorite film from QT. Like you hinted at in your Tarantino fellatio thread (:p), its lack of popularity among some of the typical Tarantino fanboys is, in my opinion, partly because the star of the film is a middle-aged black woman. And the second main character is Robert Forster, who isn't exactly a Vincent Vega or Mr. Blonde. Jackie Brown lacks some of the coolness of his other films. It's a more mature, sophisticated film. It's also his most reserved film, especially compared to Kill Bill, Django Unchained, Inglorious Basterds and Death Proof. The fact that it is an adaptation probably plays a big role in that, but I wish QT would make another film in a similar, less flashy approach.

I think of Kill Bill as one film, but if I have to pick between the two volumes, I definitely prefer Vol. II. Before he made Django Unchained, Kill Bill Vol. II was the closest QT had come to making a spaghetti western. And as a huge fan of westerns, of course, that similar style and aesthetic really appeals to me.

The Thin Red Line is a very frustrating film. Like all of Malick's films, it's gorgeous to look at, but every time I found myself becoming invested in one of the characters or the story, the film pauses to allow Jim Cavaziel to deliver a long monologue about how his bootlaces symbolize the horrors of war while the camera focuses on a blade of grass in the early morning dew. Profound! I'm exaggerating, of course, and it's a lovely film in parts, but if I have to watch a Malick film, give me Badlands or Days of Heaven.

Surely you can't be serious?

Don't call me Shirley.

[Camo]

Only watched Jackie Brown and Kill Bill there, i like both quite alot especially JB but i'm not as big of a Tarantino fan as most here. My dad loves Airplane. I imagine it would make his top 10, he's been telling me to watch it for years, i've just never got around to it. The Thin Red Line, is the one that interests me most in that set; Malick is the defenition of hit and miss for me, seen 2, disliked Badlands and loved Days of Heaven :D.

[The Gunslinger45]

+ Rep for Airplane

[The Sci-Fi Slob]

Great List so far, just put the hammer down a little.;)

[The Sci-Fi Slob]

Jackie Brown is great, better than LA Confidential from the same year.:facepalm:

[christine]

Great list Daniel. I've just picked out a good third of them that I like/love. Good taste ;)

[donniedarko]

Missed your last post. I think This is Spinal Tap and Airplane! are decent comedies, the latter being slightly better. But I didn't really find either great. Big :up: for Kill Bill Volume 2 on the other hand.

[Daniel M]

http://i.imgur.com/S8IOrrQ.png
The movie that got me into movies, I've already wrote loads about it on this site. Because I'm lazy I'm going to once again pimp my mega Tarantino love article - click here (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=32100)!
http://i.imgur.com/21zyc4S.png
Another David Lynch film on my list, and like his last entry, another heartwarming, human effort that focuses on relationships and life in general. The film moves along at a calculated, kind of poetic pace as it builds towards its finale, the journey along the way is so beautiful and it times tragic that it makes you want to laugh and cry. There's not much to write about movies like these, you watch them and you feel them, if you haven't seen it, do so now.
http://i.imgur.com/idjvOVX.png
A movie that benefited from having been watched a few times by myself during the week leading up to when I compiled this list. It instantly became a favourite, I had saw bits and bobs, and then every time it was on TV me and my brother started to put it on. Absolutely hilarious film, a brilliant satire of war and politics in general, with many hilarious scenes and musical acts.
http://i.imgur.com/UdZLQIE.png
My favourite animated film. A fantastic homage to Westerns and the great Chinatown. It's hilarious in its own right and in my opinion features some of the greatest animation in terms of art design that I have seen.

Read my lengthy review here (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=928974#post928974)!
http://i.imgur.com/z58mshj.png
Back to what people might consider to be more 'serious' movies, this might just be the most beautiful film that I have seen. Wonderfully shot, with great camerawork and use of colour, a haunting and powerful look at a man caught up in the fascist regime of Italy. I need to see more Bertolucci.

[seanc]

I really must see Team America. Everyone here seems to love it.

[Camo]

Five great films there :up:. RD is my favourite Tarantino. Team America is one of the funniest films ever made imo. I prefer a few Lynchs to Straight Story but it's still an excellent film. I watched Rango for the Animated list and it will no doubt make mine. The Conformist is probably my least fav of the set, but it's still very good and just missed my 70s list.

[BlueLion]

Wow, I thought The Conformist was going to show up much higher (top ten maybe). I watched it in preparation for the 70s list and liked it a fair amount

And I just realized which Lynch film won't make your list :(

[Daniel M]

I really must see Team America. Everyone here seems to love it.

Yes, you must. I don't think it's for everyone, but I obviously hope the humour appeals to you.

Five great films there :up:. RD is my favourite Tarantino. Team America is one of the funniest films ever made imo. I prefer a few Lynchs to Straight Story but it's still an excellent film. I watched Rango for the Animated list and it will no doubt make mine. The Conformist is probably my least fav of the set, but it's still very good and just missed my 70s list.

I knew you'd love that set. Glad that Rango will be on your animation list, I'm not spoiling anything when I say it will be my number one. Hopefully it gets some good support around here, I know a few others like it too.

Wow, I thought The Conformist was going to show up much higher (top ten maybe). I watched it in preparation for the 70s list and liked it a fair amount

And I just realized which Lynch film won't make your list :(

When I saw it I thought it was brilliant and on first viewings it would rank near the best, but it's been a while so #46 is fair for now, most of my top 50 is pretty interchangeable as I've said. I'm still sorting out rankings now, ordering is so painful.

And yeah, sorry about that :p It probably should have, there are a few more films that should have probably been on as well, which you guys will notice at the end.

You'll be even more upset when Casablanca is #1 :p

(Might be joking might not)

[honeykid]

I'm sure I don't even have to tell you which films I love in that set and which one I don't. :D I've not seen Rango, but I do have a slight interest in seeing it. I'm not sure why.

[Daniel M]

I'm sure I don't even have to tell you which films I love in that set and which one I don't. :D I've not seen Rango, but I do have a slight interest in seeing it. I'm not sure why.

Yeah I knew you'd love the first three.

As for Rango, I don't think you'd like it, a bit too quirky for you, I think the cons might outweigh the cons. It's an animation and a Western, the only pro I can think of for you is that it closely follows Chinatown :D

[BlueLion]

No way, I can think of at least five other films which have a higher chance of being your #1 :D

[Daniel M]

PM those five if you like, I'd like to see how many of those are right when I finally get there :p Not one single person last time round guessed my #1 :(

[BlueLion]

PM sent

[honeykid]

As for Rango, I don't think you'd like it, a bit too quirky for you, I think the cons might outweigh the cons. It's an animation and a Western, the only pro I can think of for you is that it closely follows Chinatown :D
I know, that's why I don't know what's pulling me. It's not a strong pull, it's not that I really want to see it but, whereas I'm usually pretty sure about what I will and won't like (as you might've noticed :D) with this one there's just a little something nagging me which has piqued my interest. You're probably right. Hell, I'm probably right, but there's just something there. I'll probably see it someday and then I'll know. I might not even finish it. :D

[Camo]

You should watch it before sending in your animation list HK, there's an excuse ;).

[The Gunslinger45]

http://i.imgur.com/S8IOrrQ.png
The movie that got me into movies, I've already wrote loads about it on this site. Because I'm lazy I'm going to once again pimp my mega Tarantino love article - click here (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=32100)!
http://i.imgur.com/21zyc4S.png
Another David Lynch film on my list, and like his last entry, another heartwarming, human effort that focuses on relationships and life in general. The film moves along at a calculated, kind of poetic pace as it builds towards its finale, the journey along the way is so beautiful and it times tragic that it makes you want to laugh and cry. There's not much to write about movies like these, you watch them and you feel them, if you haven't seen it, do so now.
http://i.imgur.com/idjvOVX.png
A movie that benefited from having been watched a few times by myself during the week leading up to when I compiled this list. It instantly became a favourite, I had saw bits and bobs, and then every time it was on TV me and my brother started to put it on. Absolutely hilarious film, a brilliant satire of war and politics in general, with many hilarious scenes and musical acts.
http://i.imgur.com/UdZLQIE.png
My favourite animated film. A fantastic homage to Westerns and the great Chinatown. It's hilarious in its own right and in my opinion features some of the greatest animation in terms of art design that I have seen.

Read my lengthy review here (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=928974#post928974)!
http://i.imgur.com/z58mshj.png
Back to what people might consider to be more 'serious' movies, this might just be the most beautiful film that I have seen. Wonderfully shot, with great camerawork and use of colour, a haunting and powerful look at a man caught up in the fascist regime of Italy. I need to see more Bertolucci.

More stuff that I like then dislike or have not seen. Plus rep!

[donniedarko]

This reminds me to get back on mine, I'll try to put a set up tomorrow.

Love Reservoir Dogs, I gave The Conformist a down the middle rating, but it's left a nice after taste. I think I'd enjoy Straight Story and Team America.

[Swan]

Team America is TOO LOW. :p

Good stuff bro.

[cricket]

Reservoir Dogs is my favorite Tarantino, The Straight Story is my favorite Lynch, Team America is a riot, and The Conformist is beautiful to watch and very good.

I didn't have Rango on my to see this for the animation countdown, but I will make sure to watch it now.

[Captain Spaulding]

I've grown out of favor with Reservoir Dogs, probably just because I've seen it so many times, but I used to consider it a favorite.

The Straight Story is a great movie. It's also the perfect recommendation, along with The Elephant Man, for people who don't typically like Lynch.

Considering that I love westerns, Chinatown, Johnny Depp, and that I'm fascinated by Hunter S. Thompson, you'd think Rango would be one of my favorite animated movies, but that isn't the case. I liked it, but nowhere near as much as I had hoped to. I agree with you that the animation is amazing, and any movie that features a cameo by The Man With No Name (even if it isn't Eastwood) is automatically cool in my book. The movie was funny, too, so I don't know why I didn't enjoy it more than I did. Perhaps my expectations were too high. A re-watch is in order.

Never had much interest in Team America: World Police, because puppets, man --- f**king puppets! I wanted to watch The Conformist before the 70's Countdown, but never did; it looks like an impressive film.

[Daniel M]

Okay, I'm gonna speed up this list a little bit so I can hopefully get it done before the new year, and do the next few posts without the fancy graphics, I've been awfully busy and they take time. I'll return with some fancy graphics for the top entries of this list, and of course when I do the Sixties list:

45 - McCabe & Mrs. Miller

(Robert Altman, 1971)

http://i.guim.co.uk/static/w-620/h--/q-95/sys-images/Film/Pix/pictures/2013/11/8/1383923553487/McCabe-and-Mrs-Miller-008.jpg

One of the first films of Robert Altman that I watched, I think it was the first that I fully appreciated and loved. It starts with Warren Beatty arriving in a small inn at a local town as he sits down and interacts with those inside. It is quite a messy sequence for those unfamiliar with Altman, I was a little confused by what was going on, sound was coming from everywhere and I could not really see what was going on, but strangely this all came together in a realistic, beautiful way, accompanied immediately with the fantastic score of Leonard Cohen.

The beauty of the movie is that everything is constructed from the ground up, we start with a muddy little inn, and this evolves into a thriving business town, lead by the ambitious Warren Beatty and his resourceful partner Julie Christie. Half a tale of entrepreneurship and capitalism, and half a oddly unique but definitely lovable romantic film, the two halfs clash and create an extremely complex character study of a man who never truly feels comfortable with his position, with the ending being especially poignant and in fitting with the film.

One of my favourite scenes in the film comes when McCabe, clearly afraid, goes to visit an outside bounty hunter who has just arrived in the town. McCabe, who hides his own insecurities behind his smart clothes and a bowler hat, enter the room to find that the man opposite him has a much bigger fur coat and hat, McCabe offers the man a cigar, but he has his own, bigger cigars. McCabe knows that he can only hide behind the image he has created for himself for so long, and that the outside, hungry world is closing in around him.

44 - Walkabout

(Nicolas Roeg, 1971)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDZrErs_jwQ/TVqf7LxFuII/AAAAAAAAGXI/SisATwuXUis/s1600/walkabout5.jpg

As part of the Seventies list here I made sure to explore the works of Nicolas Roeg, watching all his films from the decade. In terms of quality, he is definitely up there with the best for me, and Walkabout is his masterpiece. A slow and methodical piece of work, it uses its imagery to full effect, creating a truly transcendental experience.

There is something mysterious and epic about the landscapes in which the characters travel across, we can feel the heat of the sand burning, and are ourselves, taken on a mysterious journey which we can not comprehend, parallel to the to the issues of communication between the brother and sister, and the aborigine who guides them.

Key to the film are the dynamics of the characters, each innocent victims in their own ways. We experience human life, emotions, in their simplest forms. People who are used to urban life are thrown in to the wild, and must act like animals, with actions being the only way of communication. This struggle, and ultimately failure to communicate leads to tragic and extremely moving consequences.

All of Nicolas Roeg's works of the decade seem to be dealing with the sames themes of communication and identity, what are human beings? What is in our nature that drives us to commit certain actions, sex and death, important aspects of human life are present in all his works, these are humans uncomfortably stripped down to simple animals due to their environments being drastically changed by major events, how do they cope, how do they survive?

43 - The Master

(Paul Thomas Anderson, 2012)

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Observer/Columnist/Columnists/2012/11/1/1351775941798/2012-THE-MASTER-008.jpg

I remember watching this film when it came out and I was in a relatively early stage of discovering the works of Paul Thomas Anderson (I think), I made quite a long post about the film, mainly consisting of ramblings, thoughts and observations about the film. So I am going to copy bits of it below, with a few edits.

So what makes The Master deserving of such a high rating? Lets start with Joaquin Pheonix who gives a fantastic performance, even better than Daniel Day-Lewis for me, as the eccentric and lost Freddie Quell. In There Will Be Blood, Daniel Day-Lewis gave us a chilling performance of a man who was much more easier to comprehend, it was a film that was very formal in its approach and extremely cinematic, it had a beginning, a middle and the end and truly showed the transformation of one man in a haunting manner.

The Master is almost the opposite, the film opens with Freddie talking about getting rid of crabs, and f*cking women made out of sand on a beach. This is then followed by Freddie's attempts to fit into a normal life, partaking in jobs such as photography. But by the end of the film you won't feel as if the character of Freddie has changed at all, the piece of story telling is not complete. The final scene in which Freddie is sleeping with another girl, is brilliant, and hilarious at the same time, almost mocking viewers that expecting a conventional story of a man who was going to be changed by the cause.

Philip Seymour Hoffman gives a performance we have come to expect from him, truly great as a man whose character seems like PTA is once again mocking Scientology and cult practises. But this man, who attempts to be a master, is far from it in this film, whilst he controls Freddie to a certain degree, Freddie is ultimately unpredictable, extremely volatile and at times even understandable. He is constantly haunted by his own failures and his sexual instincts, he is a man obsessed by sex, take the scene where he imagines everyone naked as an example of this. Freddie wants to exert control over others, he beats up others for the cause, he shares a number of tense scenes with a young member of the cause during the middle part of the film, and he eventually abandons those who have tried to help him, before imagining himself receiving a phone call from Lancaster Dodd who he believes is expecting him, he wants to be the dominant male and this is reflected throughout.

I have heard a lot of complaints about the wall and the window scene, I had no problem with it the first time, and I loved it the second time. The film really allows us to get in to the mind of Freddie, in fact the whole narrative structure acts a metaphor for his frustrating and unfulfilled life, this scene in particular feels painful and without reward, just how Freddie feels.

Just remembered to make a comment on the score of this film from Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood. Once again contrasting with the formal, cinematic style of the music in There Will Be Blood where it is very much used to dramatise particular scenes, the music here is used very differently, playing naturally as the film goes from one scene to another, you can here a mysterious ticking, fitting for Freddie's character as he attempts to find something, moving from one place to another in his life with little result.

42 - Borat

(Larry Charles, 2006)

http://i.guim.co.uk/static/w-620/h--/q-95/sys-images/Film/Pix/pictures/2010/10/15/1287148575618/Borat-Cultural-Learnings--006.jpg

When I first joined this site I did a review of the film, as it has always been one of my favourites, it is not the greatest of reviews, but I find it very hard to write about this sort of comedy. However I do feel that Borat might just be one of the most under appreciated comedies out there, it often seems to be dismissed as just a silly comedy, but I honestly think it's one of the greatest films of the genre, fully utilising its documentary style to produce hilarious results. It seems more a plot synopsis now, but here is the review anyway.

Borat is a comedy that follows the journey of a Kazakh named Borat as he travels through the America, hoping to learn from the country and report his findings back to Kazakhstan, as the title suggests – for the country’s benefit.

At the time of watching Borat I thought it was definitely one of the funniest films that I had seen, I watched it again recently (probably a few years since my last viewing) and it still had me in stitches from laughing. Borat is filled with hilarious scenes throughout, most of them are intended to be offensive and/or racist but are very cleverly done – if you are really easily offended then this film will not be for you, however the majority will find it hilarious.

Sacha Baron Cohen is Borat Sagdiyev from Kazakhstan; I don’t think the Kazakh people will be among the film’s biggest fans with the beginning of the film immediately showing the country as a very underdeveloped one, a literal dump filled with all sorts of strange people, and prostitutes.

On Borat’s journey he is accompanied by camera man Azamat, the two are given clear instructions of where to go in America, Borat diverts from the set plan and finds himself stumbling upon many unexpected places and having many disagreements with his partner. The film is shot documentary style as Borat narrates his journey, there are no special affects or anything like that, we are simply seeing Borat and his rather odd character interact with others in America which inevitably leads to more than one funny situation. Some of the scenes are meant to be staged whilst others are more obviously not.

Borat has a hatred for Uzbeks, Jews and Gypsies and his racial views provide many funny scenes throughout such as one involving cockroaches, I wont go in to too much detail about particular scenes at the risk of spoiling the film, if you have seen the film you’ll remember the best ones for sure including ones where Borat attempts to buy a new car, attempts to sing at a rodeo and having a dinner with upper-class Americans. We also get to see Borat’s ignorance throughout such as when he unknowingly attends a gay festival, this is largely down to the culture differences between Kazakhstan and the USA.

41 - Caché

(Michael Haneke, 2005)

http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Film/Pix/pictures/2007/03/02/hidden460.jpg

I am going to copy in my earlier thoughts on the film again here, however I think this works more appropriately as they seem to very accurately reflect just how powerful and mysterious I thought the film was when I first watched it.

Wow, what a film. I thought this would be the type of film I would enjoy, but even with certain expectations the film was a lot different to what I expected. It's a cliché but I haven not stopped thinking about this film since I first saw it, like it or not, it's a film that stays with you for much longer than the viewing.

I have seen the film pretty much twice now, individual scenes many times more. Much like the tapes that play a huge part in the films story, I find myself rewinding the film, looking to find something that I might have missed.

The film is definitely one of the most effective thrillers I have seen (not a conventional, action thriller, but this is still the most appropriate adjective) in the way there is a dark, tense and creepy atmosphere throughout, with suspense building all the way through as we scratch our heads hoping to solve the mystery. The film deals with a lot of issues that play a bigger part than the plot and answers themselves, questions of guilt, paranoia, responsibility, all taken to the next level by the excellent acting on show from the likes of Daniel Auteuil and Maurice Bénichou.

The film leaves you with many questions, I won't discuss them much and spoil the film for those you have not seen it, even the title itself poises us a question, what exactly is hidden? Whilst dissecting certain scenes and facts that the film gives us, the answer to the questions might become clearer, but even then it is impossible to say, some might find this frustrating, but that is the point. Also the film has what I found to be genuinely one of the most shocking scenes I have ever scene, it honestly surprised me, and those who have seen it should know what I am talking about.

[hello101]

Walkabout is a fantastic gem, everyone should watch it. Have you seen its sister flick Wake In Fright from the same year?

[the samoan lawyer]

Great last set Daniel. Not the biggest fan of McCabe but Cache and The Master more than make up for it.

[Daniel M]

Walkabout is a fantastic gem, everyone should watch it. Have you seen its sister flick Wake In Fright from the same year?

Not yet, but I have heard a few people recommend it now, and it definitely looks like a film I would enjoy, so I look forward to eventually watching it :)