5.Children of Men
What were to happen if women were infertile? Director Alfonso Cuaron (Y Tu Mama Tambien, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkhaban) answers that question in his post-apocalyptic thriller "Children of Men". The cinematography is compelling, utilizing techniques not seen on film, such as a 360 degree look inside of a moving vehicle and a 10 minute one-shot war scene. Clive Owen brings a sort of inner turmoil to his character, Theo. He never expresses his feelings to the general public because there's too much at stake. The more depressed the world gets, the more he holds it inside himself, and as the viewer you can feel it. He expresses no emotion, but by doing so, expresses so much sentimentality that you pity him which is why, to me, this is his greatest performance on screen. The realism is disturbingly thought out, and it is a possibility that it could eventually happen. The humanity is what makes this film such a masterpiece.
4.Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Memories...an everlasting image of certain significant events that have unfolded in your life. Some may be good and some may be bad...but what if you felt you were sick of those memories. What procedures would be needed to get rid of thoses awful memories? What if there was a way to erase thoses memories? Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is the brain child of Charlie Kaufman (writer of Being John Malkovich and Adaptation) who developped this idea thanks to Michel Gondry. Gondry was asked by a colleague what he would think if he got a small letter in the mail that read: Someone you know has just erased the memory of you. What we end up with is one of the best romantic comedy this side of Annie Hall. Jim Carrey plays Joel (nice name) a man who has just found out that the love of his life had erased Joel from her memory. The logical thing to do? Erase her. The film plays back and forth through different events in Joel's life, from childhood to his last memory of Clementine (played by Kate Winslet). The film is edited beautiful and is visually stunning. My heart breaks every time I watch the film, because there is this one scene near the end.... never mind I won't ruin it. It's quirky, it's funny, it's weird...and that's what makes it beautiful.
3. Se7en
David Fincher's second film deals with an unusual set of homicides. Two detectives are on the look-out for a murderer who kills sinners. Each death is inlined with one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Morgan Freeman plays Detective Sommerset, a cop who is on his way out, while his new partner (Brad Pitt) is young and optimistic about the job ahead. As the film moves forward, our characters begin to crack as the killings get more and more horrifying. The atmosphere is gut wrenching at times and the murders are inventive/grotesque. The film gets better and better with every view, and is quite philosophical. Smart action/writing makes this film a must-watch. I can't stop watching it or thinking of it. Wait til you see who plays the murderer, I won't spoil anything, but once he comes on screen, he steals the show.
2. The Usual Suspects
5 The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist. Probably one of my favorite lines from this star-studded crime thriller about five criminals in a line-up who have something in common. The writing and set-up are so perfect that you can watch the film over and over again and find out that you missed something. Every look, every move all planned perfectly. This film was made for movie audiences...Kevin Spacey is breathtaking as a crippled criminal confessing the everyday lives of his partners in crime. Every time I have a movie night I always suggest this film. By the end you'll be asking yourself...Who is Keyzer Soze?
1. The Godfather Saga
I know so many people who can't sit down and watch theses films and it boggles my mind. Of any film series, or stand alone films, it's theses films I can't take my eyes off of. The tone/The acting/the writing/the atmosphere/the cinematography/the relationships/the turmoil/the music grabs you into the world and won't let go.Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino), a sweet and innocent soldier comes home to a family business he doesn't want to be a part of. What business you may ask? They are gangsters. As tragedy befalls the family, it is up to Michael to save his family from war with other mafia syndicates. He tryes to make an honest living but it all goes to hell as events transpire. The stresses of his life brings Michael to a stand still, as he becomes bitter and cruel to the people he loves. The last scene with Michael at the opera house in Godfather III is one of the most tragic moments in cinematic history. The films timeline goes from 1905 - 1990, we experience three generations of crime and war. Every time I hear the theme music, I just want to sit down and watch theses films and once I start Godfather I, I have to watch II, and right after II, I have to watch III. Michael Corleone is my favorite film character and with good reason, he is an everyday man who has to deal with something he's been avoiding most of his life. In the end, all that's left is disappointment and you see that in the performance. I know everyone talks about Marlon Brando (who is spectacular) but my praise goes to Al Pacino. He carried all three films beautifully...I have to give props to the supporting cast as well, such great perfromances. My favorite film of all time has to be three movies.
Thanks for reading, I will probably do more top 5's in the upcoming weeks, so be on the look-out.
Joel D.
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