My Favorite Films
A list of my favorite films. It occurs to me that I should examine them for commonalities.
“Blade Runner” (1982) — This film is a visual masterpiece. The story, and the novel it is based on, really miss a great opportunity to explore a deep philosophical question, but in both cases it seems that merely presenting the question is enough to feel meaningful. Beyond that, the film is a simple cop/action/love story, but it is set in such a richly gritty post-apocalyptic world. Of the numerous cuts, the one to watch is the 2007 Final Cut.
“Scott Pilgrim vs the World” (2010) — I don’t think I need to explain why this film is so great. If you haven’t watched it, well, watch it. The humor is ridiculous. So many great actors. The visuals and transitions put this film into a category of its own. Edgar Wright has developed a reputation for such things, but this film is head and shoulders above even the rest of his work. And mmmm, Mary Elizabeth Winstead. And Anna Kendrick. And Aubrey Plaza.
“The Fifth Element” (1997) — I didn’t see this film for years after it was released. The poster art led me to believe it was some kind of serious film. It was such a delightful surprise when I finally started watching it and the humor started to reveal itself (“Aziz! Light!”). Great characters, great writing, amazing visual style, great music, and brilliant comedic acting by quite a few great actors. Luc Besson has become one of my favorite filmmakers (although I’m not sure what his deal is with taxis).
“Death to Smoochy” (2002) — People laugh whenever I tell them this is one of my favorite films. They don’t take it seriously, because its reason for existing is to parody Barney the dinosaur. In fact, it’s a very funny film, with some great actors in it, and all the characters are brilliant. However, what keeps me coming back to this film is that the writing and editing is so tight and efficient. All around, this is an example of a very well made film.
“Unforgiven” (1992) — For many years, this is the film I told people was my favorite. The love has perhaps faded, but it is still among my favorites. The first 80% of the film unglamorizes the violence of westerns, then it repents and gives it all back to us. I love the film’s cynical realism, and I love Clint Eastwood’s acting. There are, of course, quite a few other great actors in this film.
“Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country” (1991) — The older I get, the more I am disappointed in myself for liking Star Trek. Its episodic nature prevents it from getting very deep, and the “science” is appalling. Nevertheless, I enjoy* watching it, and it is one of the few things I am willing to rewatch. “The Undiscovered Country” is my favorite of the films (with “First Contact” coming in second). The visuals were top notch for 1991. This was the closest and most dramatic look we had been given of Klingons (even the sound of their leather creaking is brilliant). However, I keep rewatching this film because of how efficiently written it is. There is not a second of screen time that isn’t serving some purpose, and the story moves steadily and unwavering.
“The Matrix” (1999) — The main thing I like about this film is its visual style: the costumes, the gritty locations, the 1965 Lincoln Continental. The effect is intensified by the contrast with the “real” world. The music for the film is also part of it. The second thing I admire is the fight choreography. The fights are less about testosterone and more of a visual art form in their own right. Beyond those things, the whole speculative, philosophical theme of the film really sticks with me.
(* Except for later seasons of “Discovery” and the two episodes of “Prodigy” I forced myself to watch.)
