Steve Lee's Top 13 Favorite Films of All Time!
May 18 '01
The Bottom Line Great films deserve to be seen - and there are so many that I haven't seen yet!
Many of my favorite films have interesting characters involved fascinating stories that challenge my perceptions and help change the way I personally view the world. Many are also told in visually interesting, if not stunningly original ways. So here are just some of the many films that have helped shape who I am both personally and artistically. You may not agree with all of my choices, and that is fine, but all I can do is share my opinions and hope that you'll enjoy these films as much as I have.
13. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest: I remember borrowing this film from my high school library when I was in grade 10 or 11. I remember taking it home and watching it in my room and I remember being captivated by the performances and the plot that unfolded before me on screen. "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" was my introduction to the early work of Jack Nicholson, and I was hooked. How easily he moved from maddening insanity to a calming passivity amazed me. A truly wondrous film with excellent performances and a stellar cast, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" is one film worth seeing again and again. Grade: B+
12. The Dreamlife of Angels: This topped my list as my favourite film of 1999. A French film, "The Dreamlife of Angels" centers around the lives of two young girls as they struggle to find their place in the world. One will succeed and one will not. And the journey they take is emotional, funny, easy going, taught and dramatically touching all at once. The acting is very good, by both lead actresses, Elodie Bouchez and Natacha Reginer (who actually shared the Best Actress award at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival). I really love this movie for it's strong direction, subtle acting and believable script. I strongly believe that it is one of the best films of the year, and I urge you to seek this film out. Grade: B+
11. Fargo: I remember when this film was originally released, and I remember seeing it on the big screen after reading all of its stellar reviews. "Fargo" was storytelling on a morbidly grand scale. It combined an interesting story with strong characters, strong direction and some of the most stunning visuals of a snowbound atmosphere I've ever seen. "Fargo" is a film by Joel and Ethan Coen, and I find it to be one of their best. I also fell in love with Frances McDormand and William H. Macy, who both give very textured and emotionally moving performances as two people caught at opposite ends of the law, both dealing with their lives in unique and intriguing ways. Whenever I forget why I want to go into filmmaking, I revisit this film. Grade: B+
10. Jackie Brown Like "Fargo," Quentin Tarantino's 1997 film, "Jackie Brown" is a finely crafted character study that combined strong characters, strong direction and some stunning visuals in a unique and originally captivating story about life, love, death and the search for one's self in Southern California. But don't get me wrong, this film is violent and it is pure Tarantino. With wonderfully sinister and provocative performances by Sam Jackson Robert DeNero, Bridget Fonda, Michael Keaton, and a thoroughly wonderful chemistry between Pam Grier and Robert Forester, "Jackie Brown" presents us with the story of a woman trying hard to get her life back on track, no matter who she has to screw to save her soul, life and freedom. Grade: A-
9. Pulp Fiction: Quintessential Tarantino starts with 1994's "Pulp Fiction." Tarantino is really at the top of his game here, giving us some very interesting characters in a plot that, at first, seems to be all over the map, but in the end comes together in some very interesting ways. And how this movie has it all, from druggies to boxers and hitmen debating religion, foot massages and the benefits of eating pork, "Pulp Fiction" lays out an interesting story that just also happens to have some very interesting ideas to boot. Grade: A-
8. In The Heat of the Night: A film made thirty years ago that really pushed boundaries, stands up just as well today as it did those many years ago. Each time I watch it, I'm fascinated firstly by it's cutting edge look, feel and style, it's very in your face in terms of its camera movements and cuts, and secondly with its hip musical score and soundtrack that really moves its story along and helps emphasize its themes that deal with race relations in 1960s America. "In the Heat of the Night" is another wonderful movie that combines a story with interesting characters and a larger than life situation. This film really does prove that with a strong script and solid actors (like Sidney Poitier and Rod Stiger), you really can blow audiences away by giving them some powerhouse entertainment. Grade: A-
7. Amadeus: Having seen this film dozens of times in my lifetime, I have to admit this was the first drama I ever saw that really turned me onto the power of storytelling in filmmaking. "Amadeus" is based on a play by Peter Schaffer, and it deals with the rise and sudden fall of one of the greatest musicians of all time, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. I loved the look of this film, and I loved how Mozart's music added texture to the scenes and helped shape the pacing. And of course, the best part of this movie is Tom Hulce's finely textured performance of this man who put composition above all else, at the sake of his finances, his health and even his family. It's a great film to watch, one of my all time favourites. Grade: A
6. JFK: Oliver Stone's finest three hours presents us with all the complicated facts and theories regarding the assassination of American President John F. Kennedy. The film is uniquely interesting in how it presents its story in such a seamless, logical and interesting manner. A lot of time went into crafting this story, and Oliver Stone proves his perfect pennant for casting, with actors like Kevin Costner, Tommy Lee Jones, Gary Oldman, Sissy Spacek and John Candy all giving finely textured and emotionally believable performances. In some respects, watching "JFK" is like watching a great episode of "Law & Order," it's great, thought provoking entertainment that deserves to be seen. Grade: A
5. Leaving Las Vegas: Described by Robert McKee as a film that is essentially one without a plot, or rather, one with a nonplot. In short, "Leaving Las Vegas" can best be defined as a character study, one in which its believability rests solely on its lead actors, Nicolas Cage and Elizabeth Shue. I remember seeing this film back in 1996 and I can't believe that it's been more than five years since I first saw it. I loved every moment of this emotionally dark roller coaster about a man who has chosen to drink himself to death in the city of Vegas. It's visceral images and jazzy soundtrack add to its sorrow, contentment and lament, and I found myself feeling for these characters. To quote Cage's last line in the film, "Wow," would best describe my own reaction every time I see this film. Grade: A
4. North By Northwest The original action thriller that I believe would pave the way for movies like "Die Hard," that we take for granted today. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, "North By Northwest" is a fast paced visual treat for film goers. The plot is a wild case of mistaken identity (don't miss the first 10 minutes of this film or you'll be hopelessly lost), but its grounded through a strong story and real performances by stars Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint. It's a great film for anyone to see, high on thrills and wonder, low on swearing and violence. "North By Northwest" is another stellar example of why I love movies so much, and more importantly, of why I want to make them someday too! Grade: A+
3. Schindler's List: Right now in my room, I have two movie posters laminated and hung (before I used to have dozens, but do to the size of my room it's only two), and both of them are for films by Steven Spielberg. One is of "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," and the other is "Schindler's List," the first real war film I saw on the big screen, the first real war film that moved me to tears and a state of being an emotional wreak as I walked out of the theatre. Before seeing this film, I had no idea that you could be moved so deeply by a work of art. And considering "Schindler's List" is based on such a true and horrific story, it's amazing it ever got made. No other film has ever really covered the Holocaust in such a realistic manner, no film has ever really had such a remarkable ensemble cast with a strong vision brought to the screen by its director and everyone involved. "Schindler's List" is a film that deserves to be seen, not only for it's amazing cinematic achievements but for its story as well. Grade: A+
2. Vertigo: One of Alfred Hitchcock's best films of all time is also one of my personal favourites. "Vertigo" is a film that grows on you, a film that like fine wine, gets better with age. Each time I watch it I find myself immersed in a perfect world of character and story that engages me and leaves me in awe and wonder. Whether it's the representation of Jimmy Stewart's character's fear of heights, to the various shots of San Francisco from the point of view of an outsider, "Vertigo" is a wonderfully complex psychological thriller that is also a strangely enchanting love story. But best of all, the film is believable because of the actor's performances. On paper, like "North By Northwest," I could see how "Vertigo" could seem outlandish and unbelievable, but on screen, "Vertigo" is a stunning piece of filmmaking at its best. Grade: A+
1. Rear Window: If I was ever asked (and I never am) 'if you only had about two hours to live, what film would you watch if you could only watch one more film before you died?' the answer would be simple. I'd watch "Rear Window." Why? Because "Rear Window" was the first Alfred Hitchcock film I ever watched, it was my first exposure to the fact that good films were actually made before 1985. And it was my first exposure to Grace Kelly. WOW - what a woman! So attractive, smart, funny, what a character she plays here, with "Rear Window" I fell in love with the chemistry between Kelly and leading man James Stewart. Add an interesting murder mystery plot with spices of humour, believable characters and themes that question the levels of society's voyeuristic tenancies, and you've got a great movie. My favourite movie of all time. Grade: A+
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Member: Steven Lee
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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