Tell Me a Story
Aug 01 '00 (Updated Aug 13 '00)
Just 10 ? Having been a Film and TV major in college, I've seen a lot of movies - many I was forced to watch as an assignment. I think the real hard part is what to leave off, there are so many... A good film should move you, and tell a story visually.
These are not in order or rank of any kind.
Casablanca - A beautiful movie about fallible (but still beautiful) people. Although crude by today's standards, Casablanca is moving as both a love story and an allegory of isolationist America.
American Graffiti - Cool cars, cool music and a cool little town. A town not unlike many in rural America. Fantastic job of capturing the exact moment high school kids become adults - some stay, some go. A lot like real life.
The Waterdance - Helen Hunt is beautiful, Eric Stoltz is compelling. I saw this movie as a junior in college and it changed my life. I will never walk again without feeling blessed and lucky.
American Beauty - Arguably the perfect movie. Funny, touching and so real it makes people feel uncomfortable. If you grew up in the suburbs, this is a must see.
The Sixth Sense - I never saw this movie coming. I thought it would be a popcorn horror movie. Bruce Willis puts himself aside and becomes the character. Spooky and convincing performance by the kid. A wonderful plot twist that stands up to the scrutiny of hindsight. Like all good dramas, it is ultimately about people.
Schindler's List - The best movie I never want to see again. Ralph Finnes performance is pure genius, perfect portrayal of a sadistic and confused Nazi (is that redundant?)
Apocalypse Now - A drama or an action movie? - it's both. The journey Capt. Willard takes is not only up a war torn river, but through sanity itself. Also, Robert Duvall at his best.
Good Will Hunting - Matt Damon is gruff and sarcastic, yet funny and somehow vulnerable. Robin Williams' understated performance is key to his not being irritating and bringing the movie together. A great buddy film.
American History X - Eye opening, gritty and real. I never saw anyone "acting."
High Fidelity - A chick movie told from a guys point of view. Guess what? Men are selfish, not exactly ground breaking, but the way Cusack's character comes to his self awareness is right on target. I spent the whole movie saying "exactly" to myself. Music is not just a backdrop for the film, it's part of the film. Virtually perfect. Maybe more a Drama/comedy.
Honorable Mention:
Mrs. Miniver - Greer Garson is wonderful
Cool Hand Luke
Do the Right Thing - did they do the right thing?
Themla & Louise - reality check
Goodfellas - wonderfully photographed and written
Usual Suspects
The Green Mile
Memories of Underdevelopment (Cuba) - gripping and heartbreaking
Streetcar Named Desire
Rocky - often forgotten, but still a great movie
Born on the 4th of July
THX-1138
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Epinions.com ID:
BrianCam
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Member: Brian Moody
Location: S. CALIFORNIA
Reviews written: 117
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