As I have progressed on my cinematic journey, I am always looking to broaden my horizons.
Today I am looking to you all, my blog readers to help me on this mission.
Think of some of your favorite films and post what it is you like about them in the comments field. If I have not seen the film, I will make an effort to watch it and post my reaction to the film here on my blog.
The result of your contribution is being a part of a new series on my blog that I will call Readers’ Recs.
I look forward to your contributions.
My favorite film is LA Confidential. It is just incredibly well-written, shot and performed. You couldn’t tell if this movie was made in the 60’s, the 70’s or in 1996, it’s that good. Additionally, in an era when most movies feel satisfied developing only one or two characters, you have nearly a dozen fully developed characters in LA Confidential, each just as mesmerizing as the next. Finally, the cast shines with great actors like Guy Pearce, Russell Crowe, Kevin Spacey, Danny DeVito, David Statham and James Cromwell really pulling out all the stops.
I have to agree; this was a great film. One sometimes forgets what a powerhouse cast they had – I almost forgot Russell Crowe was in it! (HOW could I forget THAT?)
Cool piece of trivia – a pre-Mentalist Simon Baker had one of his earlier (if not his film debut) as the tragic Matt Reynolds. One more item of note regarding Guy Pearce. I feel that he is highly under-appreciated. A fantastic actor in my opinion. I do not know much about him personally (how could I) but he may just be very selective about the roles he takes on. His CV would suggest this.
I can never pick a favourite movie, but one which constantly comes to my mind – that not enough people know about – is a beautifully poetic film called “Hadaka no Shima” (the naked island). It’s a nearly wordless, borderline arthouse film that really effects me emotionally. It’s about living to work and working to live, and the futility of existence – so not to be watched if you are looking for a pick-me-up.
Other recommendations, Fritz Lang’s M, Idi i smotri, Les Diaboliques (Hitchockian drama from Clouzot) and anything by Kusturica (such as the awesomely fun Black Cat White Cat).
If you are looking for some more recommendations, and at the risk of looking like a shameless self-promoter, I have made a list here : http://wp.me/pZwOu-aD that might highlight a few more recommendations for you. Good luck in your quest!
Thanks – I really like M – it is so spooky; kinda creeps me out even after repeat viewings.
I will add to my list:
Idi i smotri
Les Diaboliques (was at one time in my DVR queue but never got to it)
Black Cat White Cat
I may save “Hadaka no Shima” for later 🙂
Haha 🙂 If you are worried about Hadaka No Shima being too melancholy, you might want to avoid idi i smotri for a while too – thats a pretty harrowing film! What can I say, I like wallowing in misery 😉
If you don’t mind subtitles, I’d like to recommend the 2002 Danish film, “Wilbur Wants To Kill Himself.” This falls into the don’t let the title fool you category. I liked this film so much I ended up purchasing it. It goes places you don’t expect and is a nice satisfying little film.
Thanks for the rec! Will add to my list.