Monday, June 8, 2009

Guest Columnist: Gianna's Top 100 Movies Every Film Buff Should See, Pt 7

Hope you are all getting some good rental ideas from this - I know I am (except for those pesky anime choices. Uck!) I'm at 7 for 10 again... I seem to have plateaued!

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Millions (2004, Dir: Danny Boyle, Wr: Frank Cottrell Boyce)-Danny Boyle is fast becoming one of my new favorite directors, mainly because he displays such a range in the subjects he chooses. Concerning a little boy obsessed with saints, who literally has a bag of money dropped in his lap, is sweet and charming. One would never guess that it was from the same director who brought us Trainspotting and 28 Days Later (Both awesome flicks as well)

Much Ado About Nothing (1993, Dir: Kenneth Branaugh, Wr: Kenneth Branaugh)-Yes, there are countless Shakespeare films out there, all well done, but there’s something so enjoyable and exuberant about this particular film. From beginning to end, it’s pure joy.

My Dinner With Andre (1981, Dir: Louis Malle, Wr: Andre Gregory & Wallace Shawn)-Who would have thought that filming a dinner conversation between two friends would be so captivating. Of course when the friends are Wallace Shawn and Andre Gregory and the dinner topics consist of experimental theater and the meaning of life, you’re bound to be mesmerized.

My Man Godfrey (1936, Dir: Gregory La Cava, Wr: Morrie Ryskind)-A lovely romantic comedy, featuring yet another forgotten actress Carole Lombard. Lombard was a fantastic comedienne and Godfrey is one of her best films. Had she lived to make more films, she’d probably be better remembered.

My Neighbor Tortoro (1988, Dir: Hayao Miyazaki, Wr: Hayao Miyazaki)-This charming little film from the Japan’s Master Animator Hayao Miyazaki is so sweet and touching. Recently moved to a new home and dealing with their mother’s ailing health, two young girls find totoros who help them cope with life. Yet another unusual story choice for an animated flim, it is a glorious little film.

Naked (1993, Dir: Mike Leigh, Wr: Mike Leigh)-Mike Leigh’s dark a disturbing tale about a drifter who is able to charm his way into almost anything. Leigh’s process of improvising the scenes with the actors creates startling realism.

Near Dark (1987, Dir: Kathryn Bigelow, Wr: Kathryn Bigelow & Erik Red)-Quite simply, one of the best vampire flicks ever.

One, Two, Three (1961, Dir: Billy Wilder, Wr: I.A.L. Diamond & Billy Wilder)-Cagney’s second to last film (his last was Ragtime-but we won’t go there), a hysterical film that displays how wonderful a comic actor Cagney was. Interesting side-note that this film achieved Rocky Horror cult-like status in Germany.

Overnight (2003, Dir: Tony Montana & Brian Mark Smith)-Every aspiring filmmaker should watch this film as a cautionary tale of how to 86 your career before you even start.

Patch of Blue (1965, Dir: Guy Green, Wr: Guy Green)-Elizabeth Hartman stars as an abused young women, who lost her sight in early childhood. She is befriended by Sydney Poitier who shows her that she is not as trapped as she may think. Obviously given the time it was shot, they really couldn’t go much futher than friendship with this couple. However, a romance would have ruined what it a lovely story of friendship and understanding of two people.

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