And with that...
20. The Usual Suspects (dir. Bryan Singer):
This is a more recent addition to the list as I only saw it for the first time this past summer. Aside from a great performance by Kevin Spacey, the heart of The Usual Suspects lies within its magnificent script. Writer Christopher McQuarrie weaves together one of the most deceptively complex plots I have ever seen. The mystery within the story is only one of the many puzzles that must be solved for this to be a truly enjoyable experience.
19. Finding Nemo (dir. Andrew Stanton & Lee Unkrich):
For me this is still Pixar's most complete and heartwarming story they have ever produced. The visual splendor of the film is exquisite and rivals even the most advanced technology of 2014. It has memorable performances, a great story, and it always makes me laugh. I don't think I'll ever be as creative or talented as the crew of Finding Nemo, but that is precisely why the film is on this list: they make me want to try harder every time I see the film.
18. Magnolia (dir. Paul Thomas Anderson):
Like The Usual Suspects, Paul Thomas Anderson's masterpiece from 1999, is only a recent addition. I was shown an excerpt from it in my film class back in January of 2013 and only saw it this past summer on the way home from vacation. Anderson has always, and will continue to be, one of the most magnificent and detailed writers Hollywood has ever (and will) see. This is a brutal film to watch because of its heartbreaking, self-destructive characters that feel so humanly troubled. Magnolia deserves multiple viewings because of its labyrinthian plotting, but it is a rewarding experience at the end. To this day, Frank T.J. Mackey is Tom Cruises' finest performance that should've won him the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
17. Oldboy (dir. Park Chan-wook):
Cringe-inducing. Painful. Sadistic. Tragic. These are only a few words to describe the horrific masterpiece from South Korean visionary, Park Chan-wook. Its hard to talk about this film because only a few minor words could give away the legendary ending that still has me in fear after every viewing. Its a beautifully shot film with twists around every corner. If you can, watch it in full alongside the rest of Chan-wook's Vengeance Trilogy.
16. The Evil Dead (dir. Sam Raimi):
Raimi has had the pleasure of being the father of one of the greatest trilogies in film history, as well as the man who brought Spider-Man to life on screen in 2002. The Evil Dead is a gooey good time, filled with laughs and scares that will stay with you forever. As funny as this film is, it is bats**t scary as well. This is one of those landmark films that set the tone for horror films to come. If you've seen The Cabin In The Woods but not The Evil Dead, you don't understand the references. See The Evil Dead, The Evil Dead 2, Army of Darkness, and Fede Alvarez's honorable remake, Evil Dead (2013).
15. Requiem For A Dream (dir. Darren Aronofsky):
Even though I say that Neil Marshall's The Descent is the scariest movie of all time, Darren Aronofsky's Requiem For A Dream is terrifying for other reasons. Not any movie in history has taken audiences deeper into the depravity and tragedy that is drug addiction. This is an unflinching look at the lives of interconnected characters as they battle with drug use in their everyday lives. The film showcases a groundbreaking editing technique known as hip-hop montage amongst an array of other technical and performance related achievements. The score by Clint Mansell also deserved Oscar recognition. The climax of the film is one of them most intense, disturbing, and painful endings I've ever seen. It's truly an "experience" to watch the film. Have in mind a joyful movie to watch immediately afterwards.
14. Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (dir. F.W. Murnau):
Even though it was released in 1922, Murnau's take on Bram Stoker's Dracula is still more terrifying than 90% of horror films released today. This is the apex of the silent film era for me. True evil and vampirism are on display with Max Schreck's chilling performance of the legendary bloodsucker. Hauntingly beautiful, this is the purest form of cinema on display. Nosferatu should make you nostalgic for the time before sound.
13. Dark City (dir. Alex Proyas):
I was disappointed to discover a while back that Proyas' adaptation of John Milton's magnum opus, Paradise Lost, was no longer in production. If you see Dark City, you'll know why. Proyas is a visionary when it comes to world building and the detailed construction of visuals. Dark City is a vehicle for noir and gothic architecture that practically breathes a life of its own. You can feel the streets of this futuristic city that have been overrun by an enigmatic group of people known only as "The Strangers." The script was written by Proyas, David S. Goyer, and Lem Dobbs. It's one of the films that became an inspiration for Christopher Nolan's Inception. Only this is far superior. This is the height of neo-noir in the modern age.
12. Fargo (dirs. Joel Coen & Ethan Coen):
The Coen brothers are witty, brilliant, dark, and laugh-out-loud hilarious. They have a style that is singularly theirs and remain untouched to this day. Fargo is their 1996 masterpiece that rightfully won them an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress for Francis McDormand. The set up for Fargo is simple, but the excellent script allows the Coen's to explore the dark sides of humanity when it comes to greed and desire. Although it is a comedy, this is a dark film that explores the atrocities of human action.
11. The Fall (dir. Tarsem Singh):
Simply stunning. That basically covers it for Tarsem Singh's The Fall. The pure visual grandeur of this film is on display throughout its running time. With a wholly original script, gorgeous set design, and breathtaking costumes, The Fall astounds on every level. I'm shocked this was never nominated for an Oscar in any of the design categories. Singh utilizes about every visual technique in the book perfectly to emphasize the message of his film: live to dream.
10. Kill Bill Vols. 1&2 (dir. Quentin Tarantino):
Some say that Tarantino is the master of visual, and sometimes, written plagiarism. But because of his brilliance, I can forgive such offenses. I saw the two Kill Bill films when I was a young teenager (probably too young) and they absolutely blew me away. I was sucked into Tarantino's rapid paced, catchy, and memorable dialogue; the sassy performance from Uma Thurman, and above all, the wacky and jaw-dropping action sequences. Tarantino is a master of his craft, creating everything from the writing to the spectacular battle sequences. One of the great things about film is that filmmakers are able to pull inspiration from other films, and Tarantino does just that. In my mind, it isn't that he's plagiarizing, more so, he's improving upon what has already been created.
09. American Beauty (dir. Sam Mendes):
American Beauty is an American classic. In 50 years, this will still hold a position on the lists of the greatest films of all time. Why? Because Alan Ball's script is so finely tuned to contemporary society, their worries, failures, and successes, that it is the most poignant case study of middle America ever on film. This is Kevin Spacey's greatest role (winning him a second Oscar) as everyman Lester Burnham, as he narrates the final year of his life and all its ups and downs to the audience. The film functions not only as a careful examination of human behavior, but also how the daily functions of life work on a microscopic scale. We see how interaction influences behavior, and how behavior engenders consequences: good and bad. This is a perfect blend of melodrama, thrills, and comedy.
08. Moulin Rouge (dir. Baz Luhrmann):
Baz Luhrmann has always been a hit and miss director for me. But with Moulin Rouge!, he created one of the most beautiful and heartfelt films of the 21st century. For once, his overindulgence of all things shiny and grand paid off in this flick that explores 1900 Paris and the quest to live to the fullest. Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor have pitch-perfect chemistry as the lovers Satine and Christiane: two romantic individuals who fall for each other at first sight. With a perfect mix of music, romance, and melodrama, Moulin Rouge! never fails to astound with its glorious production design and honest characters. This film truly embodies everything that is beautifully tragic in life and love.
07. Scream (dir. Wes Craven):
Simple, smart, funny, and thrilling. Scream is a serious horror flick that challenges and critiques about every cliché in horror films. Kevin Williamson basically reinvigorated the slasher genre with this 1996 film in which a group of teenagers (who look to be 20-somethings, but are actually High Schoolers) are killed off one-by-one by an elusive, masked killer. The original aspect of Scream that makes it such a great film is that it uses cliché to its advantage. Each character represents a convention seen in other horror films, complains about said flaw, and then actually behaves exactly like that character when they come into contact with Ghost Face. This is a clever feature that actually keeps you guessing until the last moment, and even into 3 more successful films.
06. The Descent (dir. Neil Marshall):
The scariest movie of all time. With this film, Neil Marshall became a member of the Splat Pack: a group of filmmakers who make over-the-top gory and violent horror films. But it isn't the blood and guts that makes The Descent such a frightening experience. It's that Marshall sets the film up with the worst situation imaginable, and then makes everything exponentially worse throughout. There is not one moment in this film where you will feel safe. Jump scares are used sparingly in favor of true psychological horror that makes you question trust, friendship, and sanity. If there is one main character in this film, it's claustrophobia.
05. Sunset Blvd. (dir. Billy Wilder):
The pinnacle of film noir. The greatest performance by an actress on screen. There are numerous reasons as to why Wilder's classic Sunset Blvd. is amongst one of my most inspiring films. For there to be a good movie, there has to be a good script. And Wilder delivered in that department. With memorable characters, quotable dialogue, and a setting that is near to every Southern Californian's heart, Sunset Blvd. is a majestic piece of cinema that reminds of why we fell in love with movies. It's a wickedly funny film with a devious dark side that will have you rooting for the films heart: a narcissistic but mischievously entertaining hasbin.
04. Pan's Labyrinth (dir. Guillermo del Toro):
When you say you're a screenwriter, the question, "well, what's the script that most inspires you?" is bound to come up. I always credit Guillermo del Toro's magical 2006 film, Pan's Labyrinth, as the script and film that made me want to become a screenwriter. I read it when I was in eighth grade and had that sort of epiphany of "I can do this." del Toro creates a wondrous world, that for me, rivals some of the greatest fantasy writers of all time. It is a fluid script that moves at a wondrous pace, with some of the best character arc's I've ever read, and some of the most horrifying and gorgeous creatures ever written. The film itself is also a lavish experience that is a treat to viewers with its decadent cinematography, impressive set design, fine direction, and lovely performances.
03. The Crow (dir. Alex Proyas):
Alex Proyas has the honor of holding two spots on this list. The first is with his neo-noir film Dark City. With The Crow, Proyas and crew once again create one of the most memorable characters and set designs in the history of cinema. Brandon Lee stars as Eric Draven, a man brought back to life by a magical crow that allows him to seek revenge for the murder of himself and his girlfriend. Although the plot is simple, it is Proyas' mise-en-scene that makes this film great. The sets emphasize the bleakness of the story and the characters situations, the score by Graeme Revell is haunting, and the cinematography by the always immaculate Dariusz Wolski is well, perfect. This is an atmospheric film that, although simple, is richly textured with its splendid production design.
Tim Burton did not direct this film. He mine as well have because The Nightmare Before Christmas is truly his baby and finest work. I oddly did not grow up watching the film, and only saw it for the first time as a teenager. Since then, I've seen it twenty+ odd times, and to this very day, love it all the same. I'm a sucker for gothic and playful set design, and TNBC delivers. With soaring music, great voice acting, and the most memorable Christmas/Halloween story, Burton's brain child is a resoundingly fresh and exciting picture amidst a handful of lethargic and boring animated features from the 90's (and 2000's). The Nightmare Before Christmas always reminds me of the power of storytelling and the adventures it can take you on.
01. In Bruges (dir. Martin McDonagh):
You can say that Martin McDonagh's Oscar-nominted film is my all-time favorite movie. It has an energetic script, first-class set design, award-winning performances, and dark humor. Sit back and watch a master at work because McDonagh's full-length freshman effort is a sight to be seen.
"Through the masterful use of narrative construction, detailed mise-en-scene, and gorgeous cinematography, writer and director Martin McDonagh takes the viewer on a journey to the realization of sin in a rather beautifully sinister setting."
Taken from the pages of my essay "Sinister Beauty," I explain how McDonagh has created such a delightfully malicious film that we have to enjoy the heartlessness of some characters, while treasuring the honesty of others. In Bruges is such a fresh, inviting, and hilarious film that I'm always perplexed when somebody tells me they have either never seen it or have found it immensely detestable. We all have our individual opinions, but I assure you, if this is the future of comedy and filmmaking, then cinema and laughter are looking bright.
What are some of your favorite/inspiring films?
...here's to inspiration.
You know what's hilarious? I've only seen Finding Nemo from this list. But now I can refer to this list whenever I feel like watching a good movie! :P
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you've never seen The Nightmare Before Christmas! I recommend you see that and Pan's Labyrinth. Those are the two I think you'd like the most :)
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