Home > Blogs > The Lounge Lizards > Archives > 2007 > October > 12 > Entry
12 of my favorite films … what are yours?
Bar talk is a quick look at random headlines, Web sites and anything else that’s caught our eye that could be potential fodder for talk at the bar (or anywhere really) when you’re looking to make conversation …
I love Netflix. I mean it, I love Netflix. Not only can you find the blockbusters, but you can find some of the movies that didn’t find much of an audience … if any. Here are some of my favorite films I’ve rented in the past year that fall into the off the beaten path category that I continue to remember fondly …
Half Nelson: Ryan Gosling is one of the young, great up and comers. We’re going to hear more from him for sure.
Infamous: I loved this film. It’s such a shame it came on the heels of Capote and all of that film’s (deserved) Oscar hoopla. I think this version was actually just a little bit better.
This Film is Not Yet Rated: Documentary that investigates the process by which the MPAA rates movies. Really fascinating.
District B13: I had no idea that France actually made action films and I never would have guessed they’d be this good. If you liked Children of Men you’ll probably like this.
The Proposition: Great story, great acting, great photography. This is the best western that’s been done in the last ten years.
Munich: Steven Speilberg is a genius. An incredible film that saw virtually no box office.
In the Realms of the Unreal: Perhaps my favorite documentary ever. Here’s a description of the film: “By day, Henry Darger was a reclusive janitor who had few - if any - friends. But at night, he became a literary artist with a unique vision. Darger’s 15,000-page novel is a wonderland of imagination as it details the exploits of seven angelic sisters who lead a rebellion against child-enslaving men. Featuring the voices of Dakota Fanning and Larry Pine and the work of talented animators, this film tells the story of Darger’s hidden world.” This is just such a strange story and the fact that it’s true is fascinating.
The Squid and the Whale: Funny and moving, honest and sad, this film continues to find it’s way into my thoughts.
Junebug: Amy Adams is simply amazing in this film that swirls around without direction, but still somehow works.
Kung Fu Hustle: I love Roger Ebert’s description of this film: “It’s like Jackie Chan and Buster Keaton meet Quentin Tarantino and Bugs Bunny.” He’s right about that.
Chuck Close: A Portrait in Progress: Documentary on painter Chuck Close who I am endlessly fascinated by. His story is amazing - it involves a heath condition resulting in paralysis and what happens with his art after that.
The Science of Sleep: I love Michel Gondry - he’s such an amazing filmmaker. This is probably my favorite of his films although it’s a close call with “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”
Lastly, in honor of Halloween I would say rent director Tod Browning’s 1932 film Freaks if you can. He cast famous circus sideshow “freaks” at the time for this movie that takes a wicked dark turn. I loved this movie and I loved the special features — especially the feature on the history, cast and making of the film. Watching it made the movie even better.
So, what are your favorite films - blockbusters, art house or otherwise? Anyone excited by the films opening up this weekend - (“Michael Clayton;” “Elizabeth: The Golden Age;” “We Own the Night;” “The Final Season;” “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married?”)?
Parting thought: I recently saw “In the Shadow of the Moon” at the Neon and loved it.
See you at the movies!
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Movies
Comments
By rollie
October 16, 2007 7:20 AM | Link to this
yep, those are all good. never have seen “freaks,” tho it’s legendary, natch… got it in the queue from netflix someplace… agreed on gondry, haven’t seen “sleep” yet… i had not even HEARD of the documentary about the janitor/writer… will have to check that one out. best thing about “the proposition” is that it’s set in Australia! beware on that one, dear viewers: it’s extraordinary violent. extraordinarily. violent. agreed with you on all those others. great flicks, each.