Being a cinephile, you'd think that the subject of this entry would be an easy task for me to undertake. That couldn't be further from the truth. I love so many movies, it's insane.
The problem in picking your favorite movies for a top ten list is criteria. Are you basing it on story? Acting? Artistic merit? Entertainment value? It's contribution to film history? You could go crazy trying to narrow down your favorites using all of these as a system of grading and, more than likely, would probably end up with a list you're not happy with.
So, I've decided I would make my top ten list of my favorite movies and justify my decisions based on whatever particular characteristic(s) stands out for each film. Let us begin...
#10
A Hard Day's Night
Reason: Entertainment value, technical contribution
I'm going to go ahead and say it: The Beatles are the best rock band ever. Bar none. You can argue with me until you're every shade of color imaginable, but you're not going to change my mind. They are also probably the most entertaining musicians to have ever transitioned to the big screen. Ever since I got into The Beatles I've had a man-crush on them, and this film solidified it. They're so witty, so charming, and so talented. It's one of the biggest reasons my interest in music became rekindled. I want to be just like them.
I'd be remiss if I didn't explain how influential this film was, stylistically speaking. The musical sequences are shot in a style that predicted the aesthetic of MTV music videos. So the David Finchers and Spike Jonzes of the world owe director Richard Lester something.
#9
Apocalypse Now
Reason: Story/Themes, Acting
Let me stress that the version of Apocalypse Now I'm referring to is the original release, not the Redux version. The latter is a bloated, meandering mess of a director's cut that should be avoided if you want to enjoy the film.
That out of the way, this film has some great writing. Based on Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, Apocalypse Now follows a seasoned captain who's assigned to kill an insane colonel gone rogue. While this description suggests that the film is a by-the-numbers actioner, it's far more complicated than that. As we follow Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) on his mission, we delve further into man's dark, animalistic side. Once Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando) arrives on the scene, we're left questioning whether this insane man is merely in touch with man's true nature.
The acting is the best I've ever seen from Sheen and Brando. Honorable mention goes to Robert Duvall, who delivers the film's most iconic line as well as giving a performance that I can't quite decide is intentionally funny. It doesn't hurt that the script is written by John Milius and Francis Ford Coppola, two screenwriters who are well-known for their exceptional dialogue and characterization.
Bottom line... if you want to watch a film with a great script and great actors, this should be at the top of your Netflix queue.
#8
Almost Famous
Reason: Soundtrack, Script, Acting
Anyone who knows me well can probably recall at some point me losing my cinematic virginity to Almost Famous. I'm dead serious when I make that claim. So much of my personality originates from watching this film. My love of classic rock, my interest in hippie culture, my desire to become a screenwriter... I could go on, but you get the idea.
"So what's so great about the film?" you ask.
I will tell you the one thing that makes this film one of the best in the decade, and that's the actors. To start, you have (at the time) newcomer Patrick Fugit in the lead character of William Miller, who you can't help but root for in his pursuit of credibility as a writer. Next is poster-girl, Kate Hudson, who steals every scene she's in as the captivating rock disciple, Penny Lane. Playing her love interest and the "guitarist with mystique", Russell Hammond, is Billy Crudup. Rounding out the great cast is Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jason Lee, who play William's mentor and Russell's band mate, respectively.
For the first two years I watched this, I couldn't help but re-watch scenes numerous times after viewing the film. The characters are so likable and their lines are so memorable. Among my favorite scenes are William and Penny's exchange regarding their "true" ages, the sing-along to Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" aboard the tour bus, and the ending montage showing each main character's fate.
But I can't end here without mentioning the music. I recall a reviewer stating that this soundtrack was "better than sex". Being a virgin I can't really vouch for that, but I have a feeling it's pretty darn close to being true. Some of the greatest rockers from the 70's can be found here: Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, The Who, and many others. Do yourself a favor and buy the soundtrack.
So if you're looking for a fun film with a great soundtrack to escape to for an hour a half, Almost Famous is most definitely the way to go.
#7
The Empire Strikes Back
Reason: Story/Script, Technical Contributions
The Empire Strikes Back is the sequel that all sequels aspire to be. It has great drama, riveting action, and an artistic direction that far surpasses its predecessor.
I don't know how he did it, but the recently-deceased Irvin Kershner managed to pull every ounce of talent from the cast and crew when he directed this picture. Empire has the best acting, dialogue, and action of all six Star Wars films. But let's break down what it is about each of these things that make it the best in the series.
Let's focus on the acting and dialogue, first off. As anyone knows, Star Wars fan or not, the series is not known particularly for its great dialogue or performances. Whatever credit the films do get usually goes to Harrison Ford, who's brilliant in his three films. But Empire is different, you see. The script is more down-to-earth, less clunky in execution. This, in turn, allows the actors to put out more genuine performances and not worry about venturing into melodramatic territory. Which leads into my next point.
What makes the action so great in The Empire Strikes Back is not the special effects (although they are quite impressive), but the sense of jeopardy the characters are in. This film is very ambiguous in regards to who may live and who may die. The Rebellion barely escapes their base. Han Solo is betrayed by one of his friends, tortured and later left to an unknown fate. Luke is broken and battered, both physically and emotionally, by his worst enemy. Needless to say, Empire rose the stakes quite a bit from Star Wars.
Chances are if you've ever seen a movie in your life, you've seen the Star Wars Trilogy. If you haven't, you've done yourself a great disservice. Go rent it, watch it, and join the human race.
#6
Edward Scissorhands
Reason: Score, Production design, Casting... (I could go on forever)
THIS MOVIE IS NOT EMO.
There... now that I got that out of my system, onto the task at hand. Edward Scissorhands is by far Tim Burton's best (and probably one of his most personal) films that he's put out in his career. This film guaranteed my interest in Burton as a director, Johnny Depp as an actor, and Winona Ryder as a beauty to worship. Nothing, save for perhaps Ed Wood, can touch it in its brilliance.
Johnny Depp, as the title role, really allows us to empathize and does it so effectively without speaking or whining for 90 minutes. In fact, he barely has any dialogue in the film. Everything from the first time he sees Kim (Winona Ryder), to the memory of his father (Vincent Price) dying, to his finally having to say goodbye, is emoted wonderfully and heightened by Danny Elfman's score.
And speaking of Danny Elfman, this is without a doubt his best film score. I heard the score before I even watched this film and it almost moved me to tears. The fact that he can capture the film's emotions with something as simple as a sigh from the choir says something of his artistic ability.
Another element adding to the tone of the film is Bo Welch's eccentric production design. The angular shapes that allow for creative use of shadows was almost definitely borrowed from Robert Wiene's The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, and effectively so. Stan Winston's design of Edward is also worthy of mention, managing to balance monstrous with beautiful in a way few can do.
Edward Scissorhands is a beautifully crafted film. It rose the bar high for Tim Burton (as well as Danny Elfman) and, unfortunately, he hasn't been able to quite reach the same heights again. But I'm still holding out for it.
#5
The Shining
Reason: Photography, Acting, Atmosphere, Score
The Shining is one of those movies that I won't watch more than once per year. Why? Because I like the idea of a movie disturbing me and I hate the idea of becoming desensitized to it over too many viewings. This movie, along with Alien, Black Christmas, Suspiria, and The Thing, are among the few that actually really give me the creeps.
Stanley Kubrick honestly should have made another horror film, because he made this one masterfully. Can you imagine what it would be like if they hired him to do a Friday the 13th or A Nightmare On Elm Street film? It would be like the greatest slasher ever made! But, alas, we have this one great gem to view.
This film oozes atmosphere. Wendy Carlos' synthesized score, combined with John Alcott's strangely-centered photography, really makes the film what it is. Kubrick definitely knew how to push his crew to perfection.
And speaking of which, this film is legendary for torturing the actors with numerous takes (some reportedly into the triple digit range) just to get the right performances out of the actors. Kubrick managed to get Scatman Crothers to break down into tears he was so demanding. However many takes he did, be it 10 or 110, the acting works. Jack Nicholson's metamorphosis from a guilt-filled alcoholic to crazed caretaker is done gradually and to great effect. Shelley Duvall, who I normally don't care for as an actress, is pushed to her absolute limits as the fragile Wendy Torrence. And Danny Lloyd, who plays Danny, is one of the few child actors that doesn't make me throw up out of exasperation. He plays a little boy, but never goes into "you got it, Dude" territory.
So if you're ever bored on a winter night, turn off the lights and pop in The Shining. I think you'll enjoy it.
#4
Bram Stoker's Dracula
Reason: Special Effects, Score, Costume Design, Casting
My curiosity into this film stretches way back to age six, about five years before finally even getting to see it, albeit edited, on TBS on a Saturday night. I can remember seeing the previews and thinking it looked awesome and I really wanted to see it. But my mom, rightfully so, told me I was too young. Fast forward several years and a couple of secret rentals later, and I'm still in love with it. This, along with Apocalypse Now, is Francis Ford Coppola's most interesting and experimental film in his career.
With regard to his experimentation, Coppola decided to rely on "naive" special effects as opposed to using the then up-and-coming CGI. He used old techniques going as far back as to the genesis of spectacle film making. This is one of the elements of the film that make it stand out among other vampire movies made in the last 20-30 years. Lots of use of forced perspective, shadow-play, and filming actors in reverse are to be found here, and it looks as great as it did in 1992.
Complimenting the special effects are the art direction and costume design, with Eiko Ishioka providing her talents on the latter. Everything from the Count's kabuki-like attire, to the design of the castle interior is done with such reverence to the art and cinema of old.
But what are the costumes and sets without the actors? Admittedly some of the casting here is questionable (Keanu Reeves as a Briton?) but Gary Oldman is perfect as Dracula, burying himself in the make-up and the part. If Christopher Lee is my favorite person to play the Count, Oldman comes in a pretty close second. Starring opposite of him is Winona Ryder as Mina, a woman torn between her loyalty to her fiance and the memories of a past life. The chemistry here is undeniable, even if it wasn't shared behind the scenes (Oldman, allegedly, gave her the creeps).
Last, but certainly not least, is the rich score provided by Polish composer, Wojciech Kilar. How this score didn't get nominated for an Oscar is beyond me, because it's absolutely beautiful. Kilar makes the transition from brooding and foreboding, to romantic and tragic look like a cake walk.
If you feel that vampire films have gone down the wrong path, as I do, then Bram Stoker's Dracula is a good trip down memory lane. Heck, even if you think it's going down the right path I would still recommend the film. If for nothing else, watch it for the music and rich production values.
#3
Alien
Reason: Acting, Atmosphere, Art direction
The Alien franchise has had its ups and downs over the years. The unfortunate thing is that down seems to be the place the series prefers to stay. None of the sequels have managed to top the original in atmosphere and overall creepiness.
The film features actors known mostly for supporting roles, which allows for more real acting. These characters seem like real people as a result. You never find a scene where a character is shoehorned in because of an actor's demands. Director Ridley Scott has frequently referred to the characters as being "truckers in space", which I feel is an accurate description. They dress casually, they curse, they argue over wages, and they tell dirty jokes. Everyone projects a blue collar feel and really allows you to relate to them.
The atmosphere is cold and mysterious, a sort of psycho-sexual version of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Space is something to be feared and the unknown is to be feared even greater. Swiss surrealist H.R. Giger designed much of the film's most iconic images, which are a blend of biomechanical and subtly (sometimes blatantly) sexual. Since the film's release, many have tried to imitate Giger's art style, but no one has yet to trump him.
Alien is one of the great SF/Horror films out there. As depressing as it is to see the series going downhill, it's nice to have this movie to look back on. With Ridley Scott returning to direct a prequel, hopefully the franchise will reach the heights it had in the 70s and 80s.
#2
Akira
Reason: Storyline, Animation, Score
Akira was (and still is) a huge contribution to my interest in film making. If I had never seen it, I most likely would never have seen Blade Runner, which means I would probably never look into David Lynch, Stanley Kubrick, and many others. The film caused a huge splash in my life, to which I'm eternally grateful.
The film concerns a biker gang, led by wise-guy Kaneda, who begins the film with a race through the streets of Neo Tokyo, fighting off the rival biker gang called The Clowns. During the fight, his childhood friend, Tetsuo, ends up in an accident and is taken away by the military. When he manages to escape the military hospital, there's been a significant change in him. Latent mental abilities emerge at a frightening rate, leading Tetsuo to lash out at everyone around him.
That's just to whet your appetite. The film is not nearly as straight forward as the description may suggest, which is what makes it for such compelling viewing. The audience is posed with many philosophical questions regarding government, rebellion, and metaphysics. If you can't tell by now, Akira requires multiple viewings if you want to appreciate the film in its entirety.
Many people reading this will immediately be turned off that it is an animated feature from Japan, but you would be denying yourself a great movie experience in doing that. Unlike a great number of other anime, Akira is drawn in a more realistic style than some of its Japanese brethren. The visuals are absolutely stunning. If you aren't sold on the film when you see Neo Tokyo for the first time, then go back to SpongeBob. He'll be waiting with the other horrible cartoons America has been putting out lately.
Akira is not only a great animated film, it's a great film, period. The story and visuals draw you in and leave you wanting the movie to go on for another 90 minutes. If you're looking to ease yourself into viewing Japanese animation and cinema, I would recommend using this as a starting point. You won't regret it.
#1
Blade Runner
Reason: Art direction, Special effects, Script, Acting, Score
Blade Runner is by far the best in its genre. No other film dealing with genetic engineering or robotics has been able to touch its level of artistry and depth. And unlike many other science fiction films, this one seems more relevant now than it did in 1982. World pollution, corporate take overs, multi-ethnic assimilation, endangered animals... these are pretty big topics in today's news and they're all found in Blade Runner.
The film centers on Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a retired Blade Runner (which is like a bounty hunter of biorobotic replicants) who is brought back for one last job. As he comes into contact with his prey, he realizes just how human they are and how monstrous he's become. It's a great film about man discovering his identity and it has a great twist at the end.
Syd Mead, with some contributions by director Ridley Scott, crafted some of the most amazingly beautiful landscapes and technology to ever grace the silver screen, such as the Tyrell pyramid and the Police Spinners. Tying in with the art direction are the special effects by Douglas Trumbull, who also did work on 2001: A Space Odyssey and Star Trek: The Motion Picture. For being a film that's over 20 years old, neither the art or the effects have dated much.
Like Scott's previous film, Alien, the cast (with the exception of Harrison Ford) is filled with actors known more for doing supporting roles. Ford's cynical, brooding, portrayal of Deckard is a stark contrast from many of his other roles, which makes his transformation throughout the film that much more satisfying. Dutch actor Rutger Hauer plays the charming, but wily antagonist, Roy Batty. Like Deckard, Roy has an interesting transformation at the end, punctuated by a beautiful monologue improvised by the actor. I could go over every actor and character in the film, but that would take forever. Suffice it to say that each actor brings something great to the table.
Vangelis, having won an Academy Award for his score on Chariots of Fire a year before, wows you with his beautiful electronic music. The pieces used in the opening and ending credits are probably my favorite, as they really set the tone of the film. The movie itself is tech-noir, and Vangelis adds to the atmosphere of smoke and shadows with an occasional saxophone coming in now and then. It's also down right spooky at times, with strange singing and the use of chimes to highlight the mysterious portions of the film.
Blade Runner was a film truly ahead of its time. It took 10 years for the cinema elite to learn that, and thankfully they've learned to embrace it. It was bold and edgy, violent and romantic, thoughtful and entertaining. It captured my imagination and continues to inspire me as a screenwriter.
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