My Top 20 Movies of All time
Alright, so I guess this somewhat of a big deal. This morning, Donnie (Steve to some) IMed me and showed me that he compiled a top 10 for the first time. It then, in turn, was the catalyst that made me start thinking about my top 5 that I have always been able to spit out to anyone who asked. Could I do a top 10? Should I do 15? Why not twenty? It took me awhile to decide and this is the decision that I came to. I'm going to give a DEFINATIVE TOP 10 that I can say, with no doubt or regret, is my top 10 movies at this time, no questions asked. After this list, I will post my #11-20, which I will prefece with the fact that these movies are subject to change at any moment with a few minutes of thought. I'll say a little something about each movie as well.
IM me with any questions or comments.
10. The Village, Dir. M. Night Shyamalan
When I saw this film for the first time, I really liked it. When I watched it again about 3 weeks ago, I fell in love with it. The acting in it is brilliant. Whether it is Sigourney Weaver, William Hurt, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody, or Bryce Dallas Howard in her first starring role, the performances amaze me. James Newton Howard infuses the picture with a brilliant score lead by the chilling, yet beautiful soloist work of Hilary Hahn. In the end, however, I feel it is Shyamalan's ability to weave a tale that uses a gimic (i.e. that of creatures) to tell us a story that is, in fact, much deeper than that all together. It is a tale of true love. What love can do to a person and what it can take away. If you didn't like it the first time, watch it again and try watching it for different reasons, it might change your view of the film.
9. The Usual Suspects, Dir. Bryan Singer
In a time when it seems Hollywood is searching and grabbing to make a dime off of any re-hash, re-make, or sequel, it is a movie like The Usual Suspects that reminds me what originality is. With a script written by Christopher McQuarrie that is brilliantly original and a stunning performance by Kevin Spacey, this movie can do no wrong. I still remember how I sat staring at the screen when it ended for a good 10 minutes wondering, "What just happened?".
8. The Shawshank Redemption, Dir. Frank Darabont
What can I say about this film that hasn't been said by millions? Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman play off of eachother like this was their real life. Every performance, for that matter, is extraordinary in this film. Written by a man you would probably never guess unless you know, Steven King, it is a tale that makes you examine yourself as a human being and wonder, how am I living my life?
7. Garden State, Dir. Zach Braff
Driving from the state of Maryland to New York City to watch a film on the day it is first released. Crazy right? Well, thats what the trailer for this film did to me and a few others, no doubt. Amazingly enough, it was worth every second of the drive, and then some. A simple love story, infused with a humor that only Braff knows brings this movie to the foreground of directorial and writing debuts. Not to mention a soundtrack that more people probably bought than saw the movie in theatres? I think Zach Braff got his first try right.
6. Se7en, Dir. David Fincher
The epitome of the word "Thriller". David Fincher brings a dark, disturbing look to this already disturbing story, which ended up making it one of the best crime-thrillers of all time. Add to that a cast of Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman and you get something in a league of its own. Next time you watch this movie, take a look at what Fincher does with the camera to set the mood. A lot of new filmmakers have certainly learned from his style.
5. Crash, Dir. Paul Haggis
The movie hit me like a brick. I had no idea how powerful it was going to be. Paul Haggis, who wrote Million Dollar Baby, doesn't take the easy way out on his directorial effort, touching on issues such as class differences, corruption and racism in modern day Los Angeles. You know a movie has total control of you when it can make you stop breathing at least 3 times throughout, without you even realizing it until the scenes is over and you gasp for air. That is true cinematic power.
4. Say Anything, Dir. Cameron Crowe
So simple, yet so brilliant. This is Say Anything in a nutshell. Long before the days of his huge blockbusters, Cameron Crowe surprised audiences with this tale of first love and loss. The subtly and truth to the humor and drama in this film are what make it a classic love story. Crowe knows how to write material that is truthful, that people can relate to. He also has a gift for writing romantic scenes that are unforgettable. John Cusack holding the boombox over his head and blasting "In Your Eyes" has become an icon of cinema history.
3. Good Will Hunting, Dir. Gus van Sant
This is what I like to call "hope for a wanna be writer". Ben and Matt write this gem of a flick and look what it has done for them. Not to mention it is an amazing movie to boot. The feelings of love and friendship that it evokes are just unbelievable. Not to mention the many life lessons thrown in along the way by Robin William's character (winning him an oscar). This movie just makes me feel good inside every time that I watch it.
2. Almost Famous, Dir. Cameron Crowe
The second appearence for Mr. Crowe on the list. What can I say, the man just knows how to write good movies, plain and simple. Almost Famous is so much thrown into one film. Love, Friendship, Family, Music, and most importantly for someone like me who wants to make movies, it is a film about following your dreams. No one can deny the power of the bus sing along to "Tiny Dancer", a scene that gave the famous Elton John classic new life. That's what Crowe does, he tells tales through music, shows love through song. His films are amazing.
1. Donnie Darko, Dir. Richard Kelly
The first time someone told me about Donnie Darko, I was like, yeah whatever. Then a good friend of mine sat me down and made me watch it. I must have watched it 4 or 5 times that week. I showed it to all of my friends who hadn't seen it and spread the word. It just hit me so hard. I think what I love about it the most is that everytime someone watches it, they get something new. People have different interpretations of the film and I love getting into discussions about it. This is what movies should be about in my book. It has intellect, humor, great acting, and a ingenious story. I hope Richard continues to push the envelope with his work.
IM me with any questions or comments.
10. The Village, Dir. M. Night Shyamalan
When I saw this film for the first time, I really liked it. When I watched it again about 3 weeks ago, I fell in love with it. The acting in it is brilliant. Whether it is Sigourney Weaver, William Hurt, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody, or Bryce Dallas Howard in her first starring role, the performances amaze me. James Newton Howard infuses the picture with a brilliant score lead by the chilling, yet beautiful soloist work of Hilary Hahn. In the end, however, I feel it is Shyamalan's ability to weave a tale that uses a gimic (i.e. that of creatures) to tell us a story that is, in fact, much deeper than that all together. It is a tale of true love. What love can do to a person and what it can take away. If you didn't like it the first time, watch it again and try watching it for different reasons, it might change your view of the film.
9. The Usual Suspects, Dir. Bryan Singer
In a time when it seems Hollywood is searching and grabbing to make a dime off of any re-hash, re-make, or sequel, it is a movie like The Usual Suspects that reminds me what originality is. With a script written by Christopher McQuarrie that is brilliantly original and a stunning performance by Kevin Spacey, this movie can do no wrong. I still remember how I sat staring at the screen when it ended for a good 10 minutes wondering, "What just happened?".
8. The Shawshank Redemption, Dir. Frank Darabont
What can I say about this film that hasn't been said by millions? Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman play off of eachother like this was their real life. Every performance, for that matter, is extraordinary in this film. Written by a man you would probably never guess unless you know, Steven King, it is a tale that makes you examine yourself as a human being and wonder, how am I living my life?
7. Garden State, Dir. Zach Braff
Driving from the state of Maryland to New York City to watch a film on the day it is first released. Crazy right? Well, thats what the trailer for this film did to me and a few others, no doubt. Amazingly enough, it was worth every second of the drive, and then some. A simple love story, infused with a humor that only Braff knows brings this movie to the foreground of directorial and writing debuts. Not to mention a soundtrack that more people probably bought than saw the movie in theatres? I think Zach Braff got his first try right.
6. Se7en, Dir. David Fincher
The epitome of the word "Thriller". David Fincher brings a dark, disturbing look to this already disturbing story, which ended up making it one of the best crime-thrillers of all time. Add to that a cast of Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman and you get something in a league of its own. Next time you watch this movie, take a look at what Fincher does with the camera to set the mood. A lot of new filmmakers have certainly learned from his style.
5. Crash, Dir. Paul Haggis
The movie hit me like a brick. I had no idea how powerful it was going to be. Paul Haggis, who wrote Million Dollar Baby, doesn't take the easy way out on his directorial effort, touching on issues such as class differences, corruption and racism in modern day Los Angeles. You know a movie has total control of you when it can make you stop breathing at least 3 times throughout, without you even realizing it until the scenes is over and you gasp for air. That is true cinematic power.
4. Say Anything, Dir. Cameron Crowe
So simple, yet so brilliant. This is Say Anything in a nutshell. Long before the days of his huge blockbusters, Cameron Crowe surprised audiences with this tale of first love and loss. The subtly and truth to the humor and drama in this film are what make it a classic love story. Crowe knows how to write material that is truthful, that people can relate to. He also has a gift for writing romantic scenes that are unforgettable. John Cusack holding the boombox over his head and blasting "In Your Eyes" has become an icon of cinema history.
3. Good Will Hunting, Dir. Gus van Sant
This is what I like to call "hope for a wanna be writer". Ben and Matt write this gem of a flick and look what it has done for them. Not to mention it is an amazing movie to boot. The feelings of love and friendship that it evokes are just unbelievable. Not to mention the many life lessons thrown in along the way by Robin William's character (winning him an oscar). This movie just makes me feel good inside every time that I watch it.
2. Almost Famous, Dir. Cameron Crowe
The second appearence for Mr. Crowe on the list. What can I say, the man just knows how to write good movies, plain and simple. Almost Famous is so much thrown into one film. Love, Friendship, Family, Music, and most importantly for someone like me who wants to make movies, it is a film about following your dreams. No one can deny the power of the bus sing along to "Tiny Dancer", a scene that gave the famous Elton John classic new life. That's what Crowe does, he tells tales through music, shows love through song. His films are amazing.
1. Donnie Darko, Dir. Richard Kelly
The first time someone told me about Donnie Darko, I was like, yeah whatever. Then a good friend of mine sat me down and made me watch it. I must have watched it 4 or 5 times that week. I showed it to all of my friends who hadn't seen it and spread the word. It just hit me so hard. I think what I love about it the most is that everytime someone watches it, they get something new. People have different interpretations of the film and I love getting into discussions about it. This is what movies should be about in my book. It has intellect, humor, great acting, and a ingenious story. I hope Richard continues to push the envelope with his work.
posted by Jp at 3:53 PM
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