myself, on the internet - Borges style.
www.last.fm/user/klump55
i wrote this for another site, my top 20 films... it gets better towards the end as i descend into boredom so czech it.
1. Cul-de-sac (1966)
polanski's most enigmatic effort, dark and brooding and surreal. both visually and narratively sparse, it is the gaps in canvas and dialogue which makes this minimal black comedy so special. a real eye for the anxieties of everyday human interaction makes the story, about a gangster seeking refuge in the castle-home of a seriously odd couple, as relevant and intriguing today as ever.
2. Cinema Paradiso (1988)
swansong to cinema, but don't let that put you off. the semi-autobiographical story of a successful director reflecting on his childhood in poverty and his poignant involvement with a local father-like projectionist. montages always get me, but the ending of the director's cut is the most touching 5 minutes ever committed to celluloid. tip: the version you watch (cinematic release or director's cut) greatly alters the overall mood, so watch both.
3. Chungking Express (1994)
the energy of hong kong is the turbine which powers wong kar wai's light & happy character-study, chungking express. it's NOT about a train, but a restaurant, in which two sets of strangers meet and become romantically attached. the stories weave in and out of each other and are more than enough to keep you satisfied, but it is the FEEL of the film which is so distinctive and memorable to us bloody ignorant westerners. think amelie with noodles and a better soundtrack.
4. The Son's Room (2001)
short; sweet; sad; italian. if you want to experience a lasting emotional resonance, this sure beats celine dion... and isn't half as long. first of a couple of films amongst this list about a desperate family struggling to cope with the recent bereavement of a child. sombre in an ultimately uplifting way, this obscure little gem is worth HUNTING DOWN.
5. The Idiots (1998)
probably the most disturbing film on this list, the idiots is a taboo-shattering effort from talented scandinavian trouble-maker lars von trier. a group of intellectuals invade a flat and self-indulgently act out the fantasy of being retarded, whilst masterminding embarrassing public displays to this effect. what it quite highlights i'm not sure, but the power of this film is that it leaves you sickened, devastated, mortified. if it wasn't so draining, and you knew any better, you'd cry.
6. Don't Look Now (1973)
uh oh. won't spoil the ending for you, but its up there with the best of them. a daphne du marier work is the focus of a tragic love story-come-surrealist horror, about a couple who's daughter drowns and later appears to make contact with them through a blind medium in venice. the montages are as moving as anything on this list, and the mise-en-scene of a archaic city verging on a watery grave makes for an unforgettable experience.
7. Once Upon A Time In The West (1968)
ennio morricone's luscious score is - for 45 seconds - the most notable thing about this film, until you realise that... shock horror... charles bronson is in a GOOD FILM! leone's western is far better than 'the good, the bad...' because it displays more heart whilst still holding onto the stylish edge which distinguishes his work. often referred to as 'operatic' for the novelty of scenes being shot aesthetically AROUND the mood of the pre-scored music, this is nothing short of a masterpiece.
8. Five Easy Pieces (1970)
delicate character-study which, for my money, kick-started that great chain of jack nicholson performances throughout the 70s. as a troubled drifter, gradually observing his self-fulfilled taming at the hands of "BIMBO (WITH CHILD)" jack's never been better. well, he has, but the shining doesn't count ‘cos its gay. worth watching for the 'cafe scene' alone.
9. Big Wednesday (1978)
this gentle giant is an epic as grand as the 40-foot-wave of its title, and as personal and flawed as the young ruffians who ride it. as a melancholy look at youth itself, this is less well known but equally as involving as 'the last picture show'. and to think i don't even like surfing.
10. The Godfather : Part II (1974)
pips part I, if only for the power of the final scenes. poor old fredo, mind you, that'll teach him to takes sides with anyone against the family.
11. Last Tango In Paris (1973)
here begins my furious descent into pseudo-porn. this isn't as bad as its cracked up to be, and boasts brando's best performance since 'streetcar'. the hauntingly memorable final third unveils a tragic comedy core bertolluci could be proud of, until he wrecked all that with his modern shit.
12. Shivers (1975)
if the sound of penis-shaped parasites transforming innocent men, women and children into sex-crazed zombies TURNS YOU ON, then check out this offering from 70s shock-maestro david cronenberg. also, check out your friendly local psychiatrist - they can help.
13. Cook the Thief His Wife & Her Lover, The (1989)
no one likes self-styled snobs, especially when they force-feed you dog shit (and, later, textbooks), but this examination of decadence has you rooting for the legendary michael gambon all the way. also features the most elegant use of lighting and the most stunning sets you are likely to ever witness.
14. The Big Lebowski (1998)
"I fucks you in the ass, I fucks you in the ass, I fucks you, I fucks you, I fucks you, I fucks..."
15. Manhunter (1986)
michael mann's best, and that's saying a lot. this is a genuinely creepy thriller based on the book by thomas harris, featuring sleezeball journalists being set on fire & pushed around in wheelchairs, a (relatively) pre-pubescent hannibal lecter, and SHIT 80S MUSIC. what more could you ask for?
16. Cross of Iron (1977)
peckinpah WWII action adventure making wholly innovative use of slow-mo and continuing the leone tradition of cool, stylish ultra-violence. tarantino WOULDN'T EXIST without this guy, he is practically (literally?) his mother. also significant as an ironically humanitarian piece, shot from the perspective of those BASTARD GERMANS on the russian front.
17. À Bout De Souffle (1959)
i don't claim to be an expert in the french new wave but everyone knows this is the place to start. technically it has all the savvy and prowess of anything ever made. experimental without being clinical, the ending, and for that matter the subtle bedroom scenes, are surprisingly moving.
18. Plein Soleil (1960)
this film isn't actually that good, but i like it all the same because it's french and from the 60s, and i saw it when i was TRES YOUNG. the issue of stolen identity is assessed in this original take on ‘the talented mr ripley’, and you should be careful because that happens a lot these days, i was watching a report on it today on NEWSROUND.
19. Pink Flamingos (1972)
more shit-eating, and this time it's REAL. low budget farce from john waters, and this one tops them all: a killer transsexual, cannibalism, and gratuitous, close-up, incestrial fellatio - AND I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT THE SHAKESPEARE CHARACTER. watch it, i dare you.
20. Grave Of The Fireflies (1988)
heartbreaking anime following a young boy in japan prior to the unleashing of the atomic bombs. after watching 'grave of the fireflies' for the first time, i wrestled with my manliness, reminding myself that it is not natural to feel so affected by any film let alone a CARTOON. i'm still struggling with this inner-conflict to this day.
nabhan shiraz