Top 5 Films EVA!

[small_world]

So I saw this[nb]When I inserted the link from clipboard paste, it was the wrong link. I'd just been on FB and a friend had a status about Young Dumb and Living Off Mum, and I linked to Young Dumb and Full of Cum, you guys nearly got pervy vids.. You should be so lucky. [/nb] http://www.cookdandbombd.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic,22524.0.html and thought. Oooh that's a good idea, let's do that BUT with favourite films from whenever.
I'm hoping this thread is allowed as I know general/list threads are a bit frowned upon. But I thought it would be interesting to see what, if any, themes ran through peoples favourite films.
I also recognise the fact that there is a VW top 1000 films, but as that went on for sometime and some people only had one entry I thought this would be a nice little outlet.


So... Give the title and brief synopsis, review or reason for choosing.
If you want you can also list a few that just missed the cut.

Just missed the cut...
Un prophète - What those mockney cunty laddish Danny Dyer type things aspire to be. Some great scenes, whenever his ex cell mate is involved mainly.
Bio Dome - Ah, get dumb... Stupid film stupid laughs... 
The Rock - my favourite all out action film.
AI - A modern fairytale.
Primer - Just caught this recently, it blew my mind.
Vanilla Sky - ^ Same sort of thing 
Back To The Future - How is it possible to have seen it about 1000 times and to still be on the edge of my seat when Doc's hanging from that clocktower?

5. The Matrix
When I first saw The Matrix I was in bed with a horrible virus. I spent the next few days watching and re-watching and trying to make sense of the whole Matrix universe. The Matrix was based on some brilliantly thought provoking philosophical ideas, and mixed it with some of the best action seen in a movie for years both sides of it.

4. Donnie Darko
I'm choosing this over Vanilla Sky, It's in the same time-travel, crazy plot twisting, thought provoking style, but it has youth and an excellent soundtrack (Although Radiohead on VS is really well placed). One of those films that ends, not when the credits roll, but long after you've spent a night lying awake thinking about it, discussing it with friends and then re-watching it.

3. One Flew Over The Cukoo's Nest.
Again, I only recently watched this film, amazingly well acted. Nicholson is on a different planet. A great cast, some great laughs, but it all ends too soon.

2. There Will Be Blood
What an epic. That derrick explosion scene, with the monotonous music was simply incredible, it really drew you into the film, I actually felt relieved when it was over.
Great acting from an amazing cast. DDL's character is a total cock, who couldn't love him?

1. Synechdoche, New York.
This has to take the number one spot for me. This is an amazingly directed story about everyones inner thoughts of mortality that could only be delivered on screen.
I watched this movie then showed it to my mam over christmas, I loved sharing tha experience with her, she'd cry at Mr Bean, but this was so deeply emotional, and I think we shared the same perspective when watching it.

_{Dear diary, I'm afraid I'm gravely ill. It is perhaps times like these that one reflects on things past. An article of clothing from when I was young. A green jacket. I walk with my father. A game we once played. Pretend we're faeries. I'm a girl faerie. My name is Laura Lee. And you're a boy faerie. Your name is Tita Lee. Pretend, when we're faeries we fight each other, and I say "Stop hitting me I'll die!" And you hit me again and I say, "Now I have to die." And then you say, "But I'll miss you." And I say, "But I have to. And you'll have to wait a million years to see me again. And I'll be put in a box, and all I'll need is a tiny glass of water and lots of tiny pieces of pizza and the box will have wings like an airplane." And you'll ask, "Where will it take you?" "Home."}

[falafel]

Definitely with you on the top two. Sometimes I just watch the last ten minutes of Synecdoche, drenched in awe and admiration[nb]and cum[/nb]

[An tSaoi]

I find it very hard to list films, as if one piece of work is exactly one fixed point better than another, and as if that ranking is static. Instead I like to see my favourite films as a pool or a bowl rather than a list, with different ones floating to the top depending on what mood I'm in. A bit like alphabet soup.

But if I absolutely had to pick five films which are consistently near the top, I suppose they'd be (in no particular order)...

Withnail and I.
Top notch turns from pretty much every actor, and a beautifully rich, witty, funny and especially quotable script. A career highlight for most involved.

Das Boot.
Simply the best submarine film ever made (beating the hell out of your Crimson Tide and your Hunt for Red October), made all the more interesting by presenting the German side of U-boat warfare. You'll never have felt as much sympathy for people who are technically Nazis.

A Clockwork Orange.
It's probably not Kubrick's best film, but it's the one I could watch the most. 2001 is amazing, and Strangelove is wonderful (in fact almost any one of his films could be in someone's top five), but I couldn't just pop them in the DVD player on a whim, you need to be in the right mood. There's something mesmerising about A Clockwork Orange. It's entertaining; shocking, snappy and funny (the latter property being often overlooked). What keeps it all together is a perfect performance from Malcolm McDowell, who manages to be threatening and charming, violent and sophisticated at the same time. A cut above your average movie thug.

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly.
It's a Leone film, so it goes without saying that it looks and sounds great. But there's more to it than the Tonino Delli Colli cinematography and the Ennio Morricone score. It's a rollercoaster of a film that combines incredibly tense, slow-moving sequences with exhilarating set-pieces (especially the dizzying scene of Tuco running around the cemetery). There's an iconic performance from Clint Eastwood, but Eli Wallach steals the show on more than one occasion. Lee Van Cleef looks terrifying (as Leone said, his eyes burn through the screen).

Taxi Driver.
Very few films have touched me in the same way as this one. As far as I can recall, I first saw it in halls in 2007 or 2008. I didn't really talk to the other students living there, and only went into the common room at night when they were all either asleep or out clubbing. I'd been awake for a few days on end, and was horribly lonely and depressed, when Taxi Driver came on the telly. I had never identified so much with a film character before (well, apart from the post-war trauma, porno theatres, handgun obsession, vigilantism and the racism), and wondered how the writer had so accurately reflected how I felt. There are times when Travis' diary could have been something I'd write (if I kept one). It also helps that it's very well-made, with great acting and directing and all the other factors that make a great film.

To many runners-up to name. It's not a particularly original or obscure list, but there you go.

[Saucer51]

Mine changes all the time, Eva.

At the moment here's how I feel

Scarface (1983 version)
Godfather I and II but not III
Conspiracy
Little Lord Fauntleroy (the Ricky Schroeder version)
Madness of King George

As me again next month and it will have changed!

[darkglobe]

Some great choices already, as I would expect from a distinguished forum membership such as this :)

I've never heard of Synecdoche, but after a couple of recommendations here (along with Small_World's other choices being among my favourites) I shall hunt this down.

An tSaoi, I totally get what you say about Taxi Driver, that diary could have been written by me before I even saw the film, it just strikes a chord in such a dramatic and stark way, it's hauntingly beautiful.

I can't do 5, that fifth one would be so hard to choose, so here are my 4!

4. Full Metal Jacket
My favourite Kubrick film, but like all of his other films it's far from perfect (even though I would rate him my favourite director, I think the flaws in his films are what make them so good).  The way the 2 parts jar so much is what draws me to this so much.  I love seeing the deconstruction of a Man into a Machine and then seeing that bourne out in the war.  It's so coldand unfeeling too which is another thing that stands out for me.

3. Up
I wanted to include a Pixar film here, as I adore them all, but choosing my favourite is so difficulty.  The opening 10 minutes of Up are just stunning though and so I'll go for that.  That opening is probably better then 90% of all the other films ever made, sure it does turn into a bit of a chaseathon towards the end, but that opening.  I was warmed in the cinema that kids got it, that they appreciated it and above all enjoyed it.  It's a testament to the genius of Pixar that they are able to convey a story in such a brave bold manner.

2. The Wicker Man (Extended Cut though, the "original" one loses 2 nights and makes no sense)
One of only 2 films that I've seen more times than I can count.  Everything about it is stunning and unique and makes me wish I could make films.  The way the fear of the island comes across via Howie, the tightly weaved tapestry of the trap and even the ending still surprise and amaze me.  Everything is just so believable in the film, and so logical, you never question whether Lord Summerisle is evil or not because you know he's not, he's just set in his ways.

1. There Will Be Blood
What can be said about this?  It's simply the most immersive and impressive piece of film I have ever watched and experienced.  The opening 20 minutes laying the ground work to the character so perfectly, extending to the opening half of the film having you guessing as to where this is going, asking yourself what's the point of it all and above all breaking all the boring rules of audience reception most films adhere to.  The turning point of the film for comes when we first meet Eli, having seen his twin earlier in the film and yet never having it explained to us that the brothers were twins.  It confuses you, it throws you, it makes you appreciate the web that PT Anderson is weaving.  Then the explosion and Daniels real character and motivation coming through.  Then the ending, oh the ending, so brilliant and surprising.
It's a masterful piece of film and every single frame feels perfectly pitched and shot.  And it's pacing is spot on!

[Santa's Boyfriend]

Conspiracy

Is that the Stanley Tucci movie about the Wansee conference?  I've seen that, it's a masterpiece (made by HBO and BBC, so it would be), very powerful stuff.  Shame it's not really available anymore.

[the midnight watch baboon]

Definitely with you on the top two. Sometimes I just watch the last ten minutes of Synecdoche, drenched in awe and admiration[nb]and cum[/nb]

I've yet to see this, annoyingly, but it does seem to be on Film Four regualarly so worth looking out for it there.

[Saucer51]

Is that the Stanley Tucci movie about the Wansee conference?  I've seen that, it's a masterpiece (made by HBO and BBC, so it would be), very powerful stuff.  Shame it's not really available anymore.

I got mine from Amazon about 3 years back. No plug intended. It still seems to be available from private vendors on the site.

[BJB]

1. A Clockwork Orange
Already been mentioned, but I cant do a "favourite films" type list and not mention A Clockwork Orange. The film and the story could easily have gone in the utter wrong direction. But Kubrick, Mcdowell and the rest of the cast just get the tone exactly RIGHT! Its not too funny, its not too shocking, its not too disturbing. It just takes all these motions, and blends them together perfectly to create a powerful and hypnotic experience.

2. The Devils
Another 1971 movie, I like this for pretty much the same reasons I like A Clockwork Orange. Funny, daring and VERY brave, particularly pre Exorcist. While it may go out of its way to shock, its all for a worthy reason. And continues to polarize people to this day, including Warner Bros, who still wont grant it an official release.

3.Trainspotting
Funny and Shocking are words that will recur throughout this post. This can definitely apply to Trainspotting. Wonderfully scripted, beautiful acting and never once does it feel preachy or stuffing its aseops down our throats. Honest and to the point.

4. Fight Club
This is the perfect example of how a 21st century film should look (I know it was made in 1999). Technology and special effects used in a witty style, clever social commentary, and performances that once again (I know, I'm a lazy writer) hit that exact right tone.

5. Brazil
One of those films that makes you sit up and really take notice about not just the films world, but the world around you. blah blah, hits right tone. Funny and shocking etc. (I'm drunk from just turning 18, so maybe this post could have been better. Oh well)

[Catalogue Trousers]

Hmmm. In no real order:

Brazil
Time Bandits
The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen (Gilliam)
The Masque Of The Red Death (Corman, 1964)
The Wizard Of Oz

That's just a top 5 for today, off of the top of my head. I unreservedly love 'em all, and will defend any of them to, if not the death, then at least the first (verbal) blood. And yes, I have a biased partiality to Gilliam's early cinematic works.

[clingfilm portent]

And continues to polarize people to this day, including Warner Bros, who still wont grant it an official release.

Wankers. A few years ago I caught about two thirds of this and I've been dying to see a non-horrible-looking version ever since. I've never been gripped by anything so 'period'. Oliver Reed is incredible here... and you're right, the over-the-topness is never too OTT, it's just right. Just drunkenly turned 18 eh? Expect a completely new list in two years :)

[darkglobe]

Well I did, I actually took a recommendation off here and acted upon it!

Indeed, just last night I watched Synechdoche, New York.  And wow, what a film!  I can't quite decide if it was rubbish or amazing yet, I think the fact I'm not sure automatically tips it towards the latter.  It's just so clever and every time you think the concept is going to fall apart it drags you back into its weird unreal reality.  The ending

Spoiler alert

was hard but rewarding and I'm not sure I could have predicted it, I actually thought he would get to stage the play and it would be a triumph but alas

[close]

...

So thanks for the recommendation, I may have to watch it again to decide if I like it or not :)

[Jemble Fred]

1) The one with the bloke.
2) The one with the shark.
3) Garbage Pail Kids The Movie
4) The sequel to that one about the alien
5) Anything without Kim Catrall in it
6) Shit now this thread will stay in my New Replies list
7) Post.

[Maybe Im Doing It Wrong]

Can we ban any film made in the last ten years from these lists? I think it's ludicrous putting stuff released recently on GREATEST THING OF ALL TIME lists.

[Shoulders?-Stomach!]

Don't you mean 'Can't you all accept my subjective arbitrary divison?'

[Maybe Im Doing It Wrong]

I'm sorry, but it's a real bugbear of mine. I really do think something should be left a bit to see if it stands the test of time before being included on a best of list.

[Shoulders?-Stomach!]

Yeah, you do. So don't insist that 'we' do something we don't actually agree with necessarily.

Most people watch a film, and if they really like it they remember it. They don't wait decades to form an opinion on it.

Instead of trying to work out which films you see are 'Best of fodder', and make you look smart, just name 5 you like the most at the moment and talk about them.

The Edukators
Coming To America
Lord Of The Rings: Fellowship Of The Ring
Don't Look Now

and it's tough to single out a 5th. For some reason I always agonise endlessly over the final choice in these mini-lists, so I'm just going to break the rules!

Don't be ashamed, I'm not!

[Maybe Im Doing It Wrong]

I suspect you of having deliberately put the lowbrow Coming To America in your list so you don't look like a ponce.

[Jemble Fred]

I'd say any instalment from the Tolkien Happy Meal franchise is more lowbrow than Coming To America, TBH...

[Maybe Im Doing It Wrong]

Agreed.

It's not to do with picking stuff to make you look clever anyway. I'd put "Groundhog Day" on my list for sure, and that's hardly Sight n' Sound fodder.

[Maybe Im Doing It Wrong]

In no particular order

Amacord.

Groundhog Day.

Once Upon A Time In America.

Annie Hall.

Providence.

[ThickAndCreamy]

I've tried to do this, and apart from Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind and Solyaris I can't think of any others that I would call my favourites. Others I can think of like Wall-E or Up are incredible but they're still nowhere near as good as the first two for me...

[Cerys]

Can we ban any film made in the last ten years from these lists? I think it's ludicrous putting stuff released recently on GREATEST THING OF ALL TIME lists.

Surely it's ridiculous putting anything into a GREATEST THING OF ALL TIME list, in that case.  If a film is great, it doesn't matter when it was made.

[Jemble Fred]

Just to remind everyone, we're nominating the Top 5 Films 'EVA!' Now, back to the serious debate about what constitutes 'EVA!'

[Shoulders?-Stomach!]

I suspect you of having deliberately put the lowbrow Coming To America in your list so you don't look like a ponce.

There's nothing lowbrow about it, it's the finest achievement in the history of african american culture (yeah, fuck emancipation, Obama, Poitier, I Have A Dream, jazz. fuck them in the arse) and awesome in almost every single way.

Yeah, I Got Reasons.

[bloogoon]

I spend hours thinking about my top 10 and always give up so it's nice to have to pin it down to 5. Not really my definative 5 but the best I could do under pressure.

Life of Brian
Pan's Labyrinth
Thin Red Line
The Shining
Dead Man's Shoes

[gmoney]

The Sex Lives Of the Potato Men
C.H.U.D II: Bud the Chud
Mac and Me
Mr. Nanny
Sliding Doors

[Jemble Fred]

Sliding Doors

I liked Sliding Doors! All I did was rip out the part of my brain that stored all memory of the Monty Python-quoting scene. The rest was fine.

[Maybe Im Doing It Wrong]

I liked Mr. Nanny!
I believe it was the first "tough guy in unexpected child care role" film.

[gmoney]

I liked Sliding Doors! All I did was rip out the part of my brain that stored all memory of the Monty Python-quoting scene. The rest was fine.

I'm afraid I find this impossible.