What is your favourite film?

[AJS]

Being faced with the prospect of a long, boring summer I foolishly agreed to write a series of film articles for a friend who is trying to put together a new magazine. This forum represent a very varied cross section of society from all areas of the world, so in order to try and get a grasp of current cinematic trends I would appreciate it if you could let me know what your favourite films are and why this is so.
To begin with, I would say that my vote for the greatest film I have ever seen goes to Ingmar Bergman's "Wild Strawberries." I have never understood why, for most people, the idea of "true" cinema is not synonomous with great entertainment, and for me this film bridges that gap admirably. As any film student will know, this is one of the first film's you study due to it's technical excellence and trend setting direction, but for me the true beauty of the film lies in the way Bergman was able to capture the complexity and nuances of the character's, and consequently the audience as a whole, life experiences, replete with the bitter disappointments of missed opportunity in a mere 90 minutes. Also, despite the typical sombreness that is Bergman's trademark, the film has a joyous, life affirming conclusion.

[Scotto]

Favorite foreign film: Kurosawa's "Ran"

Favorite domestic film: The Godfather

[moses]

Ok, this is way too hard.

Cheesy I know (as a selection, not as a film), but Casablanca gotta be up there. Great plot (and, no, it really isn't a love story), and amazing acting (mostly by Ingrid Bergman).

In a sufficiently dark mood, Apocalypse Now.

[Tito]

D: The Big Lebowski
Bottle Rocket

F: City of God

[Holyhabanero]

I have a ton of movies I love, but off the top of my head, here's my short list:

The Searchers
Rear Window
First Blood
The Princess Bride
Hamlet (1996 Kenneth Brannaugh version)
Better Off Dead
Lord of the Rings Trilogy (I count them as one)
Red Dawn
The Man From Snowy River
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Whale Rider
Au Revoir les Enfants
Ghandi
Life is Beautiful

[rschul2]

1) Casablanca
but a very close 2nd: It Happened One Night

[jfm]

Le Samourai, Citizen Kane, Red Beard (Akira Kurosawa, I like about anything he was involved with), Amelie, Casablanca, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Batman Begins. The thread that seems to run through movies I enjoy are cinematography and isolated (socially or otherwise) characters. Sorry for the laundry list, but I am addicted to film.

[ouch]

Foreign- El Topo
Domestic- The Producers


Lots of honorable mentions, starting with Clockwork Orange and Dr. Strangelove.

[mantic]

My Favorite Year
Star Wars

[AJS]

Interesting replies so far. When selecting a film to watch, does entertainment take precedence? Or does anybody here prefer to be challenged by their choice of viewing, and select films that they can spend weeks dissecting? I suppose really it is a matter of preference at the time, but like I said in my original post, I don't think that entertainment and great cinema are mutually exclusive.
Since everyone else provided a selection of films, I would add to my original choice the following films: The Legend of the Holy Drinker, The Keep, Shoot the Piano Player, Dazed and Confused, Out of the Past, La Belle Noiseuse (not just because Emmanuelle Beart spends the majority of the film naked:blushing: ) and Lovers of the Arctic Circle.

[jmhUT]

Exceptionally difficult to narrow down to a single favorite. Your question regarding challenge vs. entertainment is one of many that could be used to declare a favorite. If I had to pick only one I would pick a challenge and weight the quality of writing and character development as the two key variables. With that in mind I would probably have to go with Pulp Fiction, a singularly unique film (at the time) that will likely make its way into film school curriculumns if it hasn't already. Writing, casting, acting, directing and structure were perfect.

I tend to appreciate cinematography and special effects in my "entertaining" films: The Matrix, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, The Lord of the Rings, etc. By entertaining I assume you do not mean simple (i.e. lightheated comedy, of which there are several gems) but rather those films where one is taken on a predetermined ride rather than asked to interpret for themselves.

Ultimately I am a dialogue fan. My favorite TV show is the 1st four seasons of The West Wing, when Sorkin was still writing. Two very nice movies for dialogue and characterization fans are "The Big Kahuna", starring Kevin Spacey, Danny Devito and Peter Facinelli; and "Tape", with Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Robert Sean Leonard. Both films are little more than three people in a room. The acting in both cases is superb. Kevin Sapcey in particular is exceptional.

Finally, let us not overlook the flat out funny a$$ movies. Napoleon Dynamite, Dazed and Confused, American Pie, Anchorman, The 40 year old Virgin, etc. Laughter is critical.
Cheers,
Jeff

[mrob]

One of my very faves is Being There with Peter Sellers as Chauncey Gardiner. Just a magical, dreamy kind of film--without which Forrest Gump never would have been dreamt of.

[AJS]

Exceptionally difficult to narrow down to a single favorite. Your question regarding challenge vs. entertainment is one of many that could be used to declare a favorite. If I had to pick only one I would pick a challenge and weight the quality of writing and character development as the two key variables. With that in mind I would probably have to go with Pulp Fiction, a singularly unique film (at the time) that will likely make its way into film school curriculumns if it hasn't already. Writing, casting, acting, directing and structure were perfect.

I tend to appreciate cinematography and special effects in my "entertaining" films: The Matrix, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, The Lord of the Rings, etc. By entertaining I assume you do not mean simple (i.e. lightheated comedy, of which there are several gems) but rather those films where one is taken on a predetermined ride rather than asked to interpret for themselves.

Ultimately I am a dialogue fan. My favorite TV show is the 1st four seasons of The West Wing, when Sorkin was still writing. Two very nice movies for dialogue and characterization fans are "The Big Kahuna", starring Kevin Spacey, Danny Devito and Peter Facinelli; and "Tape", with Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Robert Sean Leonard. Both films are little more than three people in a room. The acting in both cases is superb. Kevin Sapcey in particular is exceptional.

Finally, let us not overlook the flat out funny a$$ movies. Napoleon Dynamite, Dazed and Confused, American Pie, Anchorman, The 40 year old Virgin, etc. Laughter is critical.
Cheers,
Jeff

You raise some very interesting points there. With the idea of dialogue and characterisation being as important as technical accomplishment, how do the actors effect the quality of the final product? Obviously, the acting has a definite effect on the "entertainment" value, but when discussing great cinema I have always found the emphasis is placed upon the director and his style, little consideration is ever given to the actors. For example, Asphalt Jungle (another one of my favourites) is often spoken of as a direct influence on Reservoir Dogs due to the structure and the cinematography, yet no one seems to fully appreciate the strength Sterling Hayden's performance brings to the movie.

[moses]

I can certainly see how a movie can be interesting, at least from an analytical point of view, based on the strength of a director alone. To me, however, I really fail to see how a movie can be anything approaching really great cinema without truly great acting. And a good enough actor giving a good enough performance can carry a movie that would likely otherwise have been a flop. (Anyone seen Dog Day Afternoon).

[Shane]

Foreign Films
1. M
2. The City Of Lost Children

Domestic Films
1. Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (too bad our elected leaders don't have that kind of spine anymore)
2. Wonder Boys

[teamacacia]

So hard to really narrow down. My DVD collection tends to have all of my favorites including:
Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Pirates of the Caribbean
Band of Brothers
Saving Private Ryan
Gladiator
Bourne Identity and Supremecy
Top Gun
Memento
Fight Club
Sixth Sense
The Others
and many more!!!

[jmhUT]

Indeed, Film is most definately a director's medium. I really don't think that can be argued. As such, films will always be judged amongst their own based on the percieved merits of their directors. IMO this is why Citizen Kane is still considered to be one of the best movies ever made (another film school favorite).

However without the story there is no movie. Kind of like it doesn't matter what your business is, without sales nothing else matters. Ultimately we are talking aobut storytelling and writing (in this case dialogue) is therefore critical. It is not, however, visual. The skillset required to transform word to screen is unique and not typically among a writer's talents.

I think actors are most appreciated by the audience because they provide the tangible link between them and the director. It's really difficult not to fall in love with a talented actor/actress.

Stength in only one of these three areas is necessary for GOOD film. Dog Day Afternoon is a great example of this. Strength in all three is quite rare and awe-inspiring. I suspect we see so few of these because they tend to not make any money.
What a nice topic for a lazy (boss is out of town) Thursday afternoon.
Cheers,
Jeff

[Harkonnendog]

My favorite film is Die Hard. I have never understood why, for most people, the idea of "true" cinema is not synonomous with great entertainment, and for me this film bridges that gap admirably. As any film student will know, this is a great film to study due to it's technical excellence and trend setting direction, but for me the true beauty of the film lies in the way McTiernan was able to capture the complexity and nuances of the character's, and consequently the audience as a whole, life experiences during times of high stress, replete with the bitter disappointments of missed opportunity in a mere 91 minutes. Also, despite the violence, the film has a joyous, life affirming conclusion.

:smile:

[MJB]

Dr. Strangelove.

Kubrick--Sellers...what's not to love?

MJB

[tonyespo]

I guess from what I'm reading XXX films are not allowed?:blushing:

Oh well, I guess I'll keep my favorites a secret.

Tony Espo

[roughrider]

Many of the films I love have been mentioned already. My taste in films is all over the charts.

North by Northwest
Rear Window
Strangers on a Train
To Catch a Thief
The Philadelphia Story
The Outsiders
Fight Club
Tombstone
American Pie (liked all 3 but #2 was the best)
Any Given Sunday
Varsity Blues
Dirty Harry
Escape From Alcatraz
Terminator 2
Predator
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Office Space
Super Troopers
The Godfather
Scarface


I can go on and on.

[mark the shoeshine boy]

I guess from what I'm reading XXX films are not allowed?:blushing:

Oh well, I guess I'll keep my favorites a secret.

Tony Espo

perhaps you should keep them "Behind The Green Door".....:blushing:

mark the shoehsine boy

[msandoval858]

I have too many to list. I watch a lot of indy film so many of my favorites are not as well known. If you're in to good drama here are some worth checking out that I've seen recently.

Everything is Illuminated
The Door in the Floor
The Girl in the Cafe
Enduring Love
The Squid and the Whale

More commonly known all time favs:

The Godfather
Carlito's Way
Requiem for a Dream (disturbing, but good movie)
The Usual Suspects
Scent of a Woman
Pulp Fiction

[AJS]

My favorite film is Die Hard. I have never understood why, for most people, the idea of "true" cinema is not synonomous with great entertainment, and for me this film bridges that gap admirably. As any film student will know, this is a great film to study due to it's technical excellence and trend setting direction, but for me the true beauty of the film lies in the way McTiernan was able to capture the complexity and nuances of the character's, and consequently the audience as a whole, life experiences during times of high stress, replete with the bitter disappointments of missed opportunity in a mere 91 minutes. Also, despite the violence, the film has a joyous, life affirming conclusion.

:smile:

Are you actually comparing Die Hard to Wild Strawberries? You sir, are a charlatan and a philistine:tongue:

[TheChefs]

Since I didn't see it mentioned - Gattaca, great movie. There are lots of others, but I can watch this one over and over.

[Jonnybc]

M. Hulot's Holiday
Dogma
Once Upon a Time in America
School for Scoundrels
Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines
Casablanca

Almost anything with Terry-Thomas.

Depends on my mood though.

[NMMB]

I had to think about this a lot since there are quite a few movies that are candidates for the position of "favourite"... but after some deliberation it has become quite clear to me that CLERKS must be my favourite film (though all of the films by Kevin Smith were certainly candidates - other than Jersy Girl, that is).

[Xert]

D: Mulholland Dr.
F: Cabaret Balkan

[Jonnybc]

I had to think about this a lot since there are quite a few movies that are candidates for the position of "favourite"... but after some deliberation it has become quite clear to me that CLERKS must be my favourite film (though all of the films by Kevin Smith were certainly candidates - other than Jersy Girl, that is).

Yeah, Clerks is good. I even bought the 10th anniversary version even though I already had the original release. There's a lot of gags running through the other Kevin Smith's films that originate from CLerks so it's well worth watching.

"I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE TODAY!" - Dante Hicks

CLerks II is out this year!

[dj88onmc]

My two all time favorites are:

1. The Sting (Redford and Newman)

2. 2001, A Space Odessy

[jfm]

As any film student will know, this is a great film to study due to it's technical excellence and trend setting direction, but for me the true beauty of the film lies in the way McTiernan was able to capture the complexity and nuances of the character's, and consequently the audience as a whole, life experiences during times of high stress, replete with the bitter disappointments of missed opportunity in a mere 91 minutes. Also, despite the violence, the film has a joyous, life affirming conclusion.

:smile:

Also by John McTiernan is the wonderful Hunt for Red October! Not quite faithful to the book, but good enough and very well put together for the genre.

[mark the shoeshine boy]

the Lost Horizon....

great old black and white....

mark the shoeshine boy

[NMMB]

Yeah, Clerks is good. I even bought the 10th anniversary version even though I already had the original release. There's a lot of gags running through the other Kevin Smith's films that originate from CLerks so it's well worth watching.

"I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE TODAY!" - Dante Hicks

CLerks II is out this year!

I have an autographed (by K. Smith) copy of Clerks X (10th anniversary edition) - it was a gift from my former roommate who also gave me an autographed copy of the book Silent Bob Speaks and is trying to pull a few strings so that we can have a private viewing of Clerks II (i.e. no other people in the cinema when we watch it) as a pre-wedding gift for me.

[AJS]

Seeing as we've moved the subject onto Kevin Smith films, and I am such a big fan of his, what does everyone think of his other films? Clerks was always my favourite, but I thought that Mallrats was unfairly panned by the critics. I liked Chasing Amy and Dogma a great deal, who could forget Jason Lee in Chasing Amy? But Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back was a big disappointment for me, and Jersey Girl isn't even fit to be mentioned in the same breath as his other films.

[NMMB]

Seeing as we've moved the subject onto Kevin Smith films, and I am such a big fan of his, what does everyone think of his other films? Clerks was always my favourite, but I thought that Mallrats was unfairly panned by the critics. I liked Chasing Amy and Dogma a great deal, who could forget Jason Lee in Chasing Amy? But Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back was a big disappointment for me, and Jersey Girl isn't even fit to be mentioned in the same breath as his other films.

OK, so as you may have guessed, K. Smith movies are a topic that I love to discuss... however, I'll try NOT to get too involved here as I don't know how much other people want to hear about it. My impressions/thoughts are as follows:

CLERKS - This may be a low budget film but it does not come up short in any measure (unless you are measuring colours - this was shot in B&W). It is intelligent enough to keep me interested and thinking (makes some good points, etc) but it does not give too many lessons (i.e. it isn't "preachy" when it makes a point). All around this is a great film and I would think that it is the best of the K. Smith movies.

MALLRATS - This is K. Smith with his first big-budget film. It is in colour (for those of you who hate B&W) and the "finish" is much better (i.e. editing, sound, etc). If you are expecting another CLERKS, well, you will probably be let down. MALLRATS is not as subtle as CLERKS... in fact, it is almost in-your-face slapstick at points ("You face forward, or you face the possibility of shock and damage" - If you know the movie that will mean something to you)... but even though it lacks the subtlety of CLERKS and does not come off as being as thoughtful/intelligent if you pay attention to the film and think about it a little you will see that there are actually some very good/intelligent points being made. As for the critics giving it a bad rap, well, I have to assume that they either didn't get it, or they just have no sense of taste (as has been illustrated MANY times by film critics).

CHASING AMY - A great film, though different from the movies mentioned above. This one has more of a plot (whereas CLERKS and MALLRATS didn't have much of a plot - though, MALLRATS did have more of a storyline than CLERKS) and is a weird spin on the boy-meets-girl love story... In this version boy meets lesbian who inexplicably changes the colour of her flag (so to speak) so that they can have a relationship but boy becomes irrationally insecure when he learns that she has a long and sordid heterosexual past before she joined the ranks of lesbian cartoonists. Add some brilliant and entertaining writing and acting and it is difficult NOT to have a great film.

DOGMA - A critical and satirical look at Catholicism in particular, but organized religion/belief in general... a film that is guaranteed to piss some people off because they will mistakenly and ignorantly assume that it is against religion - it is not. If you watch this film and think about it then you can have no doubt about that. If you are a religious person I would suggest that you DO watch this film (that's right watch it rather than avoid it) as it will provide you a great opportunity to reflect upon what you believe. On the other hand, if you are not a religious person I would suggest that you DO watch this film so that you can have a better understanding of some religious people think (and how they are taught to think).

JAY & SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK - Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back is just a big, dumb joke... there is no way around that. The movie spends a great time ridiculing itself ("a Jay and Silent Bob movie? Who would pay to see that?") and the other K. Smith films ("Chasing Amy"? That would never work as a movie"). The same actors play several characters in the film (Jason Lee, Brian O'Halloran, etc) and bring up old jokes from previous films... it is like one long inside joke that really isn't funny if you didn't pay attention to the other movies. Unlike CLERKS, MALLRATS, CHASING AMY and DOGMA there really isn't much about JAY & SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK that is intelligent (a few shreds here and there, but not enough for even me to pretend that it is a thoughtful film).

So, those are my thoughts... I may update after I see CLERKS II and add some thoughts on that film... also, I would like to suggest that you watch the Animated CLERKS TV show that was canned before it ever caught on (and probably for good reasons)... it is good for a laugh.

[Jonnybc]

I have an autographed (by K. Smith) copy of Clerks X (10th anniversary edition) - it was a gift from my former roommate who also gave me an autographed copy of the book Silent Bob Speaks and is trying to pull a few strings so that we can have a private viewing of Clerks II (i.e. no other people in the cinema when we watch it) as a pre-wedding gift for me.

Hmmmm... A private viewing of Clerks II is a fantastic pre-wedding gift, I wish I was in Canada, I'd pop along (if invited of course). I hope the film lives up to expectations, there aren't many "II" films that are better than the first.

[NMMB]

Hmmmm... A private viewing of Clerks II is a fantastic pre-wedding gift, I wish I was in Canada, I'd pop along (if invited of course). I hope the film lives up to expectations, there aren't many "II" films that are better than the first.

If my ex-roommate can pull this off then she will become a God in my books. We lived together for most of the time that I was doing my 2 undergrad degrees (about 6 out of the 7 years it took to get the 2 degrees) and the K. Smith movies are a big part of our history... it would be the best and most fitting gift that she could possibly give me.

[Jonnybc]

OK, so as you may have guessed, K. Smith movies are a topic that I love to discuss... however, I'll try NOT to get too involved here as I don't know how much other people want to hear about it. My impressions/thoughts are as follows:

CLERKS - This may be a low budget film but it does not come up short in any measure (unless you are measuring colours - this was shot in B&W). It is intelligent enough to keep me interested and thinking (makes some good points, etc) but it does not give too many lessons (i.e. it isn't "preachy" when it makes a point). All around this is a great film and I would think that it is the best of the K. Smith movies.

MALLRATS - This is K. Smith with his first big-budget film. It is in colour (for those of you who hate B&W) and the "finish" is much better (i.e. editing, sound, etc). If you are expecting another CLERKS, well, you will probably be let down. MALLRATS is not as subtle as CLERKS... in fact, it is almost in-your-face slapstick at points ("You face forward, or you face the possibility of shock and damage" - If you know the movie that will mean something to you)... but even though it lacks the subtlety of CLERKS and does not come off as being as thoughtful/intelligent if you pay attention to the film and think about it a little you will see that there are actually some very good/intelligent points being made. As for the critics giving it a bad rap, well, I have to assume that they either didn't get it, or they just have no sense of taste (as has been illustrated MANY times by film critics).

CHASING AMY - A great film, though different from the movies mentioned above. This one has more of a plot (whereas CLERKS and MALLRATS didn't have much of a plot - though, MALLRATS did have more of a storyline than CLERKS) and is a weird spin on the boy-meets-girl love story... In this version boy meets lesbian who inexplicably changes the colour of her flag (so to speak) so that they can have a relationship but boy becomes irrationally insecure when he learns that she has a long and sordid heterosexual past before she joined the ranks of lesbian cartoonists. Add some brilliant and entertaining writing and acting and it is difficult NOT to have a great film.

DOGMA - A critical and satirical look at Catholicism in particular, but organized religion/belief in general... a film that is guaranteed to piss some people off because they will mistakenly and ignorantly assume that it is against religion - it is not. If you watch this film and think about it then you can have no doubt about that. If you are a religious person I would suggest that you DO watch this film (that's right watch it rather than avoid it) as it will provide you a great opportunity to reflect upon what you believe. On the other hand, if you are not a religious person I would suggest that you DO watch this film so that you can have a better understanding of some religious people think (and how they are taught to think).

JAY & SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK - Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back is just a big, dumb joke... there is no way around that. The movie spends a great time ridiculing itself ("a Jay and Silent Bob movie? Who would pay to see that?") and the other K. Smith films ("Chasing Amy"? That would never work as a movie"). The same actors play several characters in the film (Jason Lee, Brian O'Halloran, etc) and bring up old jokes from previous films... it is like one long inside joke that really isn't funny if you didn't pay attention to the other movies. Unlike CLERKS, MALLRATS, CHASING AMY and DOGMA there really isn't much about JAY & SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK that is intelligent (a few shreds here and there, but not enough for even me to pretend that it is a thoughtful film).

So, those are my thoughts... I may update after I see CLERKS II and add some thoughts on that film... also, I would like to suggest that you watch the Animated CLERKS TV show that was canned before it ever caught on (and probably for good reasons)... it is good for a laugh.


Very succinct, pretty much sums up my view of these films. As for Jersey Girl being unfit to be mentioned in the same breath as his other films is a bit strong. It's just a differnt type of film (that had the good sense to kill off Jennifer Lopez within the first 10 minutes). Most Kevin Smith fans seem to expect an appearance of Jay and Silent Bob, without that it just doesn't cut it. Me? I really enjoyed it.

[NMMB]

Very succinct, pretty much sums up my view of these films. As for Jersey Girl being unfit to be mentioned in the same breath as his other films is a bit strong. It's just a differnt type of film (that had the good sense to kill off Jennifer Lopez within the first 10 minutes). Most Kevin Smith fans seem to expect an appearance of Jay and Silent Bob, without that it just doesn't cut it. Me? I really enjoyed it.

Jersy Girl was "a different type of film" (perhaps the understatement of the month) indeed. As you mention, if you watched that one looking for Jay & Silent Bob then you were bound to be a little pot-off by the film (I don't think that there were any fart jokes anywhere in Jersy Girl :biggrin: )... I had no such expectations when I watched the movie, I simply didn't care much for it... it is too much of a predictable, sappy, cheesy flick ... as that type of movie goes, Jersy Girl was, well, better than most, I guess... but it is still not my type of film

[setherd]

Dr. Strangelove
The Pink Panther series (Sellers only)
-sellers was a genius
Blazing Saddles
Empire of the Sun
Rear Window
Se7en
The Professional

--guilty pleasures--
Mallrats
Indiana Jones
Harry Potter
Star Trek 2 (wrath of Khan)
Austin Powers

[NMMB]

Seeing as we've moved the subject onto Kevin Smith films...


So,

I was out this evening with SWMBO to get some ink for the printer and happened to see Chasing Amy on DVD - after thinking about K. Smith films so much today I just had to buy it... I can't wait to watch it later.

[EL Alamein]

My favorite film of all time is Ben Hur followed by Gone With The Wind.

Chris

[Jonnybc]

So,

I was out this evening with SWMBO to get some ink for the printer and happened to see Chasing Amy on DVD - after thinking about K. Smith films so much today I just had to buy it... I can't wait to watch it later.

I had a devil of a job tracking down all the Kevin Smith films, it was a mission I started having watched Dogma purely by accident on one of the premium movie channels. They're all available easily now but back then it was difficult. I think I had to buy Clerks from America, Dogma came in a 3 box set (the other 2 films I haven't even watched), Chasing Amy from Ebay, Mallrats from a little independant DVD retailler.

[rtaylor61]

I watch a movie to be entertained. I don't want to think. I don't want to "figure out". I don't want to be on the "edge of my seat". Therefore:

Eddie and the Cruisers (all of them)
Rambo (all of them)
Charade
Arthur (I and II)
Most John Wayne and most Clint Eastwood movies
Silverado (there should have been a sequel)
Steven Segal movies
The Glenn Miller Story
The Cheyenne Social Club (who wouldn't want to own a whore house with Shirley Jones?)

Randy

[AJS]

I had a devil of a job tracking down all the Kevin Smith films, it was a mission I started having watched Dogma purely by accident on one of the premium movie channels. They're all available easily now but back then it was difficult. I think I had to buy Clerks from America, Dogma came in a 3 box set (the other 2 films I haven't even watched), Chasing Amy from Ebay, Mallrats from a little independant DVD retailler.


Taking the discussion away from films, but keeping with Kevin Smith, what do you think about the Clerks TV series?

[Jonnybc]

Taking the discussion away from films, but keeping with Kevin Smith, what do you think about the Clerks TV series?

Oddly enough, and I do have a fixatioon on Kevin Smith's films, I haven't seen a single episode of the TV series. I can't really explain why.

[AJS]

Oddly enough, and I do have a fixatioon on Kevin Smith's films, I haven't seen a single episode of the TV series. I can't really explain why.


You really should track down the set. Although the series is very different in tone than Clerks the movie, there's even an episode where fans of the film complain to Dante and Randall about the quality of the show, it is very funny. Think of Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back crossed with The Simpsons with a little bit of Family Guy thrown in for good measure and you will have some idea of what this series is like. Although as far as I am concerned this is much better than the Simpson's. It's not the most sophisticated comedy in the world, but it has enough in jokes to keep Kevin Smith fans happy and enough pop culture references for even the most hardened film/tv/comic geek.

[Jonnybc]

Righto... Thanks for that, ebay here I come then!

[jduffy]

North by Northwest obviously.

It's Hitchcock in his full powers, great story, beautifully shot.

Oh, and I'd take a train trip with Eva Marie Saint any day.

- Jim

[NMMB]

You really should track down the set ...

Very true! If you are a K. Smith fan (and it does appear that you are), then you will probably think that it is great. I will warn, however, that trying to get a non-fan to watch it is not easy - they will not think it is very funny (at least this has been my experience).

[Jonnybc]

Very true! If you are a K. Smith fan (and it does appear that you are), then you will probably think that it is great. I will warn, however, that trying to get a non-fan to watch it is not easy - they will not think it is very funny (at least this has been my experience).

Ok, ok!! You've convinced me, I'm gonna get the series! :thumbup:

[Sue]

I love movies, I can't pick one or even ten favorites:

Wild River, Montgomery Clift and Lee Remick
To Kill a Mockingbird, Gregory Peck
The Fight of the Phoenix, James Stewart
It's A Wonderful Life, James Stewart
On Golden Pond, Henry Fonda
Saving Private Ryan, Tom Hanks
Braveheart, Mel Gibson
ET
Forrest Gump, Tom Hanks, Sally Field
Shrek, Donkey and Gingerbread Man :)
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Original Beverly Hills Cop, Eddie Murphy
Dances With Wolves, Kevin Costner
The Hunt for Red October, Sean Connrery
Remember the Titans, Denzel Washington
The Pelican Brief, Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington

[Tony Miller]

What is your favourite film?


Kodachrome 64 <g>


Tony

[rtaylor61]

What is your favourite film?


Kodachrome 64 <g>


Tony

Tony's a Paul Simon fan!

Randy

[NMMB]

What is your favourite film?


Kodachrome 64 <g>


Tony

Really? I prefer Fujichrome Velvia 50... but I think that we may be going off of the intended topic a little... :smile:

[Jonnybc]

Really? I prefer Fujichrome Velvia 50... but I think that we may be going off of the intended topic a little... :smile:

I went digital a couple of years ago. :biggrin:

[rtaylor61]

Really? I prefer Fujichrome Velvia 50... but I think that we may be going off of the intended topic a little... :smile:

No, Kodak, Fuji, Ilford, those would be on topic for film. Now, all of the MOVIES getting listed...THEY are off topic! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Randy

[Jonnybc]

Ah... the English have always called films, well... er films. I think the term movies comes from our colonial cousins. :tongue_sm

[TheChefs]

I loved velvia for landscapes and provia for people. But now I've moved on to digital.

[Xert]

So,

I was out this evening with SWMBO to get some ink for the printer and happened to see Chasing Amy on DVD - after thinking about K. Smith films so much today I just had to buy it... I can't wait to watch it later.

I found it provocative and darkly humourous myself.

[woodbane]

The Shawshank Redemption, one of my favorite films ever. (uh-oh, showing my UK origins here:wink: )

There are surely just too many fantastic films and genres to pick just one, however I'd certainly have to list in my favorites (in no particular order or genre:biggrin: ):

Pulp Fiction
The Usual Suspects
Alien (still one of the best of it's genre IMHO)
Gladiator
As Good As It Gets
Four Weddings & A Funeral
Trainspotting
Austin Powers (I think people either get this humor or they don't)
Lord of The Rings Trilogy
The Original Star Wars & The Empire Strikes Back
Forrest Gump
28 Days Later (this film scared the **it outta me)
Raging Bull
Garden State
Sideways
Donnie Darko


Foreign:

Goodbye Lenin!
Run Lola Run
Bus 174
Das Boat
The Experiment

Man, there's loads of others I'm sure. 'Tis but a small sample of the great celluloid out there!:w00t:

[guenron]

What is your favourite film?


Kodachrome 64 <g>


Tony
It gives you those nice bright colors!

[guenron]

I have so many favorite films it is absolutely impossible to even build a short list. I was thinking though, no one mentioned Soylent Green (Edward G. Robinson and Charleton Heston and all of the FURNITURE GIRLS!), nor Risky Business (Oh Rebecca! Ah Tagerine Dream!), nor White Heat with Jimmy Cagney (Take dat you dirty rats!), or Fast Times at Ridgemont High (OH! Phoebe!).. Hmmm.... Enough!

[AJS]

I have so many favorite films it is absolutely impossible to even build a short list. I was thinking though, no one mentioned Soylent Green (Edward G. Robinson and Charleton Heston and all of the FURNITURE GIRLS!), nor Risky Business (Oh Rebecca! Ah Tagerine Dream!), nor White Heat with Jimmy Cagney (Take dat you dirty rats!), or Fast Times at Ridgemont High (OH! Phoebe!).. Hmmm.... Enough!

Hi Ron,
Are you a Cagney fan in particular or do you like film noir in general. I am a big film noir fan, Asphalt Jungle and Out of the Past are my favourites, but there are so many classics its hard to choose.
Speaking of Fast Times at Ridgemont High, any other fans of 80's teen sex comedies out there? If so I would suggest you step over your own mother to get your hands on H.O.T.S, probably the single worst film ever made but so delightfully entertaining. It is the very epitome of guilty pleasure:blush:

[guenron]

Hi Ron,
Are you a Cagney fan in particular or do you like film noir in general. I am a big film noir fan, Asphalt Jungle and Out of the Past are my favourites, but there are so many classics its hard to choose.
Speaking of Fast Times at Ridgemont High, any other fans of 80's teen sex comedies out there? If so I would suggest you step over your own mother to get your hands on H.O.T.S, probably the single worst film ever made but so delightfully entertaining. It is the very epitome of guilty pleasure:blush:
Love Cagney, love cine noir! Love Rebeca DeMornay too!

[yasuo200365]

Woody Allens "Crimes and Misdemeanors" - Great cast & an intelligent script that makes you think & laugh.

Gregory's Girl - Reminds me of school & my time in Scotland. It is a gentle story & well I've never quite got over Claire Grogan.

And the awards to the non-English speaking film goes to:

Tampopo - Japan is one of my favourite countries to visit and this movie reminds me of their sense of humour; a noodle bar parody of the Seven Samurai & The Magnificent Seven..., great stuff!

Fanny and Alexander - Ingmar Bergman in top form with this costume drama set around the turn of the last century.


Regards
John

[Jonnybc]

I've never quite got over Claire Grogan.


I had a thing for Clare Grogan in Red Dwarf, she has something I can't put my finger on (and if I did I'd be arrested).

[galopede]

Favourites come and go, currently
Amelie, full title, Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain. Audrey Tatou is gorgeous!

Sexy Beast (Ben Kingsley the world's best psychopath)

They were both on the box over the weekend too!

Gareth

[NMMB]

...it was a gift from my former roommate who also gave me an autographed copy of the book Silent Bob Speaks and is trying to pull a few strings so that we can have a private viewing of Clerks II (i.e. no other people in the cinema when we watch it) as a pre-wedding gift for me.


So,

Last night I had my private viewing of Clerks II... We stayed up until almost 5am watching it (couldn't get a free cinema until after they had closed for the night)... but it was well worth it... If you are a fan of K. Smith movies and have the chance, I suggest that you watch this movie. No, it isn't quite as deep as Clerks, but it is funny... Two thumbs up (or something much like that).

[Jonnybc]

So,

Last night I had my private viewing of Clerks II... We stayed up until almost 5am watching it (couldn't get a free cinema until after they had closed for the night)... but it was well worth it... If you are a fan of K. Smith movies and have the chance, I suggest that you watch this movie. No, it isn't quite as deep as Clerks, but it is funny... Two thumbs up (or something much like that).

Excellent, I'm glad you liked it! On that basis I am going to track down this film if it's the last thing I do, I've seen the DVD on ebay already actually. It wouldn't suprise me if it didn't make the cinemas in the UK.

[mrob]

Thinking of taking in a movie tonight--wife and kids aren't back from holiday till Saturday afternoon--maybe it will be Clerks II!

[fatt_tony]

Not unless I missed it no one mentioned any of the Robert Rodriquez films like El Mariachi
Desperado
Once Upon a Time in Mexico
Or the 2 Rob Zombie movies House of a 1000 Corpes and The Devils Rejects
Oh yeah can't forget about Bruce Campbell in the Evil dead movies and the must rent movie Bubba Ho-tep

[setherd]

saw clerks II last night...very funny!

[19george]

My Favorite film would have to be "Trainspotting". Going back to AJS' question about intellectual stimulation v. entertainment (back on the first page), this film I think really does both. Its a great fun movie but if you sit back and think about it there is a lot about the movie to disect.

Other favorites of mine include:
Heat
City of God
Gattaca
Memento
Brazil
Pi
Requiem for a Dream
A Clockwork Orange
The Nun's story

[rtaylor61]

After reading through this thread, apparently I am too easily entertained!

Randy

[AJS]

After reading through this thread, apparently I am too easily entertained!

Randy

Despite still keeping company with many of my intellectually snobbish college friends, many of whom were fil students, there is nothing I enjoy more than sitting down to watch Ski School, and you think you are too easily entertained?:lol:

[NMMB]

After reading through this thread, apparently I am too easily entertained!

Randy

Randy, there is no such thing as too easily entertained - being easily entertained just means that you are probably a happier person than the rest of us.

[mark the shoeshine boy]

i just watched "bench warmers" kind of funny without alot of vulgarity...david spade, napolean dynamite and a few others....it was worth the rent....

mark the shoeshine boy

[reginald-van-gleason]

Man, I'm leaving some of my favorites of this list, but currently, I like these:

Favorite Short: La Jetee

Favorite Comedies: The Heartbreak Kid and The Big Lebowski

Favorite Gangster Movie: The Godfather

Favorite "Action" Movie: Point Blank

Favorite Westerns: The Good the Bad and the Ugly, The Searchers, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid

Favorite "Foreign Language" Films: 8 1/2 and Ran

Favorite "Crime Caper": Le Cercle Rouge

Favorite Horror: Taxi Driver and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (the original)

Favorite Sci Fi: 2001 and Alien

[reginald-van-gleason]

Almost forgot, the greatest rock film of all times:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_Ewrzf_Bos

:biggrin:

[milomindrbindr]

Too many to choose just one!

Fight Club
Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid
The Sting (I'm a big Newman & Redford fan)
2001: A Space Odyssey
Paths of Glory
Full Metal Jacket (Equally large Kubrick fan)
City of God
The Downfall: Hitler and the End of the Third Reich
The Graduate
Citizen Kane

[iron maiden]

I've always liked Last of the Mohicans....the flintlocks really call out to me:biggrin:

[Ltltony]

Too many to choose just one!

Fight Club
Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid
The Sting (I'm a big Newman & Redford fan)
2001: A Space Odyssey
Paths of Glory
Full Metal Jacket (Equally large Kubrick fan)
City of God
The Downfall: Hitler and the End of the Third Reich
The Graduate
Citizen Kane

Looks like another newbie thread resurrection. :biggrin:

Mine is The Legend of 1900

[Straight Arrow]

My favorite movie is "To Kill a Mockingbird". This movie is perfection in its purest form. The book is also my favorite book. I have read the book four times and have seen the movie five times. I never tire of either. Just wonderful stuff.

[milomindrbindr]

Hey, a good thread is a good thread! And I'm not a newbie, apparently I'm "in M3 Remission" :)

[Tricknology]

Having run a video rental store, I've encountered so many differing opinions of what is considered a "good" movie. My take on it is that if it entertains you, it is good. My tastes, however, tend towards the somewhat lesser-visited end of the spectrum.
Favorite directors: Kubrick, Wong Kar Wai, M. Night Shyamalan, Darren Aronofsky, Tarantino, Hayao Miyazaki

Favorite Movies: Spirited Away, 2046, Akira, Gattaca, Apocalypse Now, Lady In The Water, Pi, Pollock, Kill Bill 1&2, The Green Butchers, and too many others to list. All liked/loved for their own merits.

[robertw]

The Singles Ward and the RM. I love really cornball comedys that I don't have to feel depressed after they end.

[masonjarjar]

Apocalypse Now

[TstebinsB]

Shawshank Redemption.

[Dr. Mike]

The Singles Ward and the RM. I love really cornball comedys that I don't have to feel depressed after they end.

I never thought I would see these movies listed here!!!!

Having seen them myself, I could only laugh.:biggrin:

[Dr. Mike]

For sheer entertainment value, I have 3 at the top - Star Wars, because it was so revolutionary and just a great tale; Casablanca, because Bogart is a must for this list; and Monty Python and the Holy Grail, because I can watch it for the 100th time and still get cracked up.

For the fact that they are just great movies, but may be a little on the dry boring side - Chariots of Fire, the Mission, Schindler's List. Schindler's List is one of those movies that still keeps me speechless.

[pibeandres]

D: Casablanca
F: My Neighbor Totoro

[masonjarjar]

Shawshank Redemption.


That's a damn fine movie.

I have a friend who's a prisoner in that movie, he's on screen for maybe 2 or 3 seconds.. :biggrin:

I grew up a few miles from that prison.

[joe mcclaine]

If I was forced to take one film it would be "Love, Honour and Obey"

I would be amazed if anyone else has heard about it, let alone seen it.

It was filmed during the making of a comedy series called "Operation Good Guys" a mockumentary on British police.

The crew got together and made a film called "Final Cut" and and also Love, Honour.

There was a basic plot and certain things to be said in scenes but it was mainly ad-libbed. To help with this all the characters have the same first names as the actors - so Jude Law's character is called Jude.

[superchucker77]

:a45:. Does that answer your question?

[micah1_8]

Hmmm... I'm partial to Fuji 400 iso.

Seriously though, pick a favorite film? Wow, I can't imagine such a concept. They're all like my children--if I had children. Really, there are some I find myself rewatching more than others, but a favorite. How do you guys narrow it down below 100 or so? :eek:

Really, I've got categories of lists of movies that I want to own. There's the master list, the short list, the really short list, and the absolute essentials. I can't even narrow down the absolute essentials to less than 20. :blushing:

[StGeorge]

The director and soundtrack play a big part in whether a film works for me or not, some of my favourites are:

Midnight Express - great acting, great score. Its not too true to the real story but its a cracking fim
Last of the Mohicans - Another great score and superb climax
Alien - Best of its genre bar none. Still stands up today and relies on suspense instead of gore. Very cleverly directed.
Crash - Real heart in your mouth stuff I love the soundtrack and the way the plot is interwoven.
Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels - best britflick ever, tongue in cheek but very clever.
Road to Perdition - another cracking score and beautifully directed.
Papillon - Put this in by mistake (age) but its still a cracking film
American Beauty - Any man in his middle years should be able to relate to this film. Beautifully directed.
Gladiator - Great action scenes and Joachim Phoenix is tremendous as the creepy son of Caesar. Russell Crowe's finest hour.

just to name a few. I'm a big fan of Thomas Newman for soundtracks, he really knows how to capture the mood of a film musically.

[blade08]

'Der Himmel über Berlin' aka 'Wings of Desire' by Wim Wenders. It's a celebration of life itself, it makes me realize that the small everyday things you may not notice matter the most. Amazing.

[Bluestaco]

Foreign: Elling
Comedy: Blazing Saddles (best movie ever made), Big Trouble, Office Space
Dramas: The Green Mile, Seabiscuit

[sol92258]

Hmmm... I'm partial to Fuji 400 iso.

Seriously though, pick a favorite film? Wow, I can't imagine such a concept. They're all like my children--if I had children. Really, there are some I find myself rewatching more than others, but a favorite. How do you guys narrow it down below 100 or so? :eek:

Really, I've got categories of lists of movies that I want to own. There's the master list, the short list, the really short list, and the absolute essentials. I can't even narrow down the absolute essentials to less than 20. :blushing:

Ya'll think he's joking.....
and over half on the list I've never heard of (not that that's too surprising)

anyway, greatest movie ever = Jaws:
I have never understood why, for most people, the idea of "true" cinema is not synonomous with great entertainment, and for me this film bridges that gap admirably. As any film student will know, this is a great film to study due to it's technical excellence and trend setting direction, but for me the true beauty of the film lies in the way Spielberg was able to capture the complexity and nuances of the character's, and consequently the audience as a whole, life experiences during times of high stress, replete with the bitter disappointments of missing bodies/bodyparts in a mere 120+ minutes. Also, despite the eating of humans, the film has a joyous, life affirming conclusion.

:biggrin1:

[BMWRider]

Wow, I am in the too close to call camp. Off the top of my head:

Foreign: The Lives of Others, Ran, The Samurai Trilogy, Ikiru, Seven Samurai, Seventh Seal, Life is Beautiful, Tales of Ugetsu, Grave of the Fireflies, Das Boot

Domestic: Green Mile, Blade Runner, Casablanca, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, To Kill a Mockingbird, Passion of the Christ, The Searchers, North By Northwest, 12 Angry Men, Shawshank Redemption

That is 20 and tomorrow I would probably see 50% of the list change.

[-bp-]

Fight Club...for so many reasons.

"Operation Latte' Thunder, GO!"

"His name is Robert Paulson"

"Don't worry...it's not a threat to you."

"In the industry, we call them, "cigarette burns".

"Slide"

"A hummingbird couldn't catch Tyler at work."

"You're a tourist. You're not really dying. I mean in the Sylvia Plath-Noel Coward sense, I know we're all dying. But not like Chloe in there is dying."

"We've just had a near-life experience!"

F##% Martha Stewart! Martha's polishing the brass on the Titanic, Man! It's all going down!"

And, of course...the rules...

Forget the stunning, ground-breaking camera work or the incredible acting...this is a movie that actually makes a great book BETTER.

[Lynchmeister]

Trainspotting.

[fitzer]

+1 Le Samourai - check it out through netflix, beautiful movie.

[kwk285]

All movies pale to ....Caddyshack

[Roman414]

That is like asking, "What is your favorite food?" You have to do it by categories. Like, best musical, "Singing In The Rain." Best sci-fi, "Brazil". Best drama, "Treasure of Sierra Madre".

[sol92258]

That is like asking, "What is your favorite food?" You have to do it by categories. Like, best musical, "Singing In The Rain." Best sci-fi, "Brazil". Best drama, "Treasure of Sierra Madre".

Not if you're a shark..... :biggrin1:

[desmoface]

Cinema Paradiso

Steve

[thirdeye]

The Shawshank Redemption
Clockwork Orange
Beautiful Minds
Just to mention a few...

[Tricknology]

Foreign: Elling
Comedy: Blazing Saddles (best movie ever made), Big Trouble, Office Space
Dramas: The Green Mile, Seabiscuit


Trainspotting.

Excellent choices on Elling and Trainspotting. :w00t:

[Walravine]

This forum represent a very varied cross section of society from all areas of the world, so in order to try and get a grasp of current cinematic trends I would appreciate it if you could let me know what your favourite films are and why this is so.

Blowthello
Mr. Holland's Anus
Schindler's Fist
Three Days Of The Condom
Lolita Lays an Egg (Director's version)

oh, and Dirty Debutantes #1-867


Interesting replies so far. When selecting a film to watch, does entertainment take precedence?

For me it's always about the dialogue and script.

[WebGeezer]

Clockwork Orange.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

This way the cosmos remains in balance.

Both of which have been committed to memory. Which means I should also consider adding Fahrenheit 451 to the list.

[RexHavoc]

The Seven Samurai, Casablanca, and God help me, Mad Max:001_rolle......the last two I can recite the dialog from beginning to end..

[McTeague]

1. Animal House
2. The Blues Brothers
3. Caddyshack

[-bp-]

Walvarine,
I can't believe you forgot "Shaving Ryan's Privates":lol::lol::lol:

[Badger Boo]

Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn, Bogart, William Holden)

Roman Holiday (Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck)

Philadelphia Story (Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart)

To Kill A Mockingbird (Gregory Peck)

Robin Hood: Men In Tights :lol:(I've seen it so many times I could quote it verbatim.)

[Johnny Dale]

Rear Window
Casablanca
The Searchers
Monty Python & The Holy Grail
Dial M For Murder
Stranger On A Train

I never tire of watching these.

[Lynchmeister]

Blowthello
Mr. Holland's Anus
Schindler's Fist
Three Days Of The Condom
Lolita Lays an Egg (Director's version)

oh, and Dirty Debutantes #1-867



For me it's always about the dialogue and script.

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[SlyGI]

Interesting replies so far. When selecting a film to watch, does entertainment take precedence? Or does anybody here prefer to be challenged by their choice of viewing, and select films that they can spend weeks dissecting? I suppose really it is a matter of preference at the time, but like I said in my original post, I don't think that entertainment and great cinema are mutually exclusive.
Since everyone else provided a selection of films, I would add to my original choice the following films: The Legend of the Holy Drinker, The Keep, Shoot the Piano Player, Dazed and Confused, Out of the Past, La Belle Noiseuse (not just because Emmanuelle Beart spends the majority of the film naked:blushing: ) and Lovers of the Arctic Circle.

I think I look at films as entertainment first and foremost. Plus, my favorite film changes with my mood.

Right now:

Favorite film: James Bond, Casino Royal 2006

My most hated film of all time: Eraserhead.
BTW, could someone explain to me just what that movie is really about?

Honorable mentions are: RAN, Casablanca, Brazil, Saving Private Ryan, The Longest Day, Star Wars (original 1977), All three Lord of the Rings movies.

[SlyGI]

Oh, also, I really, really, like Breakfast at Tiffineys.

[SlyGI]

Shoot. This is getting really bad. I also remember really enjoying "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead." I haven't seen it in a hundred years so I don't know if I'd like it as much today.

Just found the cool edit feature too. I must throw up American Beauty. G-d that was a totally cool movie.

[LX_Emergency]

I think:
"The Truman Show"

But close to that "Casablanca maybe...or the original Frankenstein (love those original horror movies)

As for favorite animated:

The Emperor's new Groove.
The storyline might not be THAT impressive but the dialogue cracks me up EVERY time.

As a close second a film that I recently saw on tv again: "The Iron Giant"

[micah1_8]

Shoot. This is getting really bad. I also remember really enjoying "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead." I haven't seen it in a hundred years so I don't know if I'd like it as much today.

Just found the cool edit feature too. I must throw up American Beauty. G-d that was a totally cool movie.

That was a classic!

[masonjarjar]

BTW, could someone explain to me just what that movie is really about?


It's about annoying you.


So, I guess it's a good movie in that respect .. :lol:

[-bp-]

re: Eraserhead.

The very nature of all things David Lynch is to be totally non-linear and dreamlike. I'm not sure if he secretly delights in torturing those who expect linear storytelling, but he certainly does a good job of it.
I was delighted to find that Mullholland Drive was chapterless. If you stop it completely in the middle, you have to fast-forward from the beginning or watch the whole thing again.
Stll, I love Lynch's work (okay, except Dune). Actually, to see what a great classic storyteller Lynch can be, check out "The Elephant Man" or "The Straight Story" (no, it's not about a razor:lol:)

[Romulus]

Citizen Kane, such a well made film.

[Badger Boo]

Oh, also, I really, really, like Breakfast at Tiffineys.

+1 :w00t: (Minus Mickey Rooney's Role:mad3:)

[Stauff]

Death in Venice (Visconti)

[SmoovD]

Favorite flick: Wim Wender's Wings of Desire.
Favorite director: Luis Bunuel- watch everyone you can get your grubby hands on, except his Robinson Crusoe. blech.

[Tricknology]

Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn, Bogart, William Holden)



Oh, also, I really, really, like Breakfast at Tiffineys.

Oh how I love Audrey. Classic choices :001_smile

[SlyGI]

re: Eraserhead.

The very nature of all things David Lynch is to be totally non-linear and dreamlike. I'm not sure if he secretly delights in torturing those who expect linear storytelling, but he certainly does a good job of it.
I was delighted to find that Mullholland Drive was chapterless. If you stop it completely in the middle, you have to fast-forward from the beginning or watch the whole thing again.
Stll, I love Lynch's work (okay, except Dune). Actually, to see what a great classic storyteller Lynch can be, check out "The Elephant Man" or "The Straight Story" (no, it's not about a razor:lol:)

Boy he tortured the heck out of me on that. I was really trying to figure it out. It was so depressing. And the weird "alien" baby totally freaked me out. I guess I don't do good with non-linear. :blushing:

[jat9096]

Braveheart!

[FG3]

Gladiator
Last of the Mohicans
Rob Roy
Heat
Home from the hill

[Paris]

Perhaps not on anyone's top ten list:
Jaws
Bullit

[ænema]

Full Metal Jacket

[sweetzen]

Sorry, I can't pick just one. How about these three (for now, at least):

Live action: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
Stop Motion Animation: Corpse Bride
Anime: Howl's Moving Castle

I love animation, and I love kids' films. They are often so much better thought out and put together than films aimed at adults. And, I can watch them with the kid! This is always a bonus. :biggrin:

[sullivanpm]

Too many to pick one
I can watch Millers Crossing over and over.

[kestrel]

Becket - excellent writing, great acting, spectacular sets and costumes

The Horse's Mouth - excellent writing, great acting.

Breakfast at Tiffany's - good writing, good acting, AUDREY HEPBURN

Graham

[McTeague]

Becket's a great film. "One must fight the cold with the cold's weapons."

[LX_Emergency]

Sorry, I can't pick just one. How about these three (for now, at least):

Live action: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
Stop Motion Animation: Corpse Bride
Anime: Howl's Moving Castle

I love animation, and I love kids' films. They are often so much better thought out and put together than films aimed at adults. And, I can watch them with the kid! This is always a bonus. :biggrin:
Ahw man! How can you pick the Corpse Bride over "A Nightmare before Christmas"? Don't get me wrong I like both but ANBC was definately better.

[kongjie]

Bladerunner, doesn't look like anyone else has listed it yet.

And listing more than one is breaking the rules. You either should list one film or answer that you can't pick one out of many LOL.

[Bowcephalus]

Fuji Sensia...........

[Big_E]

All Quiet on the Western Front.
The one with Ernest Borgnine and Johnboy. It's not enough to suggest that people are getting shot up and blown up, I have to see it for myself! :tongue_sm
Ernest

[DaveAri]

"And Justice for All" - I'm out of order, your out of order, this whole court is out of order.

[Rolo]

This is hard there is just so much to choose from.

Every so often I compile a top 5 list. Over the years some movies have been dropped for others and so on. The only one that has made the top 5 list every single time is
Cinema Paradiso.
I suppose that would make it my favorite.

[col conk]

This is hard to narrow down to one. I will pick five
The Godfather
The Shining-(doesnt follow the book ,but I love it)
Dr Strangelove
Jaws -(For the characters, not the shark)
Goodfellas

[jtc33]

This is an old thread, but maybe it needs revisiting. I would add:

Annie Hall
The Great Escape
Shindler's List

JTC

[the beav]

This is one of my favorites:North by Northwest starring Cary Grant. Great plot and great sets.

27166

[Zach V.]

Very tough to call, but here are some favorites from different genres:

Dances with Wolves (if I had to pick just one, this would be it)
Rocky (the original)
The Usual Suspects
Good Fellas
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Taxi Driver


A pretty "normal" list probably, but that's what I like

[JBHoren]

1988: Bull Durham
1989: Field of Dreams
1999: For Love of the Game

http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/images/BD.jpg http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/images/FOD.jpg http://www.horen.org.il/jpegs/images/FLOTG.jpg

[jtc33]

For one of the funniest movies that still makes me laugh just to think of certain scenes like the pizza delivery to the classroom, I would have to add Fast Times At Ridgemont High.

JTC

[SCWilson]

In no particular order: Seven Samurai, Blade Runner, Breakfast at Tiffanys, To Kill a Mockingbird, North by Northwest, McLintock!, The Quiet Man, Casablanca, Key Largo, The Big Sleep, Teacher's Pet, Bringing Up Baby, Brazil, Rebecca, and Harvey.

[whatever]

The Passion of Joan of Arc (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0019254/)
Rashomon (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042876/)
Sunrise (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0018455/)
La Strada (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047528/)
City Lights (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0021749/)
The Silence of the Lambs (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102926/)

Can't choose one :frown:

[IGNITERS]

Bladerunner, doesn't look like anyone else has listed it yet.

And listing more than one is breaking the rules. You either should list one film or answer that you can't pick one out of many LOL.

YES ! BLADERUNNER ....thats my vote too!

[Grizzled Veteran]

Domestic: The General (silent)

Foreign: The Battle of Algiers

[Not A Nice Person]

Great thread . . . like most, I'd find it impossible to pick just one. Some, like The Professional, Fight Club, Braveheart and The Godfather, already have multiple votes going.

Some that haven't been mentioned yet:

Reservoir Dogs. Brilliant editing and acting, and much darker than the equally brilliant Pulp Fiction in the same style/genre.

The Fifth Element. Granted, I'm a total Luc Besson fanboy (his The Professional is on my short list) but this, to me, is one of the best SF films of all time. Dazzling special effects, extraordinary costume/set design (Gaultier), great cast, HUGE action sequences, dark humor, clever back-and-forth film editing schtick, highly quotable dialogue, intriguing underlying mythos, just the whole nine yards. I've probably watched it 100 times.

Twelve Monkeys. Just brilliant . . . Terry Gilliam is another of my "must see anything they do" people.

A Fish Called Wanda. I wish they made more comedies like this, instead of crappy teen smirkage and witless moron showcases . . . brilliant acting, laugh till you pee yourself dialogue, hilarious, twisty plot.

Children of Men . . . newest film on my short list. Incredible movie. Dark, gritty, thought-provoking, and profoundly moving. One of those you think about for days and even weeks afterward, and watch again and again.

NANP™

[kestrel]

The Fisher King

Becket

Breakfast At Tiffany's

[micah1_8]

This one. (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=55358)

:001_rolle

[gadawgx3]

The Godfather