films
Despite my glaring nostalgia I don't mourn the loss of VHS.
It was quite a frustrating endeavour to squint at a flickering freeze-frame in an attempt to soak up Han Solo's ragged beauty just before he kisses Princess Leia.
I much preferred the DVD version. Yes, DVD. BluRay oftentimes is too much - too much colour, too much definiton. Realer than real. Apparently I still need a bit of grittiness.
What I do miss though is the ritual of renting a film. Meeting with friends at the video store, roaming the aisles for far too long, the disappointment to see that all the new and popular films are already rented out and finally settling for a laughable bad horror flick. Oh, yes! And paying extra when you forgot to rewind the tape.
And I miss making that obnoxious joke about having to retun some video tapes
.
All in all streaming isn't that bad. Thousands of films just a click away - that's the dream, right? Just don't forget to keep copies of the films that are dear to you as well.
Now, behold: my - spoiler free - collection of films that I watched and liked. Or keep on watching again and again and again... because they're that good!
Creep » 2014
I do love horror films, and over the years it has become a tradition to ring in the weekend by watching a horror film on Friday nights. The problem is there's such a variety in the horror genre itself - psychological, paranormal, supernatural, slasher, gore, etc. - and what exactly one deems truly horrific is highly subjective. Of course, in the end everything is a matter of personal taste but with the horror genre it's crucial because either the film works as intended or it merely gives you a chuckle, you cringe or are revolted. I don't mind doing any of those things, that's why I'm not deterred by a 3.2 IMDb rating. I watch them all, the trick is to have no expectations at all. I only draw a line whenever I feel like the a film's idea springs from a truly deranged mind... Who did you think of? I mean Eli Roth. Okay, back to the actual topic. So, whenever I'm asked about my favourite horror film, I say Creep. Without going into any details whatsoever - it'd ruin the fun for you - this film had me on the edge, it does a fantastic job to both put you in the victim's shoes and toying with your head as well. I didn't see the ending coming, really. I also think that the film only works with Mark Duplass - good thing he wrote the script and made himself star in it. He honestly frightens me. But then again he's so charming in a dorky way; handsome too. And he makes me laugh. What a deadly combination, eh? My verdict: the film is a breath of fresh air, even though it's a decade old already.
The Girl with the Fork » 2024
I chose this film purely based on the intriguing cover art and the strange title. I wasn't even truly aware of what the film was about. Well, I can't recount the plot to you because that'd be a spoiler but I can tell you that once again, picking films based on the strangeness of the title proved to be a success. The film in a way reminded me of the works of Michelangelo Antonioni. That's really more of a gut feeling than a sharp analysis though. The pacing of The Girl with the Fork is at times off and true to the nature of artsy independent films, dialogue is sparse. However, the cinematography is gorgeous, I loved the colours, the long shots and the rather unsettling camera perspective. What's more, all this is not purely aesthetics but serves a purpose - exploring themes of watching and being watched. That being said, you have to do some reading in this film; cards and text messages in particular, and since those scenes are filmed from a voyeuristic
angle, the text is upside down. I don't know if it's severe lack of sleep but my brain had a hard time processing it so I had to stop the film once in a while and press my nose to the screen. Anyway, it's a gripping suspense and keeps you guessing about the plot. The music is just brilliant, enhancing the slighty nightmarish atmosphere. I recommend this film to those of you who are tired of all the current cookie cutter mainstream movies.
Help! » 1965
When you ask people who aren't Beatlemaniacs like me about Help! they'll likely remember two things: The grand shared flat with four separate doors and John's pit bed. Gear fab, no doubt but there's more! First of all, the film is in colour. Maybe an epiphany for some that in fact not all The Beatles have black hair. Help! is not as witty as A Hard Day's Night. It's more like a goofy James Bond spoof with stoned pop stars who just needed an excuse to travel for a bit but it's still iconic, I've watched it dozens of times and I occasionally quote it. As my love for I Dream of Jeannie suggests, I have a fondness for miniature character scenes. Naked tiny Paul, only veiled in a Wrigley's Spearmint gum wrapper, is very cute. The cinematography when The Beatles sing You're Going to Lose That Girl is so beautifully artsy - cigarette smoke never looked so good! My favourite scene though is Ticket to Ride in the sheltering alps. ⛄️ It's so whimsical and honestly just The Beatles fooling around in the snow but it warms my heart every time.
Beat Girl » 1960
Have you ever wondered what I mean when I describe my aesthetic as Beatnik? Watch this film because this is it! Cigarette pants, ballet flats, coffee bars and the original - literal - cavern jazz club. I love Gillian Hills' character Jennifer so much. She's the perfect - pretentious - rebellious teenager with such zest and fire. It's truly delightful to watch. The soundtrack is both groovy and sleazy and arranged by no other than John Barry, who would come up with the James Bond theme only two years later. The cast consists of gems like teen-age heartthrob Adam Faith, Oliver Reed - only known as Plaid Shirt
- and a very creepy Christopher Lee. And let me tell you, this flick has the sexiest striptease scene I've ever seen. Far out, daddy-o.
Goncharov » 1973
Winter comes to Naples.
And thus unfolds an epic story about love, betrayal, violence, death and time. Truly, the greatest mafia movie ever made. No matter how often I watch this film, every time I discover yet another small detail or theme that I haven't noticed before. Whilst the cast is top-notch - I never knew Harvey Keitel could look so hot with an eye patch - I absolutely adore Cybill Shepherd as Katya and I desperately want her Alexandrite ring. Or a pocket watch. Speaking of mastery: the final scene where - spoiler - Andrey shoots Goncharov is exactly what makes 70s cinema the best. The tragic parallels between Goncharov not being able to react to Andrey pointing a gun at him because he realises he loves him and Andrey telling Goncharov in the infamous Clocktower scene If you loved me, you wouldn’t have missed.
😭 In a way I'm glad that due to the director's tragic death - yes, contrary to popular belief it is not Martin Scorsese but Matteo JWHJ 0715 - there won't be a sequel. I don't think a second film could live up to the incredible high standards anyway. That being said, I wish I could get my hands on Gonczarów, the Polish mini series from 1966 which Goncharov is based on but as far as I know that sadly is considered lost media.
Alien » 1979
The film that established the Save the Cat Moment. 🐱 While I do think the ratings for Alien are a bit too high, it's rather excellent in creating suspense - y'know that first part of the film that people tend to deem boring
. The design is superb and looks good even today. What I liked most - aside from Jonesy - is that all the characters are real people. They all - ahem - look like real people. But the infamous underwear scene is a grot spot for me. It kinda ruined a good and cool character depiction. The explanation why this scene was filmed and the original idea behind it is even worse and just shows that something's not wired right with Ridley Scott.
Magical Mystery Tour » 1967
I can see how this film flopped; it must've been quite underwhelming for people without colour TV back then. Also granted, there's no story - but it is a collection of really groovy music videos. Blue Jay Way basically invented the cat filter. And just like A Hard Day's Night it is a treasure trove of quotes. At least for me. I love MMT so much, that I invested in the special edition box a couple of years ago. The alternative version of Fool on the Hill is my favourite video and a prime example of how beautiful Paul McCartney is. I just love how 60s this film is without being too cliché psychedelic.
Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg » 2023
I'm not a Rolling Stones fan but I'm a sucker for 60s documentaries and the whole Swinging London scene so naturally I just had to see that film. I loved all the home video style footage and just the fact that the whole documentary is in Anita's voice (well, an actor's voice but you get the idea...) got me hooked immediately. I'm vaguely aware that there's controversy regarding her but just from this documentary I found her to be an incredible woman. To say something groovy
- I say wow
!
Valerie and her Week of Wonders » 1970
I came across this film thanks to Final Girl Studio's video essay The Horror of Girlhood. I was so intrigued by the utterly beautiful cinematography that I had to watch it immediately. I think it really enhanced the viewing experience to have seen the video essay beforehand; otherwise I would've missed some of the imagery. It is both a dreamy fairytale and unsettling twisted film about girlhood and sexuality which I could relate to a lot. Also, Orlík somehow looks like a pervy Magical Mystery Tour John Lennon but that could just as well be my weirdly wired brain. 🤪
Nowhere Boy » 2009
That's a controversial film - at least among Beatle People. I love it though. It captures the essence of young John Lennon well - mind you this isn't a documentary - and I especially like how the relationship with Julia is portrayed. It's probably even better to watch when you don't know all that much about John and get that unnerving feeling that this is not how mother and son should interact with each other. Funnily enough, that portrayal is something lots of people criticise (plus the fight with Paul of course) but come on! John never had a normal relationship with any woman, least mothers or mother figures. Also, the Mimi in the film is just about as I imagine the real life Mimi to have been. Anyway, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is pretty hot as well, so...
Get Back » 2021
I spent almost a whole year - starting Decemer 2020 when I actually cried happy tears watching the trailer - in a fantastical thrill of anticipation and the three days in November 2021 when it finally aired were most definitely the hightlight of the year for me. First 30 minutes of seeing The Beatles in HD I kept thinking, Oh my God, they're real. They're real people!
I know, I know...but still!
Having re-watched Let It Be, I admire Peter Jackson even more for giving this documentary a real engaging story line; he almost had me convinced that The Beatles wouldn't make it to the roof after all.
Comedy highlight: MLH being dragged onto the roof. Most frustrating moment: well, what did happened in India?! (and the split screen during the concert). Most emotional moment: when they showed John's Rishikesh films and added by John Lennon production
and John Lennon's reel
, just as John's suggesting it in jest.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid » 1969
The film is funny, it's about friendship, it even has some sort of love triangle in it, it's thoroughly endearing and it has the perfect ending. What more could one possibly want? Oh yes, it also stars the two most handsome men ever and Burt Bacharach did the soundtrack. 🧡
A Hard Day's Night » 1964
This has to be the first Beatles film (of many to come) because it's my all time favourite. AHDN is funny, it's fast paced and it has gorgeous and really fresh cinematography - even by today's standard. Not to mention a superb soundtrack, naturally. This film is so iconic, I quote it all the time. It even has social commentary in it. Honest. When I feel down, I put the DVD on and at least for the next 87 minutes 🎶 I Feel Fine 🎶.
Life of Belle » 2024
This is such a gem! Don't let the bad acting in the beginning deter you. I thoroughly enjoyed this horror film. I don't think I've ever seen better child actors than in this film. It all made sense when I learned in the end credits that in fact this was a real family acting. Also, the house looked so real (I assume it was the family's actual home), I had the biggest urge to vaccuum the upstairs floor and dewrinkle the carpet. I've seen people critizising the ending - but really, how do you end a film like that? I found it to be pretty perfect.