With most of the focus of this blog being on what new films are currently featuring in the cinema, and which of these should be seen/not seen, I decided to change things up a bit and start series of posts on films every person must see, spanning through all time. These films shall have to meet no other criteria than to be ones I feel are necessary watches for every individual during their lifetime. So in each installment I shall present 5 films and give my reasons for them being so important.
Fight Club (1999 - David Fincher)
'Fight Club' follows a lonely insomniac office employee and a soap salesman as they build a global organisation to help vent male aggression. This film is one of a kind, and probably Fincher's best to date, even though he has a strong back catalogue. The film explores themes such as materialism, honor and freedom in an unconventional yet very effective fashion with an unforgettable dark sense of humour weaved throughout. Brad Pitt and Edward Norton are superb in their roles, and the always amazing Helena Bonham Carter delivers one of her absolute best performances as Marla Singer. This film is very intelligent, and therefore will prove to be a source of many discussions after viewing, particularly because of the movie's infamous twist.
Mystic River (2003 - Clint Eastwood)
'Mystic River' details the story of a reunion between three childhood friends after one of them loses his daughter. Clint Eastwood presents one his greatest directorial features in 'Mystic River' creating a gripping drama, which engages from beginning to end, a gritty masterpiece. The performances in this movie are sublime from each and every single cast member(particularly from Sean Penn - wow) , overall being one of the greatest performances by an ensemble cast, ever! Each character is fascinating, and as more is revealed about them over the course of the movie, the story just becomes more engaging.
The Silence Of The Lambs (1991 - Jonathan Demme)
'The Silence Of The Lambs' tells of a young FBI cadet that must confide in an incarcerated and manipulative killer to receive his help in catching another serial killer who skins his victims. This does not sound like the usual winner of the coveted Academy Award for 'Best Picture', but it deservedly stole the show at that night's awards, as it is magnificent in every way. Utterly gripping and suspenseful throughout, and with two fantastic lead performances. Anthony Hopkins is both creepy and compelling as Hannibal Lecter, creating one of the most unforgettable leading performances ever captured on film. Jodie Foster also shines as the dedicated and hard nosed FBI cadet, Clarice Starling. Shot brilliantly, to get the most out of each moment, this film is utterly unmissable.
Shawshank Redemption (1994 - Frank Darabont)
'Shawshank Redemption' is about two imprisoned men who bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency. My own personal favourite, this film is both engaging and thought provoking, and is a fantastic piece of storytelling. With multiple elements to the plot weaving together throughout the film's run time, this movie has so many layers, each as compelling as the next. The cast are superb in their roles, most notably Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. It is so easy to get swept into this story, and Steven King's novel has been adapted for the screen with great elegance. The cinematography is also superb in this picture. I love everything about this film, and cannot recommend it more highly.
To Kill A Mockingbird (1962 - Robert Mulligan)
'To Kill A Mockingbird' tells the story of Atticus Finch a small town lawyer in the depression-era south, who defends a black man against an undeserved rape charge, and his kids against prejudice. This film is storytelling at its purest and finest, Harper Lee's novel was adapted fantastically to create an absolute classic in cinema. Gregory Peck is wonderful in his portrayal of the courageous Atticus Finch, a true hero, a performance which is quite frankly, perfection. Shot in black and white, the story is brought vividly to the screen, with the small town being created superbly in both style and atmosphere. Exploring themes which are still incredible important today, most notably people's attitudes towards race, the story is both important in its message but also very engaging.
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