Also, there are a couple (well, not a couple. more like 7) that I didn't include in deciding what should go on this list, because I wanted to talk about them in proper reviews, hopefully next week. But knowing me, and knowing all the work I have to get done, that might not come to fruition. But you never know, I might actually keep my promise this time.
So, like last time, top ten films that have been released previously. Let's get started.
10. The Phantom of the Opera (1989)
Yes, I did watch the original Nightmare on Elm Street, and while I do love Robert Englund as Freddie Krueger (mind you, I'd love Robert Englund in anything), it was this film where I really felt he was able to show how good an actor he is. I'd say he's up there with Doug Jones as someone who is able to act through the intense make-up that he is known for acting in. So, how is this version of Phantom? Well, it's got a lot more gore, the woman playing Christine is a little weak at times, and there is a weird prologue and epilogue thing going on. But in all honesty, Robert Englund's Phantom is on of the best versions of the character, able to change from smooth and suave to a ruthless murderer in the same scene. If you're not too scared of gore and love Phantom and haven't come across this version then I would recommend it. Bill Nighy has a supporting role as well! What more could you want?
9. The Station Agent (2003)
I recently started watching Game of Thrones (yes, late, I KNOW) and most of praise comes down to Peter Dinklage is amazing. And he's been pretty awesome in everything I've seen him in, and this is no exception. So, this is one of those Sundance indie film, but I kinda like it. It's quiet and small and the characters are interesting. Plus it has a good subtext about discrimination. And it has trains. I have a soft spot trains. But yeah, Peter Dinklage is a lot more reserved than he is in some of his other roles and it does get a little melodramatic towards the end. But again, it's quite a good film. Michelle Williams has one of her first supporting roles in this as well. If you like indie films, then you probably like this. If you like Peter Dinklage, he isn't as big acting-wise as he is in Game of Thrones but he is still as excellent as he always is.
8. The Seven Year Itch (1955)
Ah, this list wouldn't be complete without at least one Billy Wilder movie! This is one comedy that everyone has heard of, even if only for the famous Marilyn Monroe skirt flying scene. But it isn't really Marilyn's movie, even though she is hilarious in it. But no, this film belongs to Tom Ewell as a mild-mannered husband with an overactive imagination and who causes so much trouble for himself when Marilyn Monroe's character moves into the apartment upstairs. It's a very silly film about infidelity, and the romance between the two leads is very gentle and quite cute as well. I wouldn't put it up there with some of Wilder's other comedies, like The Apartment or Some Like It Hot. But it is enjoyable!
7. Taxi Driver (1976)
So, this was a film that my mum didn't want me to watch. On the one hand I can see why, it is quite an ugly, bleak film. But on the other hand, THE SAX!! Oh my god, the sax soundtrack in this film is so amazing! That's what made this film stay in my mind. That and Rober De Niro is pretty fantastic as Travis Bickle, a man who slowly loses his grip on reality as he tries again and again to reach out to someone. Jodie Foster is also in this, and is scarily good as a child prostitute, and if you are a film student this is one of those films that you have to see. At least once, and I'm glad I did.
6. The Lady Vanishes (1938)/Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
I couldn't pick just one! Hitchcock films are my weakness, and I really like both of these ones. The Lady Vanishes is one of his earlier English films and it has two of the best supporting characters ever! They're just so English and funny and their bromance is my favourite part of the film. And the actual mystery is very intriguing and keeps you guessing until the end. Shadow of a Doubt is probably one of his best thrillers (that I have seen so far). The character of Uncle Charlie is one of the best villians I have come across this year. And it was great to see such an awesome film homaged in Stoker this year. Yeah, more Hitchcock is never a bad thing. Go watch these both, now!
5. Topsy-Turvy (1999)
The Mikado was the very first G&S operetta I saw, so it holds some sentimental value for me. When I first heard that this film about how The Mikado came about had been made, needless to say I was more than a bit excited. Of course, this being a non-mainstream movie, it never made it to my local video shop. Or it did one and then disappeared into the black hole of lost movies. So I had to wait until I discovered it was at my univesity library to finally watch this glorious movie. I'm not the biggest fan of Mike Leigh, I often find his films too distant for my liking. But here, that distance worked. There have been a lot of backstage-musicals, but I think this is the only one that really gets the atmosphere and dynamics of the backstage area. If you have ever been in a show, then I would highly recommend it. If you like Gilbert and Sullivan, then I would recommend it even more. Their relationship is at the heart of the film and both Jim Broadbent and Allan Corduner are perfect in their roles. In all honesty, I have enough notes to write a whole proper review on this film, so I will finish by saying that I think this is one of the best biopics that I have seen.
4. Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)
I have no words. This is a great film, an excellent musical and just brilliant in every sense of the word. The music swings from country to heavy rock to sweet ballads and is never boring. Hedwig is one of the most interesting characters I've come across in years. And the way the story is told is so different to other musicals... Really, the only way to fully understand how awesome this is, just go and watch the film. I know I say that a lot, but seriously it's for a reason! These are really good films! Watch them!
3. City Lights (1931)
I'm a horrible film student. I really need to see more Charlie Chaplin films. This film is absolutely adorable, with Chaplin's trademark tramp character trying to help a blind flower girls by pretending he's a millionaire. Of course, things go wrong, misunderstandings happen and lots of people get drunk. But the ending is so sweet and the love story works so well. Definitely one of Chaplin's greatest.
2. The Ladykillers (1955)
They really don't make them like they used to! Ealing was one of the greatest comedic studios ever to have existed, and this is one of their most famous comedies. And with good reason. The premise of this is so simple; 5 bank robbers hide out in an old ladies house under the pretence of being a string quintet, and when she discovers their plan, they all decide that they have to kill her. Brilliant! This film is so dark, and yet it was made in the 50s, I still wonder how they got away with half the stuff they did. If you've only seen Alec Guinness in Star Wars then I suggest you watch this to understand how awesome an actor he really is!
1. Cinema Paradiso (1988)
Goddamn this movie! I started crying about half-way through and then I didn't stop until half an hour after the film ended! There is a reason this film appears on so many top ten lists, and while normally I hate being cliched, I have no other choice but to include it here. This is a love letter to the cinema we experience in our youth and how it shapes the way we grow up. The plot revolves around a boy who becomes the assistant projectionist in a small Italian town. But it's the character of Alfredo (Philippe Noiret) who really stands out for me. I saw the shorter American release, and from what I've read there is a slighlty different ending in the original version that I will probably see someday. But for now, I love this film, even though it made me cry. And I love the characters and the setting, and the old cinema itself. And I believe it is one that everyone should watch at least once.
Well, there we go. Another list done and dusted. And I know I'm posting this on Halloween when I should be posting something related to the holiday, but shit happened and uni work was a little more important. But hopefully I will be posting something on the weekend that's a little more horrific. And I hope to start a little retrospective type thing. Of what, you will see later! Until next time, readers.
