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Here are twenty of my favorite movies in no particular order...
- The Graduate - A coming of age
story, this film expertly captures the joy, sorrow, and ambivalence of
becoming an adult. The Simon & Garfunkle soundtrack is a perfect
match for the mood of this 1960s film. Ostensibly a comedy and a very
funny one at times, this film will run you through the gamut of
emotions. The ending (which won't be divulged here) is perhaps my
single favorite scene in cinema history.
- To Kill A Mockingbird - A
rare example of a great book expertly adapted to the cinema, this movie
depicts life in the deep south, with all its contradictions and
complexities, from the perspective of a small child. Gregory Peck's
portrayal of the quietly strong Atticus Finch is masterful.
- 2001: A Space Odyssey -
Breathtaking and beautiful cinematic treatment of the odyssey of
mankind. The intrigue between HAL and Dave, computer and human
protagonists, respectively, is both horrifying and comical. This film
is visually dazzling, although I still
don't understand the ending :).
- Twelve Angry Men - A Spartan
character study featuring a legendary ensemble cast, led by Henry
Fonda. This short film takes you into the jury room as a diverse group
of jurors deliberate the fate of an accused murderer and, during the
process, learn a lot about each other.
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
- Another fine adaptation of a great book, this film is about the mayhem
resulting from the arrival of a rambunctious new patient in a repressive
psychiatric hospital. Jack Nicholson is exceptional as the uncontrollable
yet compassionate R. P. McMurphy.
- The Wizard of Oz - A timeless
classic, since its release in 1939 this film has delighted generations of
children. It expertly weaves elements of fable, fantasy and morality
with a memorable musical score. There's
no place like home...
- ET: The Extra-Terrestrial
- OK, it goes a bit too far at times (flying bicycles, telekinetic
intoxication) but this fantasy/sci-fi film depicts a very interesting
culture clash. Told through the eyes of a child, this movie is
fundamentally about the joy of meeting and getting to know someone different
from you. Very different :).
- It's a Wonderful Life - The
touching story about a man who tries to remain true to his ideals, this
morality tale was not a big hit when originally released. It has since
become a ubiquitous Christmas classic. James Stewart is unforgettable
as the heroic George Bailey.
- Midnight Cowboy -
Dustin Hoffman is a derelict barely subsisting in New York City and John
Voight is a male prostitute newly arrived from Texas. The bond between
these two drifters in the big, cold city is the heart of this story.
Both Hoffman and Voight were nominated for the best actor academy award (both
lost to John Wayne in True Grit). This is the only X-rated film ever
to win the best picture award.
- Apocalypse Now - Psychological drama about the insanity of war,
loosely based on Conrad's Heart of Darkness. Martin Sheen plays an
army officer given a frightening and dangerous assignment. The film
expertly conveys a feeling of dread and horror from beginning to end.
- Psycho - Hitchcock's classic horror film about a demented innkeeper
and his rather interesting relationship with his mother.
- Rear Window - Another Hitchcock masterpiece, this one features
James Stewart as a man who slips into an unhealthy voyeuristic relationship
with some of his neighbors. If you think something bad is
happening, at what point should you get personally involved?
- The Sound of Music -
Uplifting epic love story based on the true life musical Von Trapp family and
their escape from Nazi occupied Austria. Memorable Rodgers and Hammerstein
score.
- The Deer Hunter - Wrenching
drama about a close-knit group of friends from a Pennsylvania steel town
torn apart by their Vietnam war experiences. This film is long and at
times fairly slow moving but it's worth the investment.
- Down By Law - Jim Jarmusch' zany, touching film about a trio of
losers (Roberto Benigni, Tom Waits and John Lurie) who end up on the wrong
side of the law, sharing a prison cell in New Orleans. Benigni
demonstrates why is one of the funniest men on the planet.
- The Thin Blue Line - Made by the great documentary filmmaker, Errol
Morris, this film documents the true story of Randall Patrick Adams, wrongly
convicted of murder. The story is told through chilling interviews
with witnesses and participants, which reveal a judicial system gone
haywire. Add to the mix dramatic reenactments and a haunting Phillip
Glass sound track and you have a film you won't soon forget. The movie
played a major part in Adam's eventual exoneration and release.
- The Verdict - Paul Newman stars as a down on his luck,
alcoholic attorney who manages to pull off a comeback despite long odds.
This compelling story ends with one of the most dramatic trials ever
depicted on film.
- In the Name of the Father - Based on the true story of a troubled
Irish youth in the wrong place at the wrong time, Gerry Conley and his
friend Paul Hill were imprisoned for 15 years for a crime they didn't commit
- the bombing of a London pub. The film exposes the dangers of
suspending due process in times of national crisis and explores the complex
relationship between Conley and his father, who also serves time in
prison. This movie was adapted from Conley's memoir Proved
Innocent.
- Glengarry Glen Ross - David Mamet's painful and candid look into
the lives of not so honest property salesmen. Superb performances are
delivered by a top notch ensemble cast including Jack Lemmon, Kevin Spacey,
Alec Baldwin and Al Pacino. But the real star of this film is Mamet's
dialogue, which cuts right to the heart of the moral dilemma these men face
every time they ply their trade.
- The Times of Harvey Milk - Excellent documentary about the first
gay city supervisor in San Francisco's history. Milk, along with Mayor
George Moscone, was assassinated by deranged political rival Dan White, who
employed the infamous "twinkie defense" to escape
conviction. The murder is a sad conclusion to the triumphant story of
one of the first openly gay men to hold high political office in a major
American city.
Copyright © 2000 Marc A. Cohen, All rights reserved.
Revised: September 06, 2000
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