Originally posted in 2004, I thought that I should replay the start of this whole thing... as a point to depart from.
The main reason for this blog is to create a place where all of the Film Freaks out there in computerland can post Top Ten Film Lists. The Top Ten idea came out of a conversation with my friend Pete. He asked me to create my list and for the last couple of years, well.. it's been a hobby and a conversation starter.
The rules are simple: list ten films (not TV shows or telemovies), they don't have to be in order, give some detail as to why (optional) and if you are choosing a film series (eg The Matrix Trilogy) state which one is your favourite. So without much further ado (what the freak is ado???). My Top Ten Films Of All Time... 2004 edition
I thought that I would provide you with the reasons behind my choices, so you can understand where they came from. There is no particular order, but number one is my all time favourite film.
1. Singin’ in the Rain
The 1951 classic musical co-directed by Stanley Donan and Gene Kelly. It breaks all the rules of ‘normal’ musicals by having a fast pace and also has more humour. If only I could be Gene Kelly dancing down that rain soaked street. ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ is my all time favourite film.
2. Vertigo
Hitchcock’s 1958 ‘masterpiece’. Although it was the films ‘To Catch a Thief’ and ‘Rear Window’ that first introduced me to Hitch (I used to watch Bill Collins most Saturday nights when I was a teenager, I love Bill, and miss him terribly), it was this incredible, dark, pschological study of obsession that remains my favourite Hitchcock film. My love of Hitchcock films has remained strong, although I still have not seen them all. Saul Bass’ opening credits are so powerful and unnerving that on my first viewing of the film I had to turn the lights on. A young graphic design student’s dream. A wonderful film.
3. The Big Sleep (1945 pre-release version)
Howard Hawk’s production of Raymond Chandler’s novel of the same name. My favourite Bogart film, but it is almost impossible to separate this and The Maltese Falcon as the two films show the two greatest private detectives in literature (and cinema), Philip Marlowe and Samuel Spade. It is the characters in ‘The Big Sleep’ that make it such an amazing film. Crusty old Sternwood,and the girl in the book shop... great characters, with great lines. My preference for the pre-release version is based on Lauren Bacall’s character. I feel that Vivian Sternwood is portrayed better with the vunerability shown in the original scenes rather than in the re-shot scenes for the 1946 release (Just my opinion...) but I do think the “horse-talk” is great.
4. The Lord of the Rings
I have fallen in love with this trilogy and become more smitten every time I watch one of the films. I love it’s “epic” nature and the beautiful cinematic visuals but I also love the story. I can’t watch these films without becoming a part of it. It is a trillogy of films that affects me emotionally in so many different ways (I am yet to watch the death of Boromir without crying) I find it difficult to separate the three films, as it is the one story, but if forced I would have to say that The Return of the King is my favourite (“…that only counts as one!”). I love these films.
5. The Third Man
Carol Reed’s 1949 masterpiece. Brilliant story, breath-taking camera work, and Orsen Welles. Add to this some fantastic dialogue, and shake well. “... and they created, the cuckoo clock.”
6. The Matrix Trilogy
Oh, I do like a good trilogy… The Matrix is an amazing film, and although a lot of people disliked the sequels (and I do understand your complaints, but they not things that have bothered me) I think they are fantastic. For me, the whole experience is like watching a comic book come to life and with the love of comics that I have, it is understandable that I adore these films. The visual effects are outstanding (no question about it) but the thing that impresses me the most is that the Wachowski Brothers ability use the visual effects not just for “wow” factor but as a platform for the story and the characterisation. I am a self-confessed sci-fi / comic book geek, and the three Matrix movies are fantastic. Each time I watch them I am transported into a universe that once at the end I wish wasn’t over. You can’t ask for much more out of a film. ‘Reloaded’ gets the top place because of the car chase, but it is almost impossible to separate the three films. “Whoa…”
7. Charade
Stanley Donan’s 1967 comedy-thriller starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary “How do you shave in there?” Grant with Walter Matthau, James Coburn and that cool French dude with the moustache. My Dad introduced me to this ‘Hitchcock-lite’ film (it is another film that was shown on Bill Collins’ Golden Years of Hollywood on a Saturday night in the late eighties). From the opening scene with the body being “tossed from a train like a sack of third-class mail” I was hooked. Wonderful dialogue and the beautiful Audrey Hepburn, I couldn’t help but fall for this film. I love ‘Charade’ and although it is naive and sometimes a bit lightweight I couldn’t imagine not having this film in my heart.
8. Le Samourî
French thriller directed by Jean-Pierre Melville. Emotional film that could almost work if it was a silent film. I have only seen this a couple of times but I still can’t believe how beautiful it is. Thanks to Pete for recommending it.
9. The Star Wars Trilogy
I was only five when I saw ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ in 1980 (I can still remember the day Mum took me into the cinemas in the city to see it), so my entire life has been formed around George Lucas’ Universe. I find it incredibly difficult to separate the three films because if I watch one of them I have to watch the other two (even out of order), but my favourite of the three would have to be ‘Empire’. Directed by Irvin Kershner, it is the darkest of the three films and I think therefore the most interesting. Perhaps it’s my favourite because it was the first film I can remember seeing. In the words of Darth Vader “Impressive... most impressive.”
10. Lawrence of Arabia
I love David Lean’s films ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ and ‘Dr Zhivago’ but I think that it is Lawrence that is the best. It is a beautifully made film, with amazing photography and fine acting by all the cast. I enjoy the action, the drama, the complexity of the main character, and I like that the film shifts “gears” considerably after the intermission. I wonderful film that everyone should see on the big screen (especially at the Astor, with a Choc-ice and some Jaffas). A brilliant cinematic experience. “Damascus Aurens, Damascus!”
So there you have it. A mixed bag of films I’m sure, but I couldn’t live without them.
