Greetings, people of Earth! Since I haven’t written anything lately, but wanted to post something in the blog to make it look alive, I thought I’d treat you with something I could talk all day about – films. Like most of you, I'm also an avid admirer of cinema (sometimes a bit too much). But every now and again, I come across some quirky, beautiful, gone-under-the-radar film that I fall madly in love with, while the rest of the world either ignores it, or doesn't give it enough credit. So I decided to present to you my collection of such films, hoping that there are some amongst you who love them as much as I do, or that you will find a hidden gem among them that you haven't heard of before. They're all unique in their own way, and maybe don't make much sense some of the time, but for me, they all work in this weird internal world of theirs that I just... get without needing complex explanations. And if crying is any indication for how good a film is, weell, I cry on each of them, every time. So, ready, camera, action!
1. Mr. Nobody (2009)
Ever wondered what would have happened if you had chosen a different path in life, picked this city to live in instead of that one? Well this film shows you what happens. I'm not spoiling anything, so let's just say it doesn't follow a very linear path, because time is a completely different concept in it. The meaning I took from it, most of all, is that we shouldn't regret the choices we make. Whatever life we choose to live, it is the right one, every path we walk is the right path, and every choice shapes us into a different person. Plus, you know, Jared Leto...
2. The Fountain (2006)
A story set in three different time periods, but in its core, it is one and the same. What it taught me (and what I try to implicate in my life every day) is:
1) to not waste precious time for things I can't change, but use it to enjoy the things I have here and now;
2) love lives forever - cliché or not, this film has one of the most beautiful love stories I've seen on film. It's directed by Darren Aronofsky (the guy who brought you Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan, and most recently, Noah), so you know it's gonna be reaching inside you and gripping your soul - or at least that's how I feel watching it. And the music - oh my god, the music! Clint Mansell is a GOD! The music is one of the reasons I adore this film, I get goosebumps every time I listen to it. If you can't be bothered with the film, just have a listen of the track Death is the Road to Awe from the score ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihF_aXi-Huk ) - there's one moment there that chills to the bone - pure eargasm. This film is also one of my top 3 films that I can watch every day and not get bored of it - I don't need a specific frame of mind, I can just sit and… watch. The only word I can describe it with is 'beautiful'.
3. Everything is Illuminated (2005)
Okay, this one follows a story and is structured like a regular film (mostly). It's based on a novel written by Jonathan Safran Foer, the same person who wrote Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close. So Fro... I mean, Elijah Wood goes to Ukraine to find his family roots and is greeted by a quirky interpreter and tour guide who loves everything American. Enter every possible shenanigans that can follow from that. My word for this film is definitely 'bittersweet' - it makes you laugh, and in the next moment breaks your heart, then makes you laugh through tears again. It manages to take you away from civilization and land you running through wheat fields with nothing but the wind in your face. And, not to spoil anything, but there is a bloody ring involved AGAIN!
This is my absolute favourite of my top 3 post-LOTR-films-with-a-LOTR-actor in it. (It just is, okay? It's my list!) I think it's very underrated and I would urge you to give it a go, because it is really... well, beautiful (I have a feeling I'll be using this word a lot here).
4. Mary and Max (2009)
An 8-year-old girl from Melbourne becomes pen pals with a 44-year-old obese guy from New York. I know, it screams 'WRONG!' all over, but surprisingly, it becomes one of the best friendships out there. It's not your usual animation, frankly I wouldn't call it very suitable for children either. It just hits you with reality front, back, and center, but what you should take away from it is that some friendships are meant to last, and that sometimes, the most unexpected people can change your life.
5. Big Fish (2003)
Hands down, the best Tim Burton film out there for me (as directed by him, otherwise Nightmare Before Christmas wins every time). We all expect Burton's films to be weird and we always have this frame of mind when watching them and nothing could surprise us. However, what this film stands out with for me (other than no Johnny Depp for once) is that I can see character development. All the crazy stories function as a catalyst and at the end, the characters come out as different people, and I care about those people, I laugh and cry with them. And in the end, the craziest adventure is life itself.
6. Cloud Atlas (2012)
I'm sure most of you know about Cloud Atlas and have either been swept off by it, or left deeply confused about what you just saw. As an atheist, reincarnation is the concept I find most fascinating of all the religious theories out there, and karma is something I deeply believe in (yes, an atheist believes that what goes around comes around!). And I completely loved this film. I think it interpreted the theme of actions resonating through the centuries in a very compelling way. On the second watch I saw a lot of things I missed during the first, and I'm sure I'll discover many more when I watch it again. I love it when a film gives me that, it allows me to gradually see so many layers of it. And the music has also become one of my favourite soundtracks. I know the film's not perfect, but I tend to focus on the feeling it gives me, and on the journey it sends me as I watch these souls race through time. And as soon as I finish the 2734 books I've started reading all at once, I'm getting my hands on this one too!
7. Only Lover Left Alive (2013)
This film is relatively new, and I'm not sure it's been released everywhere yet, but if you see it showing somewhere around you, please give it a shot. In a world where vampires have been reduced to sparkling pixie dust fairies, this film manages to redeem them at least partially. You see life through their point of view, and you do sympathize with their characters. The music is also awesome, I've been playing it ever since I watched the film. And, you know, Tom Hiddleston looks like a rockstar...
8. The Tree of Life (2011)
Last, but not least comes Terrence Malick's story about life, the universe, and everything. Seriously, this film deals with so many topics I'm not even sure it knows what it is. You're watching the story of a family in the '50s, next thing you know, you're witnessing the creation of the universe (accompanied by one of the most haunting voices ever). You do get lost during the film, but I think that's the point - we all get lost in life one way or another, and it's up to us to face our demons and find our way again.
And here we are at the end. Thank you all for reading, I really hope I've somehow convinced you to give these films a shot. If you've seen them, which one do you like the most? I know there are a lot more quirky films out there, these here are my personal favourites, but which ones are yours? I'd love a recommendation from you as well!
