View Full Version : Best Film (cinematic) Aesthetically and by plot
Inspired by a recent thread in the film forum about Aronofsky that seemed to move to Goddard eventually, if you had to reccommend one film for the aesthetics of it and one for the plot which would you reccomend? Bonus points (which are worth nothing except maybe a high five if you ever come to Saskatoon) if you pick the same film for both.
P.s. If this isn't clear you only get to pick 2 films max!
hipsterdufus
04-11-2011, 08:14
I REALLY like "In Bruges" for both the cinematics and the plot. Absolutely beautiful film. I bought the blu-ray and it's one of the best movie purchases I've ever made.
For aesthetics it would have to be "in the mood for love", absolutely beautiful, I could watch it without subtitles (and I don't speak Cantonese) and still be transfixed.
I really can't make up my mind what my favorite plot is.
filmtwit
04-11-2011, 08:20
"Yojimbo" is one of the more perfectly shot scope B&W films of all times.
Haskell Wexler's natural cinematography is always worth watching, see;
"Who's Afriad of Virginia Wolf"
"Bound for Glory"
"Matewan"
"Secret of Rowen Inish"
"In the Heat of the Night"
"Medium Cool"
Kubrick's much reviled Barry Lyndon for aesthetics, and Chinatown for plot
"Barry Lyndon" by Stanley Kubrick. Fascinating pictures, great story. One of my all-time favourite movies. Alternatively "2001: A Space Odyssey", but purely for aesthetics here -- the plot continues to elude me ...
Kubrick's much reviled Barry Lyndon
Oh darn, you beat me to it :p
Paolo Bonello
04-11-2011, 08:47
A beautifully funny and wonderfully cinematic film I recently saw was "Micmacs" Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet who also did "The Delicatessen". Even with subtitles I was in stitches laughing at the very engaging and entertaining plot. The cinematography is pure art. It will not disappoint if you have never seen it.
Not sure exactly what you mean by aesthetics. The look? Cinematography?
But for just plain best movie, Chinatown (mentioned above) is not a bad choice.
In that vein, HBO is currently running their take on James Cain's, Mildred Pierce, which is pretty good. In a short "Making of" production they were airing, the director gave a substantial nod to Saul Leiter for being a big influence on how he wanted the film to look.
Cheers,
Gary
PhillipAbbott
04-11-2011, 10:20
For aesthetics it would have to be "in the mood for love", absolutely beautiful, I could watch it without subtitles (and I don't speak Cantonese) and still be transfixed.
I really can't make up my mind what my favorite plot is.
I'll definitely second that, and also Wong Kar Wai's "Chungking Express"
Then also for aesthetic's I'd have to add Terrence Malick's "Days of Heaven" (or really any Malick).
That's already two, but for narrative, my favorites would be either "Stroszek" or "Fitzcarraldo" by Werner Herzog, but those don't really fit everyone's tastes.
geotrupede
04-11-2011, 10:41
Fitzcarraldo, Woyzeck and Kasper Hauser are all great!
But I would also suggest "M" in the restored version 6 x 6 (square movie !!!!)
G
astrosecret
04-11-2011, 10:47
Days of Heaven probably. Colossal Youth is also aesthetically fascinating.
maclaine
04-11-2011, 10:49
"Barry Lyndon" by Stanley Kubrick. Fascinating pictures, great story. One of my all-time favourite movies. Alternatively "2001: A Space Odyssey", but purely for aesthetics here -- the plot continues to elude me ...
2001 makes MUCH more sense if you read the book, particularly the ending, which is absolutely confounding in the movie if you haven't read the book. Arthur C. Clarke and Kubrick collaborated on the book and movie at the same time in what may be one of the earliest examples of that kind of "multimedia" storytelling, with each one playing to the strengths of that particular form.
I was going to say 2001 as well for my "aesthetic" choice, but in thinking about it more, I'd have to say Blade Runner. For a film that's 30+ years old, it's amazing how forward thinking it was. Whereas 2001 has more of a "retro future" vibe these days, our world seems to just keep getting closer and closer to the future Blade Runner portrayed (for better and for worse). It's also a film that is still being ripped off to this day, and I think it's safe to say that its influence on science fiction visuals is stronger than either 2001 or the original Star Wars films, despite their own important contributions.
Plot-wise, I'm having a hard time deciding on just one. For story purposes, I tend to lean more towards documentaries, as I don't generally watch fictional films for things like the story. Even the best films tend to rely on the same themes over and over, and of course big budget Hollywood garbage barely relies on any plot at all in favor of stunning (though sometimes empty) visuals. Movies by folks like the Maysles Brothers (Grey Gardens, Gimme Shelter, Salesman) or a film like Hoop Dreams tell stories that are so compelling and based on real people, that I find them much more engrossing than a bunch of pretty people reciting someone else's lines. That's just me, though.
Nate Butler
04-11-2011, 10:53
A single film for plot and aesthetics (look, style, cinematography)? 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Edit: Seeing that Kubrick is already well-represented in such few posts, I'll go with my favorite non-Kubrick movie, There Will Be Blood.
maclaine
04-11-2011, 11:05
A single film for plot and aesthetics (look, style, cinematography)? 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Edit: Seeing that Kubrick is already well-represented in such few posts, I'll go with my favorite non-Kubrick movie, There Will Be Blood.
I'll second There Will Be Blood. I think P.T. Anderson has made some of the best looking films of the last 10-15 years. I was pleasantly surprised when I watched Punch Drunk Love a while back. I don't know what I was expecting, but it sure wasn't what I saw, and that's a good thing. The use of color in that movie is gorgeous.
plummerl
04-11-2011, 11:48
I'd have to go with Dr. Strangelove.... or Pulp Fiction.... or Casablanca.... or Citizen Kane.... or ....
This list could go on for quite a while.
River Dog
04-11-2011, 11:56
I'll pitch "Lawrence of Arabia" for both.
Some really good recommendations already, including the surprising Punch Drunk Love.
I've been really into B&W cinematography lately, and I'd like to recommend a director that doesn't get mentioned much: Kenji Mizoguchi, and his movie "Ugetsu" in particular. It's the first movie that comes to mind when I think of a film where the cinematography and the story-telling are so tightly wound that the two can't be separated. The movie is half adventure film, half ghost story, and the way the camera is used - long takes and natural wipes - makes the transitions between the two so seamless that it has the effect of drawing you into the story and creating an almost dream-like state in the viewer (somewhat similar to a Tarkovsky film, but much more traditional.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTM0eb0VCnU&feature=related
Another excellent B&W film that's more well-known is Night of the Hunter. Hard to believe that Charles Laughton never made another film....!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFzTBPy7nl8
hipsterdufus
04-11-2011, 12:24
Another excellent B&W film that's more well-known is Night of the Hunter. Hard to believe that Charles Laughton never made another film....!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFzTBPy7nl8
+1 to "Night of the Hunter". Great, creepy movie. Beautifully shot, too!
It is impossible not to nominate Louis Malle's masterpiece, "Ascenseur pour l'échafaud" (Elevator to the Gallows).
It answers for everything I could ask of a film: Beautiful cinematographic work that became synonymous with the Film Noir genre, a tense, well-told story that involves a perfect crime and a camera (trying hard not to spoil, but a must-see for any film-buff), a pretty woman (Jeanne Moreau in her prime) in a fast car and, of course, the heart-melting soundtrack by Miles David.
"Ascenseur pour l'échafaud" gets my vote on both questions.
For colour-work, I'd have to say Almodovar's "Volver" gets my support.
crawdiddy
04-11-2011, 12:32
For plot, I can't think of any film more fascinating than Memento.
I would also include Manchurian Candidate (original), Magnolia, Fargo, Blue Velvet, and Reservoir Dogs on my list of favorites.
Sorry I couldn't limit myself to 2 films. No high-five for me, the next time I'm in Saskatoon :-(
I'm a big fan of craftsmanship, but I'd also like to suggest a film that was ground-breaking in its day for its rejection of the burden of craftsmanship in pursuit of a new esthetic: Faces by John Cassavetes. Handheld 16mm Eclair, often handled by Cassavetes personally, and lighting that can be described as rudimentary. But I think he showed that having something to say, and working intimately with a small cast could create rewards that technical perfection might not allow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BsmWI2cPdw
Steve Bellayr
04-11-2011, 12:47
Around 25 years ago the film "Napoleon" by Abel Gance was shown for the first time in maybe 50/60 years. Critics hailed it as the greatest film ever made surpassing "Citizen Kane." Personally, I can't determine which is greater or lesser. That is very subjective but I thought that I would throw up that bit as few people have seen/heard of it. Tonight on TCM they are showing "Birth of a Nation" by DW Griffith. Along with "Intolerance" they are considered the masterpieces of silent cinema and mandatory for all film students. But, the former based up "The Klansman" is one of the most racist films ever shown. Anyway, I thought I would throw that up as long as this discussion is about films and if someone is interested.
For two of the most important films from the 20th century, I have to go with 'Citizen Kane' and Godard's 'Breathless'--the latter especially, but both for their completely opposite, yet revolutionary techniques.
My favorite period of films is the 70s. If you're a street photographer, you'll probably like this period, too.
/
edited to remove the 'American' qualifier from the second to the last sentence.
paulfish4570
04-11-2011, 14:05
i am glad some other people liked barry lyndon as much as i did. iirc, a cine lens of f.095 was "invented" so kubrick could shoot everything available light.
for a movie that combines breathtaking cinematography and a timeless plot, i have to nominate jean cocteau's la belle et le bete (beauty and the beast).
the director's cut of blade runner is my favorite of all time, and i would rank it second behind cocteau.
what about the searchers?
oh, and das boot. what film work. what acting. what a twisting, guty-wrenching plot ...
CK Dexter Haven
04-11-2011, 14:26
Aesthetics:
Blade Runner / To Catch a Thief / Fargo / City of Lost Children / Se7en / The Royal Tenenbaums / The Good Thief.
Plot:
Se7en / The Big Lebowski / Monty Python and the Holy Grail / Pulp Fiction
There Will be Blood
Das Boot
Blade Runner
Chinatown
...anything by Kubrick
Miller's Crossing
Dead Man
The Conversation
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Aguirre: The Wrath of God
filmtwit
04-11-2011, 14:49
Unfortunately Night of the Hunter wasn't a very financially successful film, which is probobly why Laughton never stepped back into the director's chair.
Concerning other nearly perfect B&W films, I'd suggest
Louisiana Story (Shot by Ricky Leacock)
In Cold Blood (Shot by Conrad Hall)
Closely Watched Trains (shot by Jaromír Šofr)
Generation/Kanal/Ashes and Diamonds (directed by Andrzej Wajda (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrzej_Wajda))
Three Colours: Blue/White/Red (shot by Sławomir Idziak (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C5%82awomir_Idziak))
Another excellent B&W film that's more well-known is Night of the Hunter. Hard to believe that Charles Laughton never made another film....!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFzTBPy7nl8
filmtwit
04-11-2011, 14:54
My understanding is the opposite. The lenses in question already existed, Kubrick took a pair of older Mitchell camera (the Mitchell movement is by and far the most rock solid camera movement ever made and machined) and had them heavily altered to handle the special zeiss lenses. One of the Kubrick biographies goes into details about how he got Warner Brother studios to donate the camera's in question (they weren't using them anymore after all)
i am glad some other people liked barry lyndon as much as i did. iirc, a cine lens of f.095 was "invented" so kubrick could shoot everything available light.
i am glad some other people liked barry lyndon as much as i did. iirc, a cine lens of f.095 was "invented" so kubrick could shoot everything available light.
Not invented, and not f/0.95 - but adapted from NASA's moon-cameras: A 50mm f/0.7. I'm not sure if the optical formula has anything related to a Planar-type lens, but who knows. http://www.visual-memory.co.uk/sk/ac/len/page1.htm
Rick Waldroup
04-11-2011, 15:06
For plot, The Maltese Falcon.
For aesthetics, The English Patient
Steve Bellayr
04-11-2011, 15:16
I've just watched "Pandora's Box" by Pabst for a second time. I haven't seen it since 1974. If you want to see the most beautiful woman of the 20th Century...Louise Brooks. It is amazing how many people have never seen any movies in the early part of the 20th Century. Just as an aside 90% of all silent films are lost. 50% of all films of the 1930's. Recently I have begun re-viewing films of the pre-WWII era and have seen themes and costumes not being touched in the last 10 years.
TXForester
04-11-2011, 15:21
For aesthetics I'll go with Kurosawa's "Dreams."
For plot (and I know I'll take beating for this :D ) I'll go with "The Big Sleep" (1946). I know it is a little light on plot for some, but I like the movie and love the book.
Nate Butler
04-11-2011, 15:24
I've just watched "Pandora's Box" by Pabst for a second time. I haven't seen it since 1974. If you want to see the most beautiful woman of the 20th Century...Louise Brooks. It is amazing how many people have never seen any movies in the early part of the 20th Century. Just as an aside 90% of all silent films are lost. 50% of all films of the 1930's. Recently I have begun re-viewing films of the pre-WWII era and have seen themes and costumes not being touched in the last 10 years.
Funny you should mention Louise Brooks and silent movies. I was cruising Netflix Saturday for a Louise Brooks movie and ended up watching Fritz Lang's "Destiny" (or "Weary Death")... which was fantastic. Only planned to watch 10 minutes or so. Ended up getting sucked into it completely. Another great filmmaker.
Steve Bellayr
04-11-2011, 15:34
Ah, the "Big Sleep" the epitome of Film Noir. There were three writers on the film and each day while drinking they wrote the script for the next day. As I remember it (I do have 2 copies in my library) there are 8 murders and only 7 are solved. Ah, Fritz Lang"s "M" a movie about child molesting starring Peter Lorre.
During the late 1920's and early thirties Hollywood imported most of the major directors, actors, writers, etc. this continued until WWII. Is anyone aware that the actor who played the German in Casablanca was on Hitler's "Death List".
Two more movies: Jean Renoir's "Grand Illusion" and "Rules of the Game"
Rick Waldroup
04-11-2011, 15:40
I wrestled with The Big Sleep and The Maltese Falcon for plot, but in the end, went with The Maltese Falcon because of all the twists and turns. However, The Big Sleep is my favorite Bogart movie.
I just recently watched All Quiet on the Western Front (the 1931 version) and was I was simply captivated by the film. Excellent work.
Steve Bellayr
04-11-2011, 15:47
I agree, one does not watch "The Big Sleep" one wrestles with it.
Roberto V.
04-11-2011, 16:04
There are many great ones out there, but one of my favorites, aesthetically, is Wong Kar Wai's 'My Blueberry Nights'. It's what I think of when I hear the word 'cinematic'. Many critics bashed the story, but I actually like it a lot, one of my favorite movies.
TXForester
04-11-2011, 16:13
I didn't think about The Maltese Falcon [slaps self on forehead]. And somebody mentioned the movie you used for your avatar. I can't help thinking about bodily fluids and answering to the Coca~Cola Company.
Just one for me:
'Paris Texas'(1984) ... directed by Wim Wenders ... music by Ry Cooder.
Starring: Natasha Kinski, Harry Dean Stanton and Dean Stockwell.
US cinema doesn't get any better than this IMO. :)
nikon_sam
04-11-2011, 16:37
My first choice for both categories would be "What Dreams May Come".
Now a list of a few movies I will watch just because they're on...
The Shawshank Redemption
The Graduate
Looking for Bobby Fisher
Antwone Fisher
One flew over the Cuckoo's Nest
Almost Famous
The Breakfast Club
The Big Chill
Breaking Away
The Sting
I've seen The Green Mile and did like it BUT I can't get myself to watch it again...
There are others but I'll stop for now...
nikon_sam
04-11-2011, 16:39
Just one for me:
'Paris Texas'(1984) ... directed by Wim Wenders ... music by Ry Cooder.
Starring: Natasha Kinski, Harry Dean Stanton and Dean Stockwell.
US cinema doesn't get any better than this IMO. :)
You guys have been promoting this one...I'm getting interested...:eek:
Aesthetics: I would have voted "Paris Texas", too, Keith, until I saw Hero (with Jet Lee). Amazing colors.
Nothing beats Pulp Fiction for plot :)
nikon_sam
04-11-2011, 16:42
Oops...forgot...The Summer of '42...
My dad took me to see that one when it came out...I was 11...
Aesthetics: I would have voted "Paris Texas", too, Keith, until I saw Hero (with Jet Lee). Amazing colors.
Nothing beats Pulp Fiction for plot :)
I've never been able to get past those stunning desert scenes caressed by Ry Cooder's amazing soundtrack ... and 'Travis' was Harry Dean Stanton's finest moment for me. (though he's never been less than brilliant IMO)
... total Ry Cooder geek here I confess! :o
paulfish4570
04-11-2011, 16:54
i'm glad someone mentioned hero. very david lean-esque ...
paulfish4570
04-11-2011, 16:55
ain't a thang wrong with pitching ry cooder ...
NickTrop
04-11-2011, 17:07
Colors? Aesthetics? Cinematography? Surrealism? - Mario Bava...
Actually one movie that really knocked my socks off when I got it out from the art house section of the video store one night was Fritz Lang's 'Metropolis'(1927)
Just an amazing film for an old silent ... from memory I watched it three times over that weekend! :p
Pulp Fiction and Dr Zhivago, or Dr Zhivago and Pulp Fiction, either way.
Pulp Fiction had some amazing film stock, like technicolor without the harsh lighting.
Nate Butler
04-11-2011, 17:28
Metropolis is an amazing film regardless of age. :)
i have to nominate jean cocteau's la belle et le bete (beauty and the beast).
Good one. I like his "Orpheus" very much, too. Death as a woman with Harley-riding goons as her henchmen is a nice touch. And the mercury mirror is still a cool effect: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCYcWpMDWLQ&NR=1&feature=fvwp
Fitzcarraldo, Woyzeck and Kasper Hauser are all great!
But I would also suggest "M" in the restored version 6 x 6 (square movie !!!!)
G
Wow, I didn't know about square. That is an awesome movie (even as a rectangle).
Not sure these compete with 'M', but I will nominate 'Mon Oncle' by Jaques Tati for the look, and 'Time of the gypsies' by emir Kustorica for the insane plot.
MichaelW
04-11-2011, 18:04
The following for both aesthetics & story
"Touch Of Evil (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg8MqjoFvy4)" 1958 Orson Welles
"The Conformist (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrRoV0smaJg&feature=related)" 1970 Bernardo Bertolucci
On all of these counts, I am particularly fond of a 2008 film named "Elegy" starring Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz.
The plot is a love story between an aging Professor of literature and a female student. I find it wonderfully touching and beautiful although some (a few) differ and hate the whole premise. In general I think those folk simply lack the sophisitcation to "get it"
Aethetically the film is wonderful. The sound track is superb and the story told poetically. Great stuff. As one reviewer says "What impressed me about this movie is that it dares to be slow, dark, almost meditative."
It is an adult film (not in the sense of sexual content although there is some of this) - but rather the story is uncompromisingly adult in tone. None of your Hollywood B.S. with this one. This is not to say its hard to watch. I have found it beautiful and lyrical. And needless to say, Penelope looks superb.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0974554/combined
BTW in the film the male character played by Kingsley is a dedicated user of Leica R film cameras which for me adds a small something for the likes of you and I.
efirmage
04-11-2011, 18:34
Anything by Akira Kurosawa. Notably Seven Samurai and High and Low. Amazing films, outstanding cinematography.
Aesthetics: "Le Samurai"
Plot (and damned good aesthetics too, I think): "The Man Who Would Be King"
Rob
pinafore2
04-11-2011, 22:05
I allways liked the plot of: "Where the eagles dare" !
FrozenInTime
04-11-2011, 23:07
Just watched the 1929 Howard Hughes film Hell's Angels.
Terrible plot .. but the special effect and camera work of the dogfighting in the clouds and blowing up of the amo dump were the best I've ever seen.
Perhaps it's because there no special effects - they really knew how to fly those planes and were really blowing things up - on a grand scale :D
My choice:
Aesthetics: any film by Terrence Malick ("Days of heaven", "Thin Red Line"), Northfork by Polish brothers, and definitely "Il buono, il brutto, il cativo" by Sergio Leone...
Plot? Lots of good movies, first that comes to my mind: "Usual suspects"
Aesthetics: Ugetsu Monogatari by Kenji Mizoguchi. The greatest black and white film ever.
Plot: The Godfather, 1 & 2 (but not 3). Narrative genius. How could I have overlooked those? Thanks, Ezzie for reminding me.
Surprising that I agree with almost every suggestion. My favourites from a cinematic point of view (meaning expressing itself by stimulating the viewers' imagery sensors):
Hero (with Jet Li): the use of colours is not just beautiful, but symbolic
Ran (by Kurosawa): Shakespeare in Japanese. Akira was a detail fanatic. The hunting scene through the corn fields, he had each and every straw painted gold, then decided against it.
Blade Runner (Ridley's best, nuff said)
The English Patient (just plain beautiful, if a bit soppy)
The Searchers (Ford does colour, oh yes)
Barry Lyndon (and I don't particularly like Kubrick)
Lawrence of Arabia (letting Omar Sharif take his time meeting Lawrence is an all time great)
Once upon a time in the west (the opening sequence would have people leave the theatres these days, but is a classic. Also the best Leone western ever)
Plot and direction favourites
Fargo (Coen and Coen on form)
No country for old men (Coen, Coen, Bardem and Jones on form)
Shawshank redemption (I just can't quite figure out what makes it so good, but it is)
Se7en (Fincher never did better this one)
Down by Law (Jarmusch never did regain his form after this one)
I hired a contract killer (Finnish director Aki Karusmäki does independent British flick, with French lead, great fun)
Subway (French original version. Luc Besson on form, not often the case)
The usual supects (Kaizer Soze!)
The Godfather (could have been in the other category too)
LA confidential ( a hair's bredth better than Chinatown)
Harry S.
04-11-2011, 23:47
I love "No Country For Old Men" and "Paris, Texas". I also really like the cinematography in Spaghetti Westerns.
shimokita
04-11-2011, 23:51
The Battleship Potemkin (1925)
M - Eine Stadt sucht einen Mörder (1931)
The Third Man (1949)
Rashomon (1950)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
since many are listing multiple movies... ;-). If forced to choose two, then 1949 and 1975... but only if forced.
Casey
One film that sticks in my my mind is 'The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover.'
The opening sequence of that film had a few people heading for the door in the cinema I watched it in when it came out! :p
Clever film and Michael Gambon is a superb actor!
nickdando
04-12-2011, 00:53
"A Matter of Life and Death" by the Archers (Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger).
Nick
Pherdinand
04-12-2011, 01:30
Perfume: The story of a murderer (tom tykwer) 2006
-this qualifies for both (and not only for that particular scene)
I loved space odyssey the book series, but the movie freaks me out. Too... abstract for me.
But i also don't like david lynch's movies in general... and can't see why would citizen kane be the best movie ever.
There are a few more that i love but the question was about the only one :)
paulfish4570
04-12-2011, 04:10
Ezzie, you and i have very similar tastes.
fonda played the meanest man in the world in once upon a time in the west, and i think his best role ever.
I'd have to go with Dr. Strangelove.... or Pulp Fiction.... or Casablanca.... or Citizen Kane.... or ....
This list could go on for quite a while.
Wow Larry, same list here, :eek:
I would just replace Citizen Kane by the third man in terms of photography
Forgot:
Being John Malkovitch as a summit of creativity
Plot: Lock, stock, and two smoking barrels
shadowfox
04-12-2011, 07:28
This is a great thread.
I don't consider myself a movie buff, but when I see a *deep* movie, I enjoyed it immensely. This thread has given me quite a few to check out. Thanks.
There are no Anime movies mentioned so far, so I'll just toss a couple that I think are up there in terms of plot and aesthetics:
- Tokyo Godfather (very funny and very touching plot)
- Patlabor: The Movie (I and II), yes, this is about robot and mecha, but the plot twists and the philosophical musing in it are definitely not aimed for youngsters. And the music, ambient, and cinematics are superb.
Back to real-people films:
- Central Station - set in Brazil, beautiful plot, story, and even some stunning shots
- Red Cliff - adaptation of one of the famous battles in the Three Kingdom saga. Grand battles, beautiful movie, I think it's better than Hero (Jet Lee).
- In Custody (by Ismail Merchant) - this movie set in Northern Indian culture is raw, deep, and very touching.
- The Legend of 1900 - strange film, but one of my favorites. Excellent music.
As for the classics, The Last Emperor, Dr. Zhivago (don't quite like the plot, but that's a beautiful movie).
rockman525
04-12-2011, 18:15
My new Sony 850-357 Plasmatic allows me to watch any color film in B & W. I still like "Uncle Buck" with John Candy.
robklurfield
04-12-2011, 18:43
I hate having to pick one or two of anything. Having got that nitpick out of the way, I could compile an enormous list, but that would break the rules of this thread, so let me just throw Last Year at Marienbad out there for its gorgeous cinematographic aesthetic. Plot? Um, yeah, it has one but I'd be sort of hard-pressed to attempt explaining it, so let's not make that a pick for plot (boy met girl last year or he didn't... they agreed to run off together or they didn't... she remembers him or she doesn't ... she's leaving her husband or she's not....). Alain Resnais=genius. Sacha Vierney=genius. Alain Robbe-Grillet=genius.
robklurfield
04-12-2011, 18:50
filmfan has some good taste. The Conversation is one of the most carefully constructed movies ever.
There Will be Blood
Das Boot
Blade Runner
Chinatown
...anything by Kubrick
Miller's Crossing
Dead Man
The Conversation
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Aguirre: The Wrath of God
robklurfield
04-12-2011, 18:51
Harry Dean Stanton was terrific in Paris, Texas, but my favorite film with him is Repo Man, which doesn't belong in this thread for aesthetics or plot.
Plus one on what Paul & Keith said about Ry Cooder.I've never been able to get past those stunning desert scenes caressed by Ry Cooder's amazing soundtrack ... and 'Travis' was Harry Dean Stanton's finest moment for me. (though he's never been less than brilliant IMO)
... total Ry Cooder geek here I confess! :o
robklurfield
04-12-2011, 18:55
William Faulkner was one of the three screenwriters on The Big Sleepand he said he never quite figured out the plot entirely so little wonder that one murder never was unraveled as the writers were probably continually unraveling.
M, one of the absolute best examples of brilliant sound editing in addition to brilliant cinematography.
Ah, the "Big Sleep" the epitome of Film Noir. There were three writers on the film and each day while drinking they wrote the script for the next day. As I remember it (I do have 2 copies in my library) there are 8 murders and only 7 are solved. Ah, Fritz Lang"s "M" a movie about child molesting starring Peter Lorre.
During the late 1920's and early thirties Hollywood imported most of the major directors, actors, writers, etc. this continued until WWII. Is anyone aware that the actor who played the German in Casablanca was on Hitler's "Death List".
Two more movies: Jean Renoir's "Grand Illusion" and "Rules of the Game"
Some mentioned 'Das Boot' before and it reminded me of what a fantastic film it is.
Speaking of foreign films I think my all time favourite has to be a Russian movie ... 'Burnt By The Sun.' The story and the cinematography are just amazing!
emraphoto
04-12-2011, 19:21
stalker - tarkovsky
stewmander
04-12-2011, 19:22
For plot, I really liked:
Memento
Fight Club
6th Sense
The thing thats great about these movies is that after you watch it, you can watch them a second time and it changes the meaning of some of the things that happens...
For aesthetics, I really liked the use of light in K-PAX.
wafflecakee
04-12-2011, 19:30
Death Wish 3
Ok ... I just thought of the ultimately watchable movie:
'Groundhog Day!'
:D
CK Dexter Haven
04-12-2011, 19:47
Plot: Lock, stock, and two smoking barrels
Ooh. I prefer SNATCH.
Which reminds me of CITY OF GOD. I saw that in Brazil, but in Portuguese, and it still worked. Fantastic film, but it owes a bit to Guy Ritchie.
re: Paris, Texas - I only saw it relatively recently. Maybe a year ago? I remember liking it, but not being overwhelmed by any of it. Except, i began to look for Kinski movies afterward. Didn't find any that were as special, though.
re: Memento.... Gosh, i hate Chris Nolan movies. Beginning with Memento and ending with that Batman thing that everyone else thought was so brilliant. Oh, and Inception. Gosh, i hate Chris Nolan movies. I guess it's just me, but they just seem to try so hard to be 'challenging,' and end up just being tedious. I begin with interest in the premise and treatment, but halfway through, i just want them to end.
Good idea for a thread. Visually, I'm a big fan of Diva (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082269/). As a tour-de-force piece of overall film making, I can't readily think of a better film than The Godfather, Part II (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071562/).
There are many, many, many others, of course. Lost in Translation (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0335266/) is one.
I agree, one does not watch "The Big Sleep" one wrestles with it.
Don't do that. You'll lose. The damn thing doesn't make any sense at all. And it's my favorite Bogart (and Bacall) movie, too.
Aesthetics: "Le Samurai"
Plot (and damned good aesthetics too, I think): "The Man Who Would Be King"
Rob
That's a fun one for sure.
Editing: anything done by Erroll Morris (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001554/).
hteasley
04-12-2011, 20:43
These can go in for both plot and cinematography:
Yojimbo
Sanjuro
High and Low
(Kurosawa rocks my world, basically.)
Dr. Strangelove
Right now, I'm watching another one of my favorite films, which doesn't rate on cinematography, but love the plot and dialogue: Pickup on South Street. Richard Widmark, Jean Peters, Thelma Ritter.
Can watch these over and over and over (and often do).
stewmander
04-12-2011, 20:54
CK: I think the Dark Knight is a good film made great by Heath Ledgers performance. It will be a classic film of its generation...on a similar note, i never understoon the hype for No Country for Old Men, guess im not "old" enough or something? I can see how Inception can be tideous (wait, are we in the 3rd dream level or the 2nd, I forgot)
Hmm, I am going to have to tweak my Netflix queue!
Lots of very good movies mentioned in this thread; many I have seen before and need to watch again, some I've not seen yet.
Three movies I haven't seen here that should be mentioned for aesthetic appeal:
A trilogy (that I can't recall the correct order for :( ) "White" , "Blue" , and "Red".
I saw these a long time ago and the plots have faded for me but I still remember being impressed by the look and sound of each film.
One that works, for me, very well for both plot and aesthetics is "Far Away So Close".
And, one of the best action movies I've ever seen--really good choreography and a plot not geared to 12 year olds--is a Korean film: "The Man From Nowhere".
I've been working through the selections of 1960s Japanese movies from netflix and most are OK, some are awful, and a few I liked quite a lot.
Two I enjoyed quite a bit are "Pale Flower" (more for aesthetics but the plot isn't bad either) and "Branded To Kill".
Rob
Harry S.
04-12-2011, 23:43
...on a similar note, i never understoon the hype for No Country for Old Men, guess im not "old" enough or something?
I can see why this film isnt for everyone. Its a slow, lumbering film with a basic plot and a some-would-say anticlimactic ending. However the dialog, the acting and cinematography is as good as it gets for me. To take a slow paced story with not a whole heck of a lot going on or developing along the way, and make people hang on every word, that is masterful. Tommy Lee Jones' closing monolog is the perfect ending.
lord of the rings, avitar, toystory 3, and all of the above --- when ever i go to the movies and enjoy the film I think it's great till I see the next one. --- almost forgot sleeper and upin smoke
sar-photo
04-13-2011, 01:11
A bit off-topic but the mention of films based on Raymond Chandler's books (The Big Sleep etc) reminded me of my favourite line from a book. It's from 'The High Window'...
"From thirty feet away she looked like a lot of class. From ten feet away she looked like something made up to be seen from thirty feet away."
Getting back on topic, here's a few suggestions...
Titus - beautifully filmed, acted and directed (Julie Taymor). The plot? well... it's Shakespeare!
Three films that I enjoyed recently (excellent plots and very well filmed) were The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest.
Cheers
Simon
Ezzie, you and i have very similar tastes.
fonda played the meanest man in the world in once upon a time in the west, and i think his best role ever.
I agree Paul. I never understood the Fonda hype, but that movie put that straight.
I would also like to add Paris, Texas (to both categories). And Keith reminded me of Greenaway's burlesque classic The Cook, The thief, his wife and her lover. The Kieslowski Three colours trilogi is also a masterpiece (or three).
And yes Keith, Groundhog day is very watchable, can even watch it several times (I don't normally). But Bill Murray is so good its a new film every time.
And I'm surprised that no-one's mentioned Metropolis (or have they?)
I agree Paul. I never understood the Fonda hype, but that movie put that straight.
I would also like to add Paris, Texas (to both categories). And Keith reminded me of Greenaway's burlesque classic The Cook, The thief, his wife and her lover. The Kieslowski Three colours trilogi is also a masterpiece (or three).
And yes Keith, Groundhog day is very watchable, can even watch it several times (I don't normally). But Bill Murray is so good its a new film every time.
And I'm surprised that no-one's mentioned Metropolis (or have they?)
That was definitely on my list ... a true masterpiece!
jbielikowski
04-13-2011, 02:33
Blade Runner methinks. But there is also a czech film called Jízda (The Ride) and it has beautiful tones, such warm and nice, perfect match with the story.
I can see why this film isnt for everyone. Its a slow, lumbering film with a basic plot and a some-would-say anticlimactic ending. However the dialog, the acting and cinematography is as good as it gets for me. To take a slow paced story with not a whole heck of a lot going on or developing along the way, and make people hang on every word, that is masterful. Tommy Lee Jones' closing monolog is the perfect ending.
This one gets my vote, too. Quite a few of my friends who didn't like it complained that there was no climax because you didn't get to see the shoot-out. Too bad they missed the real climax -- Llewelyn's wife (I think her name's Norma something) confronting Chugar on his assurance of fatalism over free choice, where others simply cowered and accepted death.
Another one that comes to mind is "Man Bites Dog". While it's no longer novel for the crew on a mockumentary to become involved in the plot, I believe it was not exactly normal practice at the time. And what they end up becoming a part of is not exactly normal, either.
Andrew
Some mentioned 'Das Boot' before and it reminded me of what a fantastic film it is.
Speaking of foreign films I think my all time favourite has to be a Russian movie ... 'Burnt By The Sun.' The story and the cinematography are just amazing!
Crumbs Keith. I'd forgotten about that one. A fantastic movie in all respects. Das Boot is not bad either, I must admit.
have anybody mentioned "The Smoke" by Wayne Wang?
porktaco
04-13-2011, 03:06
It is impossible not to nominate Louis Malle's masterpiece, "Ascenseur pour l'échafaud" (Elevator to the Gallows).
It answers for everything I could ask of a film: Beautiful cinematographic work that became synonymous with the Film Noir genre, a tense, well-told story that involves a perfect crime and a camera (trying hard not to spoil, but a must-see for any film-buff), a pretty woman (Jeanne Moreau in her prime) in a fast car and, of course, the heart-melting soundtrack by Miles David.
"Ascenseur pour l'échafaud" gets my vote on both questions.
For colour-work, I'd have to say Almodovar's "Volver" gets my support.
without a doubt this is the greatest movie soundtrack of all time
without a doubt this is the greatest movie soundtrack of all time
... if one hasn't seen McCabe & Mrs Miller with the soundtrack by Leonard Cohen ...... ;)
wlewisiii
04-13-2011, 03:54
High Noon has some amazing camera work in it. The shots of the noon train are especially nicely done. The high angle and zoom in stuff too.
Saw Last Year at Marienbad" (La Derniere Annee a Marienbad ) last night - sorry, can't do accents. A film which divides people. Best seen on the large screen. Fine B&W photography in Orson Welles' "Touch of Evil", good story and fine performances.
So many great movies, so little time. :) Some of my favorites have already been mentioned: Das Boot, Touch of Evil, Chinatown, The Man Who Would be King, Greenaway's Cook/Thief/Wife/Lover (although I prefer Belly of an Architect).
Rather than follow OP instructions, I'll mention three movies with strong storyline and aesthetics both. Third place is "The Elephant Man" by Lynch. Shot in B&W, John Hurt must emote behind heavy makeup: awesome cast, all around. Second place is "The Emerald Forest" by John Boorman which was way ahead of its time for covering environmental/cultural destruction: a visual feast with pace.
First place is "Der Untergang" which I saw four times on the big screen, and it left me badly shaken every time. This is not entertainment, but a window into history, a place so horrifying that it's hard to believe it happened. For those unfamiliar, this movie tracks the last ten days of Hitler (channeled by the awesome Bruno Ganz) and his Bunker denizens. The aesthetics are oriented to academic authenticity and perfectly transparent presentation. The Continental cast is very strong, with special mention for actress Corinna Harfouch: her Magda Goebbels is heartwrenching to watch, and made her sick to portray.
Anything by Akira Kurosawa. Notably Seven Samurai and High and Low. Amazing films, outstanding cinematography.
Also by Kurosawa, "Sanjuro"
and the Rossellini movies, the ones where in each scene there's always just one most luminous white, so calming to the senses to watch B & W like this....
damien.murphy
04-19-2011, 09:57
Fantastic thread, and have taken note of much of the movies & directors mentioned.
For now, a few movies I haven't seen mentioned:
Amelie (French classic, timeless)
Cinema Paradiso (Must see for any movie lover..)
Goodbye Lenin (Comic look at East Germany after wall comes down)
Greyscale
04-19-2011, 13:57
For plot, Kubrick's "Paths of Glory". For aesthetics, I have to go with Welles's "Touch of Evil". Although I could flip-flop them and still be satisfied.
I did give serious consideration to Mel Brook's "Young Frankenstein" as well.
How about adding in the Russian film: "Come and See" ...
Now that will leave you speechless.
How about adding in the Russian film: "Come and See" ...
Now that will leave you speechless.
It does.
One of my all-time favorite movies is "Zorba the Greek".
I will also mention "28 Days Later" just for all the pleasurable (but scary) zombie killing dreams it has given me.
Just one for me:
'Paris Texas'(1984) ... directed by Wim Wenders ... music by Ry Cooder.
Starring: Natasha Kinski, Harry Dean Stanton and Dean Stockwell.
US cinema doesn't get any better than this IMO. :)
This comment prompted me to ask my wife to order Paris, Texas from Netflix. We watched it tonight. From every point of view, I agree: Plot, Acting, Cinematography, Set Design, or you name it; it doesn't get any better than that! A very moving film to boot.
Thanks for the tip, Keith, Et. Al.!
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