THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY
These films have raised the bar for use of the word "epic" about a mile. Jackson uncompromisingly translated Tolkiens landmark books to the big screen, and did it in a way that never leaves a dull moment. This is one for the ages.
If you liked this, may I suggest: The only epic in the true sense of the word that comes to mind is Gladiator, but if you're looking to expand your cinematic horizon I recommend Seven Samurai.
THE MATRIX
The premise for this film alone if pretty mind-blowing for people who never studied Descartes, but the execution is spot-on as well. The action is ridiculously awesome (the lobby fight scene is still unmatched), the costumes are completely bad-ass and if you look closely, you might actually catch a rare sliver of emotion on Keanu Reeves face. The way the theme of "man and his machines" is approached is actually pretty engaging, and never stands in the way of the plot or the action. This is a modern classic.
If you liked this, may I suggest: V for Vendetta for the same mix of social commentary and kickass, and Blade Runner for more on the subject.
MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL
It is always controversial which Monty Python film is best, but this is my favorite. Don't let is stand in your way to watch them all, though. Multiple times, if possible. These films are the silliest, shallowest and most meaningless comedies ever made. They are also, by far, the funniest. If you don't laugh about there ones you simply have no sense of humor.
If you liked this, may I suggest: There are lots of great nonsensical comedies, although the majority simply isn't funny. The following made me almost shit my pants, though: There's Something About Mary, The Return of the Pink Panther, A Fish Called Wanda, Hot Shots (1&2), the original Scary Movie
Lord of the Rings also is an interesting piece of cinema because of the cinematic generational divide. For the generation you and I belong to it was what Star Wars was for the previous generation. I'm still amazed LotR works as a movie, but without a doubt, it does.
ReplyDeleteNot only does the philosophy of The Matrix predate Descartes, it's also the most on-the-radar piece of Cyberpunk since, well, Blade Runner. I could type all day about Cyberpunk. And then I would have a script.
Do not discount Monty Python as meaningless. Perhaps in narrative, but in style this unprecedented and never well followed group of people have put dada in comedy in a way that forces one to think about the medium one is watching.