Oh how I love films! Doesn’t everybody? (At least everybody who is cool, anyway.) I have so many that I lovelovelove that earlier today I was trying to figure out what my top 5 favorite films would be. I thought 5 was a good number because 3 is too few and 10 is far too many and 8 is just stupid. I decided on two criteria: 1.) Would I want to watch this film over and over? (Not in a row of course, nobody wants to watch the same film over and over no matter how good it is, unless you are 5 or younger). But like after a reasonable amount of time has passed. 2.) Would I recommend this film to just about anyone? If both of these criteria were met and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the film, then it made the list.
5. Intermission
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Colin Farrell, Kelly MacDonald
Dir. John Crowley
2003
“A variety of losers in Dublin have harrowingly farcical intersecting stories of love, greed and violence.”
Oh this film is great. Just funny and interesting and different. Cillian Murphy is wonderful! (And it’s pronounced “Kill-ee-ann” every single male I have ever had a conversation with about him!)
4. Primal Fear
Starring: Richard Gere, Edward Norton, Laura Linney
Dir. Gregory Hoblit
1996
“An alter boy is accused of murdering a priest, and the truth is buried several layers deep.”
If you have not seen this movie, you absolutely must! Edward Norton is so amazing he was nominated for an Oscar (and this was his first role). This is one of those movies that will stick with you for a long time.
3. Heathers
Starring: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty
Dir. Michael Lehmann
1988
“A girl who half-heartedly tries to be a part of the in-crowd of her high school meets a rebel who teaches her a more devious way to maneuver high school politics.”
“I love my dead gay son!”
2. Secretary
Starring: Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Spader
Dir. Steven Shainberg
2002
“A young woman recently released from a mental hospital gets a job as a secretary from a demanding and eccentric lawyer.”
This one barely passed my criteria #2, only because I would not recommend this to my parents, or grandparents, or anyone who is uptight about sex. But to everyone else, this movie is so great and a really lovely love story even though it is about S&M.
1. Buffalo ’66
Starring: Vincent Gallo, Christina Ricci, Anjelica Houston
Dir. Vincent Gallo
1998
“After spending 5 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Billy is released only to kidnap a girl and force her to pose as his girlfriend in order to impress his parents.”
This movie is the best ever. I love it to pieces. The end.
Honorable Mention: Ed Wood
Starring: Johnny Depp, Martin Landau, Sarah Jessica Parker
Dir. Tim Burton
1994
“The mostly true story of the legendary director of awful movies and his strange group of friends and actors.”
So I lied. Top six.
Anybody want to share your top 5 favorite films? Or top 6? Or top 3? Or top whatever? I’d love some suggestions!
Tags: Buffalo '66, Ed Wood, good stuff, great movie, Heathers, Intermission, Primal Fear, Secretary
