I was initially tagged on Facebook by Eunice (fellow Honours thesis supervisee under the great Prof Talib) to write a post listing the Top 10 films that have changed my life, but it took me quite awhile to think of them so I’ve decided to turn it into a blog post and write slightly more about each one of them.
So in no particular order, these are the
Top 10 Films that have changed my life:
1.
Spirited Away (Hayao Miyazaki, 2001)
This is my favourite film of Miyazaki-san. I used to take third language classes at that tucked away language school in Bishan, and my choice was Japanese. I took nothing away from that class i.e. my Japanese speaking/learning skills are zilch, except this film, because one afternoon, the entire cohort was given a special treat and they screened this film for us in a large auditorium instead of having lessons. It was breathtaking. I felt like my soul had been spirited away. As a character, Chihiro grew from being a sulky, whiny child to being selfless and brave in order to save her parents and Haku. The love between Haku and Chihiro is so pure and fragile. In the end, the viewer does not know if they actually meet again; I think that was the first time I had encountered such an ending in a film, so I was left with a keen sense of loss. Yet at the same time, I felt such a sense of happiness brimming over in me that I left the auditorium smiling. This was my first time viewing the work of the genius that is Hayao Miyazaki – animation, plot, characters and music all come together seamlessly for his films!
2.
Se7en (David Fincher, 1995)
I had caught this film on cable TV when I was young (as a child, I was left alone to watch quite a number shows on television, many of which my adult self would personally deem unsuitable for an unsupervised child, but I’m gleeful that I managed to get away with it), so it did not have the director’s cut of the last gruesome scene - I shan’t spoil the film for you if you haven’t caught it. It was my first exposure to the film style noir; rather, neo-noir would be more accurate for this film. I was taken with the dark and menacing style, where William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) was harsh, rough and jaded, because his long years of being a detective and staying in a crime-filled city had taken their toll on him. Obviously, the crimes themselves committed by John Doe (Kevin Spacey – first time seeing him on a film, I think! I’m a huge Kevin Spacey fan; he is brilliant) were terrifying. One in particular, Pride, where a model whose face had been mutilated chose to kill herself with pills instead of living on, really resonated with me. I had been young and vain, and it left me wondering if I would have done the same action she did. It was also surprising to have the antagonist make such a late appearance, and for him to then give himself up for arrest. I liked the film. It might be a tad gruesome for some, though.
3.
Finding Nemo (Andrew Stanton, 2003)
One must not fail to include this in their list! This is my all-time favourite Disney film, which re-runs I always never fail to watch. Besides loving how cute the headstrong Nemo (Alexander Gould) is, the character growth and change in Nemo’s father, Marlin (Albert Brooks) is really enjoyable to watch. It was also delightful that Marlin and Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) became fast friends – platonic friends at that – and had such comedic situations. I will always remember that scary scene at the bottom of the ocean where the two of them met with the anglerfish that suddenly lit up and started chasing them. All in all though, a feel-good movie, and I give Disney and Pixar credit for portraying a father-and-son relationship so beautifully! I will forever remember the last scene, where the fishes from the tank in the dentist’s office finally managed to escape by Gill’s plan but are confined in plastic bags floating in the harbour, because I could never stop thinking about whether they were going to survive or die…
4.
The Divine Secrets of the Ya-ya Sisterhood (Callie Khouri, 2002)
This is one of my favourite films, hands down. I realise that I live by many of the films’ scenes and dialogues, and it’s a source of strength and courage for me. With Sandra Bullock in the leading role, it has an ensemble cast consisting of Ellen Burstyn (whom I loved in
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore), Maggie Smith (best known as Professor McGonagall, but dearly as Miss Jean Brodie to me), Ashley Judd and James Garner (older Ryan Gosling’s character in
The Notebook). I loved Sandra Bullock’s character, though as the older version, she does not act in many scenes. Those scenes that she was in did still display her impressive acting skills though. I really liked the young Siddalee Walker, whom was acted by Allison Bertolino. It’s a really good film about painful experiences of loss, contradictory familial relationships and most importantly friendship. It also tackles issues of hardship and mental breakdowns, especially with regard to those of being a mother. I liked how Shep (James Garner) stayed with Vivi (Ellen Burstyn) knowing that he would always be in second place in her heart. There’s one scene that I faithfully remember in order to get through my days (this is a passage that I pulled from one of my past entries):
On an outing to the fields with the rest of the women and children, Sidda initially rejects her mom's offer to go on a plane ride, because she is scared of heights. However, because of her choice, she was unhappy and sulky for the rest of the afternoon. Upon reaching home, Vivi demands an explanation for Sidda's behaviour, and when Sidda tells her about wanting to go on a plane, Vivi asks her why she did not go up when she had her turn just now - to which Sidda replies "I was scared." And then Vivi says that, my favourite line, "But nobody ever got anywhere by being frightened all the time!" It really resonates with me because... I was - and sometimes still am - a lot like young Siddalee. I'm indecisive about what I want, so when I make a choice, I can get really unhappy and frustrated about that choice, and then blame myself, and blame others for it. I know it's stupid to behave like that, and things can be so much better if I don't behave like that. So ever since watching that film, I've tried my hardest to live by that line, because I don't want to be like Siddalee and miss my plane ride.
5.
Mars Attack! (Tim Burton, 1996)
I AM WILLING TO BET THAT EVERYONE ABOUT MY AGE WHO'S STAYED IN SINGAPORE HAS SEEN THIS FILM BEFORE (because the telly channels used to show it all the time during holidays). This is that crazy film that has many big names in it, and it is so exceedingly STRANGE that you would never forget it. It really changed my life because I had never seen such an odd film, ever. Sarah Jessica Parker’s head on a chihuahua? That Martian that pretended to be a sexy homosapien with that memorable yet creepy sway of the hips? It was great fun in the end, because the ‘loser’ who lived in a trailer park and cared dearly for his grandmother managed to save the world by blasting her favourite tune and made every Martian’s head explode into green slime within their clear helmets.
6.
Mystic River (Clint Eastwood, 2003)
Another film that I caught on the television late into the night, creeping on till early morning. This has such mature themes that it has stayed with me till now. Needless to say, Tim Robbins’ performance as Dave Boyle, a tortured soul who had been sexually abused by two men when he was a young boy, really affected me because I realised that everyone, not only a female, could be sexually assaulted, and also be scarred by such experiences till adulthood (in the same vein, watch
Sleepers (1996) by Barry Levinson). The film also dealt with issues of friendships, in particular, love and distrust between friends, guilty and responsibilities. Clint Eastwood was an amazing director and I do think this film is a serious one, but a good one.
7.
Disturbia (D. J. Caruso, 2007)
I caught this film in the cinemas, and it really reminded me of Alfred Hitchcock’s
Rear Window (1954) (yes I had watched that with my parents by then!). Concentrating on the theme of voyeurism, it also weaved in thrill and suspense. Shia LeBouf was relatively exciting and adequately tense in this. As someone who doesn’t watch many psychological thrillers and horror films, I was genuinely freaked out by this one. I was determined to not be a voyeur, mind my own business and never chance upon any murders by accident.
8.
Days of Heaven (Terrence Malick, 1978)
I had to include this in this list. This was the second film of Terrence Malick that I had watched (the first being
Badlands (1973)), and I had written my Honours thesis on the voiceover narration of Linda (Linda Manz). Besides my baby scoring an A, I’m really glad that I listened to Prof Talib’s advice and was introduced to the beauty and delicacy that is Malick’s cinematography and artistry. Having been very used to action-focused or plot-focused films, it was a stark difference viewing Malick’s shorts of nature, such as wheat fields just rustling in the wind, animals and landscapes. With each viewing – and trust me, there were many – I grew to appreciate the subtlety and beauty of these shots. One of the most magnificent films ever made, in my humble opinion.
9.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Michel Gondry, 2004)
This film made me sob. It was so emotionally charged that I just couldn’t stop crying. I prefer such a romantic love; a love filled with pain, anger, and walking away. Forgetting everything, then reuniting knowing that your love is stronger than whatever tore you apart. My perspective of Jim Carrey is that of him being in
The Mask (Chuck Russell, 1994),
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (Tom Shadyac, 1994) versus that of him being in
The Truman Show (Peter Weir, 1998) and
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I definitely have more respect for him in the latter perspective. Kate Winslet really performed Clementine well, too. Visually, it was a beautifully sad film as well. This shaped my idea of romance a lot – there is hope, and there is despair.
10.
Closer (Patrick Marber, 2004)
Another film that highly influenced my ideas on romance; this ought to show you how much of a broken soul I am. I kid. This film is a tale of two pairs of lovers, Alice Ayres (Natalie Portman) and Dan Woolf (Jude Law), and Larry Gray (Clive Owen) and Anna Cameron (Julia Roberts). It is full of deceit, temptation, love and raw passion. It is about pain and compromise. It’s about secrecy and lies. I was left incredulous that Alice had a two-year long relationship with Dan on a fake name… And one’s name plays a significant part in one’s identity. It really made me wonder about the level of pretense a couple could possess. You could fall in love with a stranger.
These are the films that have made a change in my life! I did my Honours thesis on a film, so that probably gives you an indication as to how strongly I feel about films and their influence on us. Films are social commentaries on social events. Films are real. Films are dreams. Films make us ponder and give us an insight to art, cinematography, talent and so many other things. Characters are, for me, role models to learn how to lead a more fulfilling and spiritually rich life. Their actions are deterrence as well, sometimes.
I hope you had a good time reading about the top 10 films that have changed my life! If you have written one, or are inspired to write one as well, please do link it to me! I would really love to read about the films.
Because I am a cheat, I am sneaking in another 10 films that have really influenced me through my life:
11.
Murder on the Orient Express (Sidney Lumet, 1974)
One of my favourite Agatha Christie novels brought to life! A classic whodunit, if not the classic whodunit. I loved Albert Finney as Hercule Poirot. I will not give the plot away, but please do read it if you love detective fiction. Watch the film adaptation for the amazing sets (prior to boarding the train, as well as the mise-en-scene in the train), and brilliant acting by famous actors and actresses. The film also expounds on the stars’ previous roles to deliver more than just a story of a whodunit. For instance, Anthony Perkins plays Hector MacQueen, a man who adores Sonia Armstrong, mother of Daisy Armstrong, bringing to viewers’ minds comparison to his role as Norman Bates in
Psycho (Alfred Hitchcock, 1960). By shifting attention from the characters to the stars that play them, the film displaces the focus from the simple question of “Who done it?” to a dichotomy between actor and role.
12.
North Country (Niki Caro, 2005)
One of the most painful films I’ve ever watched. Charlize Theron and Frances McDormand were heartbreakingly good in it. If you are interested in sexual harassment and feminism, please do watch it. It is based on the Lois E. Jenson v. Eveleth Taconite Co. case in 1988, which was the first class-action sexual harassment lawsuit in the United States.
13.
Pulp Fiction (Quentin Tarantino, 1994)
What can I say? The film that best uses nonlinear narrative telling. Such awesomeness in one film, this really is. It is close to my heart for personal reasons involving one of Mia Wallace’s (Uma Thurman) scenes. Also, hamburgers! Cornerstone of any nutritious breakfast.
14.
Goodfellas (Martin Scorsese, 1990)
He spoke to the camera! Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) did, I mean. That was the first time I had ever encountered such a thing. The violence in this film was extraordinary. Also, I love mafia films (The Godfather trilogy ought to be in this list…).
15.
Rushmore (Wes Anderson, 1998)
One of my favourite Wes Anderson films – I strive to be as confident in my own skin and as gracious as Max Fischer.
16.
Love and Other Impossible Pursuits (or
The Other Woman) (Don Roos, 2009)
Emilia Greenleaf (Natalie Portman) showed me that it was not necessarily a negative thing to be unable to stand the sight and sound of children. And that keeping a secret and blaming yourself can be excrutiating and destructive.
17.
The Shawshank Redemption (Frank Darabont, 1994)
This film taught me that sheer determination could get you anywhere. Even out of prison. With the help of Rita Hayworth.
18.
Erin Brockovich (Steven Soderberg, 2000)
I learnt that one’s appearance does not determine one’s intelligence and capabilities. Julia Roberts was amazing in this.
19.
Fight Club (David Fincher, 1999)
This took the whole unreliable narrator thing to another level altogether. Also, loved the costume designs in this film.
20.
Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996)
Never take drugs, kids. The blue skinned baby crawling on the wall scene still freaks me out to this day.
That sums up the Top 10+10 films that have changed my life. You might have noticed that there aren’t many horror films in the above 20 films, or rather, none at all. Horror films are not my thing at all, and that’s a huge part of my film buff identity. To better understand my fear of watching horror films, here are 5 that I have watched that could probably explain it:
a.
Hide and Seek (John Polson, 2005)
I became deathly afraid of Robert De Niro for a short while, for his performance as David/Charlie was so scary. Also, to add to the list of creepy last scenes, Emily (Dakota Fanning)’s drawing of herself had two heads.
b.
The Shining (Stanley Kubrick, 1980)
Again, this was something that I had watched when I was really young. The scene of Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) maniacally chopping through the wardrobe to get to Wendy (Shelley Duvall) still scares me. Stephen King is evil. His work is SO HORRIFYING.
c.
Final Destination 3 (James Wong, 2006)
Because of this film, I have a fear of tanning beds. I am never ever getting into one.
d.
The Fly (David Cronenberg, 1986)
I do not know if anyone shares the same wonderful childhood as I did, but I watched this film as a really young child as well. I vividly recall a scene where Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum) peeled something off off his discoloured mutant skin in the slowest manner with the most disgusting sound effect.
e.
Shutter (Banjong Pisanthanakun & Parkpoom Wongpoom, 2004) This Thai film is the scariest film I’ve ever watched in my entire life. Sometimes I still get hit by visions of a girl sprawled on my back, or that my legs would be pulled whilst in bed. Why does the camera always get implicated into such horror stories? WHY?
Labels: commentary, films, lists, social events, Top 10 films that changed my life
