Favorite Dramas (A-L)

comedy drama starring Sandra Bullock, Viggo Mortensen, Elizabeth Perkins, Dominic West, Alan Tudyk and Steve Buscemi. written by Susannah Grant. directed by Betty Thomas.

after crashing the limo she steals at her sister's wedding, writer Gwen Cummings (Bullock) is sent to a rehabilitation center for 28 days to deal with her addictions.

I know that most people didnt really care for this film and I do not understand why. maybe its because they are used to seeing Bullock in light-hearted comedies and are unable to take her serious. maybe they couldnt relate to the story. I dunno. but personally, I love this film. in my opinion, it is one of Bullock's best performances.

great script and great performances. I love this one. ♥

dark comedy drama starring Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Chris Cooper, Wes Bentley, Thora Burch and Mena Suvari. cinematography by Conrad L. Hall. written by Alan Ball. directed by Sam Mendes.

Lester Burnham (Spacey) is not very different from most men. he's in a sexless marriage with a woman (Bening) he doesnt even recognize anymore, has a teenage daughter (Birch) with whom he barely speaks to and has a job which he hates. after meeting his daughter's friend (Suvari), whom he develops an attraction for, he decides to start making changes and live the life that he wants. changes that affect not only him, but those around him.

the combination of the spectacular cinematography of Conrad L. Hall and the direction of Sam Mendes bring to life Alan Ball's wonderfully penned script, making it an instant classic. Ball without a doubt captured the desperation and monotony of the everyday life of average suburbia flawlessly.

the entire cast all deliver great performances, but it is Kevin Spacey's performance that is once again incredible. had the character of Lester Burnham been portrayed by anyone else, he would have seemed creepy and pathetic. but Spacey manages to make the viewer empathize and cheer Lester on, as he makes the drastic changes in his life that ultimately lead to the shocking, albeit poetic, ending.

this movie is one of my favorites for a reason. it truly is a phenomenal film. ♥

drama starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg, Lorraine Bracco, Juliette Lewis and James Madio. based on the autobiographical novel of the same name by Jim Carroll, featuring the original music by Michael Peter Balzary. directed by Scott Kalvert.

the tale of a group of promising high school basketball players (DiCaprio, Wahlberg, Madio) and their descent into the dark world of crime and drugs.

one of my all-time favorite films and yet another great performance by DiCaprio. an all around great film. ♥

biopic adapted from Bruce Porter's book, Blow: How a Small Town Boy Made $100 Million with the Medellin Cocaine Cartel and Lost It All. directed by Nick Cassavetes.

definitely an underrated film. based on the true stories of George Jung (Johnny Depp) and friends. it follows Jung's journey from marijuana dealer to becoming one of the US's major players in the 1970's cocaine trade.

one of my favorite Depp performances. I love this film. ♥

This is one of those films that once you watch it, it stays with you. It resonates deep within and takes a hold of you and doesn't let go. Wonderfully written by Kimberly Peirce and Andy Bienen, the story of Brandon Teena is one that is quite sad and yet, beautiful. Swank truly captured the essence of longing to be comfortable in one's own skin, as well as the desire to be loved for who we truly are. Great, great film. ♥

** review to come **

Based on the 1996 novel by Chuck Palahniuk, everything about this film is perfection. The dialogue, the cinematography, the direction, the casting. Perfection. ♥

** full review to come **

SUMMARY
comedy drama starring Jeff Bridges, Robin Williams, Michale Jeter and David Hyde Pierce. written by Richard LaGravenese. directed by Terry Gilliam.

when cynical shock jock Jack Lucas (Bridges) goes too far with a caller and causes the caller to commit a horrifying crime, Lucas falls into a deep depression. one night, while attempting to kill himself, he has a chance encounter with a homeless man named Parry (Williams). the men form an unlikely friendship and soon learn that they are connected in a very significant way.

MY TAKE
another one that I had been wanting to see for quite some time but never had the opportunity to. so glad I happened upon it one night while channel surfing. wonderfully written, wonderfully directed and top notch performances by Williams and Bridges.

love Gilliam. love Bridges. love Williams. good stuff! ♥

One of the greatest scripts ever written. I love this film. ♥

This film is phenomenal in every aspect, I have no idea where to begin.

The direction by Penn is great, as well as his adaptation of Jon Krakauer's novel. He definitely earned my respect. The cinematography by Eric Gautier is stunning, capturing the beauty of America. Truly makes one want to venture out and see more of this beautiful country. The acting is amazing, such a wonderful cast. Emile Hirsch is definitely one to watch. And finally, the original songs by Eddie Vedder. They capture the emotion of this film perfectly.

Beautiful and inspiring. Definitely one of the best ever made. I absolutely love this film. ♥

** review to be continued **