My Favorite Movies

I've seen this movie about 60 times, 3rd behind only Blade Runner (85) and Alien (around 110). As far as scene structure, spot on acting and unforgettable dialogue this is the Coen's best, only Raising Arizona, Fargo & No Country for Old Men hold a candle to this. I get something new from the story and from filmmaking everytime I pop this in. A must see.

One of the greatest films ever made about the existential essense of the human condition. Directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, this tale follows 4 dead end outcasts as they drive 2 trucks full of nitroglycerin up a treacherous mountain path to assist in putting out an oil fire. Even at a length of over 3 hours this film keeps you glued to your seat as the men encounter obstacle after obstacle--the most dangerous being themselves--all in an attempt to hit the jackpot and escape their dead end lives.

Bergman's reflective masterpiece of mortality and redemption is far more hopeful than his other masterpieces of the era The Virgin Spring & The Seventh Seal. Victor Sjostrom plays Prof. Isak Borg, a man who upon his day of achievement, reflects upon his life and his many failures on a road trip to get his honorary degree at the University where he studied. Creative use of flashback, including many scenes where the elderly prof. interacts with his past have been used as inspiration from Kurasawa to Woody Allen. A deep, heartfelt film of reflection and realization. One of my Top 5 faves.

One of the top 5 greatest films of the silent era and the film upon which the incomparable Louise Brooks made her mark. Based upon the Wedekind stage play of the same name, this story follows the lustful Lulu who's playful nature unintentionally dooms not only all those who attempt to control and contain her but eventually herself as well. Shot in the German Expressionist style by great German filmmaker G.W. Pabst, this film is a must-see for any student of film.

I need to see this again to get the full scope of the film but it wowed me from the start. Javier Bardem is absolutely scene stealing as the grim reaper-like Anton Chigurh, add in amazing performances by Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones and Kelly MacDonald and you have what is going to be remembered for years as a cinematic masterpiece. Not one wasted moment, and even though the open ending may put off some folks, it holds true. Harsh, brutal and unforgiving--one of the best films of the past decade.

This 90 minute thrill-ride feels like it goes by in less than half an hour. John Carpenter when he was a genius (and not a deluded hack like he is today) made this before his classic Halloween and his verve and energy for filmmaking can be seen throughout. A cast of unknowns turn in stellar acting turns as police officers trapped in a closing Police precinct under seige from a maurading band of gang members. Don't watch the remake, Hollywood wishes it could make films this good.

It's Louise Brooks & G.W. Pabst both arguably at their height. A dated storyline but the two artists make it work.

Brilliant suspense film from Alejandro Amenabar (The Others, The Sea Inside, Open Your Eyes). Inventive and disturbing, this film keeps you glued from the 1st frame. Worth repeat viewings!

Great early film in the careers of Hugo Weaving & Russell Crowe, this emotionally complex film follows blind Martin (Weaving) as he searches for trust and truth in his closed, closeted life. When he meets Andrew (Crowe) his world begins to open and Martin is forced to examine life outside his shell and discover what trust truly is so he can discover the truth to his 1st photograph and what that truth contains. Beautiful, funny and at times harsh, this is about as great an independent film as you'll find.

By far my favorite Charlie Chaplin film, with the iconic tramp in one of the 5 best film endings of all time. An unmatched classic!!

It's hard to say which is Nicholson's greatest performance, he has many, but my vote goes towards his portrayal of Bobby Dupea in Rafelson's amazing Five Easy Pieces. Containing probably the best of Jack's unimitable rants (the classic diner sequence) and many other subtler and intricate characterizations of a lost Everyman trying to reconcile the many facets of his existance. An impressive cast which Rafeson allows to work free without intrusive direction. One of my top 50 films of all time.

Easily in my top 25 films of all time. Renoir's study of the corruption of French High Society, the lessons of this film still hold true in the 21st century. Criterion recently restored this film to it's original quality (the original print was destroyed in WWII and it took years to locate complete, unaltered reels). Worthy of repeat viewings--a masterpiece.

Peter Jackson's first film is an inventive & fun hoot. Some over the top gore and great lines make this a one to watch over & over.

One of the best endings of all time in a film, if not the best. If not for a bit of a lag in the story during the middle section of the film I'd give it 5 stars. Phillipe Noriet is amazing in this.

If the 1st half of the movie could've been matched by the second, this would've been Carpenter's 2nd best film behind Halloween.

The Muppets on Acid...

Brilliant film with Walter Huston as a egomaniacal ranch owner in a border town and his headstrong daughter (played brilliantly by Barbara Stanwyck) as their relationship and their land fall into peril. Anthony Mann does a superb job with this fairly basic psychological drama which makes the movie stand out against other westerns of the era.
Although the casting of Wendell Corey as a love interest does not pay off the rest of the cast is perfect. The ending also is not as sharply done as the rest of the film which makes this personal favorite a flawed masterpiece.