I’ve watched a lot of films I guess, a couple thousand at the theater I think would not be an overestimation. There are very, very precious few films that I really enjoy watching at the theater but I go because there are a few gems that really hit home and make me think in a new way or open my mind to new ideas. To me, it’s worth it to go for that possibility.
For myself, ‘independent films’ are the real ‘gold’. If you haven’t seen any independent films you really should try. Frequently colleges have them playing on a weekly or monthly basis. When I went to college in Miami there was a special Wednesday night bi-weekly independent film showing for free for anyone that attended the university. There were only about 100 of us that went consistently, and most of them art students. I was about the only 25 year old there as everyone else was 18-19 and just came to kiss and heavy pet during the films.
There I was exposed to a variety of foreign films with subtitles and sometimes in English. Where they got these movies I haven’t a clue, but they all showed from a film projector on the wall screen in front of us - maybe 20 feet wide. My worldview expanded during those films.
I found it really fun to watch a film that was made in the United Kingdom and try to understand what everyone is saying. It’s English - but wow, the difference in the way I’m used to hearing English in the United States differs markedly from England’s version!
There were some very odd movies, the kind that you’re not really sure WHY they made the movie at all except to show texture of leaves, the sound of falling rain… the harshness of city life in contrast to nature… Very little dialogue and just shots of things. I really enjoyed those movies, there were maybe 30 in all. I was sure I didn’t miss even one.
The feature film business is largely owned by a small group of people that basically control all of the theater chains across America. There are some small independent films that break into the game, but for the most part even the independent films that you see at a theater are made by someone with serious corporate ties.
Some films that I’m glad I saw, not that I necessarily ‘enjoyed’:
Fellini’s Films - none in particular, just the whole twisted idea of them. They were shot out of chronological order sometimes - or so it seemed. They were spliced over with vivid sex scenes that woke me up when I thought it was getting a bit slow. There was this underlying tone of sexuality throughout all the Fellini films I saw (maybe 4) and they were filmed in a way that was very different from what I’d ever seen. You’ve GOTTA see a Fellini flick if you haven’t yet.
Most Annoying Film: Corndog Man, Andrew Shea
The most annoying movie ever produced in my humble opinion. That is saying something when compared to “Passion of the Christ” in which I was the unwitting participant in losing 38 IQ points for having subjected myself to that piece of trash. This movie grated on my nerves for what seemed like an e-t-e-r-n-i-t-y and it was actually hurting my mind to continue watching it. It was sizzling-my-brain torture to watch it. I wanted for well over an hour to stop the madness - and yet I couldn’t make myself hit “stop” on the DVD player. I did hit ‘pause’ at one point and question myself, “Am I really going to watch this to the finish?” The answer was YES. I needed to see what happened. This movie popped veins in my forehead and I aged an additional year just watching it. Here’s a review on Amazon: Corndog Man DVD
3 Best Films:
American Movie, Chris Smith
Perhaps my all-time favorite movie. Mark Borchardt wants to be a movie director. He has more drive and ambition than anyone I know and yet he’s a victim of circumstance having grown up in Wisconsin, poor, high school educated (striving for GED), and a recovering alcoholic. His refusal to accept that everything is against him, and to continue making his horror film is very inspiring. This movie filled me with incredible optimism for whatever it is that I’m working on. I frequently remember some of Mark’s sayings and his personality. Part of him lives inside me. Inside all of us? Rent the movie at Blockbuster if you can find it. Or, buy at Amazon: American Movie DVD
Following, Christopher Nolan
Mr. Nolan’s first feature film. About an unemployed guy that follows people. Black and white and character rich. You should definitely see this movie. Following DVD
Memento, Christopher Nolan
This story is shown in reverse sort of. There are 3-8 minute segments of the story shown and at the end of each segment it takes you to where you were at the beginning of the one before it. Sound confusing? It was first, having no background and seeing the film cold without having read any reviews (which is how I always see films). Memento DVD
Introduction to Strange Films: Heathers, Michael Lehmann
This was the first twisted sort of movie I’d ever seen. The weirdness of it was so provokative. I think I was 17 when I first saw this film. It was extremely interesting the first 5 times I saw it. I’m not sure if I saw it now that I would enjoy it, but then, WOW. Christian Slater played a very odd character that is worth seeing for that reason alone. I wouldn’t necessarily insist you’ve got to see this one. It’s quite amateurish and we’ve probably all outgrown this one. It was just my first foray into the ‘weird’ so I included it on the list.
Most Fascinating Film: A Clockwork Orange, Stanley Kubrick
I don’t really understand the reaction that most people give me about this movie… “The horrible rape, the depravity of it…” What are they talking about? To me it’s a work of pure fiction, and yet so many people treat it as if it’s supposed to be a reality of some sort. The book was brilliant, I read it first. I loved picking up the language that was completely fabricated and a lot of it borrowed from Russian slang I think is where it came from. I thought the characters were just brilliant. The headmaster’s voice still rings in my head and demands to be copied when I’m talking to someone that I want to accuse of something (for fun of course). A Clockwork Orange DVD
Most Strange and Twisted Film: Gummo, Harmony Korine
Definitely was the strangest movie I’d ever seen until I saw more Harmony Korine Movies. This guy tops the list for odd stuff. In the meta view - the big picture his films are kind of just showing one short couple days in the life of some people that we may never interact with. We might never, EVER know someone like one of the characters in his films. But, they exist and they are living everyday just like us. Some parts of the kids on the bicycles riding through town reminded me of growing up in a small town, population 3,000. It reminded me of a few people I knew when I was growing up. I had to watch this film 4 or 5 times before I started to feel at ease with it a little bit. And still… you know? You’ve got to rent this one. Another of his mad creations was “KIDS” which is not recommended for everyone, but if you really want a taste of something different - have a look. Gummo DVD
Honorable Mentions
Dangerous Liasons (John Malkovich was great); Silence of the Lambs (Hannibal was great character); Kill Bill I+II; Shawshank Redemption; Schindler’s List (the darkness of it was overwhelming); Meaty (Free download). 8 minute short film. If you download this film you MUST watch until the very end… there is a sweet song by Meaty’s wife that is priceless…
What are YOUR favorite independent or ‘different’ movies?
