Your Top Ten Films... EVER.

In no particular order...

-Pulp Fiction: Can you really go wrong with this one? It's an absolute blast to watch; great acting, great script, great concept. All the stories and characters work and they mix together perfectly. A great film if there ever was one.

-Brazil: Probably the most magical depressing film ever made. Terry Gilliam is at his absolute best here and I've never seen anyone create a world like he has.

-Rushmore: Ahh, the tale of Max Fisher... original, hilarious, and wonderfully scored. I can't hardly wait for the Royal Tennenbaums

-Aliens: Everything about this movie kicks ass. From Paxton's "Game over!" to Weaver's "Get away from her, you bitch!" it's all greatness.

-Alien: Scariest film ever? I think so. I saw this for maybe the tenth time at my local rep theatre last Friday and despite knowing the movie quite well, it never ceases to frighten me, except when we finally see the Alien, it's kind of disappointing.

-Fight Club: Probably the only movie I've seen that I liked more than the book.

-Dr. Strangelove: Can't leave out the classics. Black comedy at its best.

-Niagara Niagara: Perhaps it's an unconventional choice, but still the movie that has the greatest emotional impact on me.

-Apocalypse Now: One of the most absorbing movies I've ever seen. A great story and acting and the best cinematography I've ever seen.

-The Big Lebowski: Brilliant, hilarious randomness.

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Oh God. Did you eat all this acid?

[This message has been edited by raoul duke (edited 12-20-2001).]

1) Raiders
2) To Kill a Mockingbird
3) GodFather
4) Rear Window
5) Jaws
6) All About Eve
7) Ben Hur
8) Schindler's List
9) Empire Strikes Back
10) Witness

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~Eileen

"I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me." - Hunter S. Thompson

1. The Searchers. Great Ford, and that's saying something. An epic western odyssey with great Wayne performance. Deals with American history in a brutally honest manner. Great action. Touching story. How many films has this inspired? Wayne standing in the doorway.

2. Heat. Complex, multi-layered film expands on themes Mann touched on previously in Thief, Manhunter and the Jericho Mile. Condemned by some for its length and its inclusion of the primary characters' relationships, it is actually all the stronger for them. Greatest gunfight I've seen on film. Greatest closing shot I've seen on film - maybe a tie with the closing shot from film #1. De Niro changing his mind in the car, a little smile.

3. Goodfellas. The much-heralded crime films Usual Suspects and Pulp Fiction were written by people who showed no insight into the criminal mind and settled for being unconventionally stylish. Here Scorsese takes a great Pileggi crime story and turns it into a greater film. Liotta's terrific narrative performance is overshadowed by Pesci's hilarious psycho. Another great closing shot (several of them, in fact). That this lost to Dances With Wolves shows the academy's recognition is worth absolutely 100% squat diddly-shit.

4. Sorceror. A couple of Friedkin's films could take this spot, namely TFC and The Exorcist, but this is less known, so I'll take it. Roy Scheider gives a great, intense peformance as a mob driver on the lam in South America hired to drive a truck with of nitro through the mountains. Friedkin keeps the screws on all the way through this admittedly absurdly fatal scenario. The lives of the supporting characters matter here, too.

5. Beau Geste. Forget yer 007 opening sequences - The opening sequence of this film has yet to be matched, and sets up acomplex story with some of my favorite themes - loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of each. Gary Cooper is great as one of three brothers who join the foreign legion. It is truly amazing how these old-time directors could craft an adventure-thriller so economically. This films has so much of the heart and magic missing today in films (but which was aplenty in FOTR).

6. The Last of the Mohicans. The only 18th-century love story I can stomach and it is truly great. A bang-up script culled from the 1936 version helps, but Daniel Day-Lewis owns this film, playing 'the Deerslayer'- a character he called completely free of neurosis. Activists Wes Studi and Russell Means shine as older warriors on opposite sides of the French and Indian wars, each fighting for his family in their own way. Mann brings the film to a tragic and thrilling conclusion. This was the film that tipped me off to what a cinematic visionary Michael Mann is, but as is often the case the strength of his narrative is overshadowed by his unmatched camera work. IIRC it wasn't nominated for best picture, but A Few Good Men was. A carriage crossing a quiet pond.

7. The Fellowship of the Ring - Probably jumping the gun here, but I've seen it twice and have had enough time to reflect. It's merits are being discussed elsewhere by many other people, so I'll just mention that the recreation of Middle-Earth and the masterfully-adapted narrative are but two of the highlights. Legolas taking out orc snipers while Aragorn and Frodo wait to jump across a chasm.

8. Jaws. This should rank a little higher, but all these films are pretty much interchangable. Robert Shaw plays one of the coolest characters ever to appear on film, Dreyfuss is tolerable and Scheider is again in an excellent understed performance. So much that is great here is that which is not seen - the big fish in the water, Scheider's belly wound, Quint's dark heart. How great is Spielberg's direction? Great enough to make everything he's done in the 25 years since seem pretty weak. Except...

9. Raiders of the Lost Ark. Indiana Jones, Quint, and De Niro's Neil McCauley are the 3 coolest charcters I've seen on film. Arguably the most 'fun' movie of all time. How did Spielberg get the inspiration for this film? Why doesn't he tell Simon West before another Tomb Raider is dopped on us? Imagine if Jurassic Park had had a leading character as cool as Indy.

10. So many films could go on this list. I'll toss a few names up here: The Gunfighter, The Thing, Dawn of the Dead (actually it definitely belongs up there, with the strength of its unknown cast and social commentary), The Insider, Midnight Run, Thunderheart, Gattaca, Conan the Barbarian...

anyhow, that's my crappy opinion.

10. (Reserved for Fellowship de los Ring)
9. Los Shawshank Redemption
8. El Barton Fink
7. Un City of Lost Childrens
6. Una Zentropa
5. La Fantasia
4. El Citizen Kane
3. Los Godfather 2
2. De Apocalypse Now
1. De Lawrence of Arabia

As for #6 there, I'm big on stylization in film, which is why I love Zentropa (but ironically now resent Dogma 95 and the fact that von Trier has moved away from stylized filmmakin)

Barton Fink is a masterpiece to me. I know it isn't nearly as popular as other Coen flicks, but I love the writing so much. This one is my repeat viewings champion.

This is so hard. There have been so many great movies that I wish I could cram into the top ten. Instead I'll try to pick movies that represent:

1- Taxi Driver: This movie changed me in a way I can't describe. Before Taxi Driver movies were fantasies. Watching this film was like seeing someone's body cut open.

2- Star Wars: Changed my life, changed me.

3- Ran: This is the one of the most beautiful, powerful films I've ever seen.

4- Blue Velvet: David Lynch in general is a film artist that moves me and also alters my perception in weird ways. Mulholland Dr. could go here too, and many other Lynch flicks.

5- Halloween: a scary, beautiful, thrilling vision. The Thing and many other Carpenter flicks could go here too.

6- Jackie Brown: a completely different sensibility on the big screen. I love every moment of this movie, all all QT's movies.

7- Blade Runner: perfection.

8- Dr. Strangelove: Kubrick's genius. A filmmaking artist, like Lynch, rare. I could also put 2001 here.

9- Annie Hall: funny and brilliant, in a league of its own. Also Crimes & Misdemeanors.

10- Raiders: for the same reasons everyone else loves this great flick.

10.5- Bride of Frankenstein: beauty, passion, all the big questions.

Have to mention: The Big Lebowski, Chinatown, Close Encounters, La Strada, Monsieur Hire, Alien & Aliens, Apocalypse Now, Lord of the Rings, Jaws, Christine, Hannibal, Silence of the Lambs, Wings of Desire, Hope & Glory, The Year of Living Dangerously, The Big Sleep, Casablanca, Psycho, Evil Dead movies, Unforgiven, god, so many others. I can't do this...

[This message has been edited by yt (edited 12-21-2001).]

10. Raiders of the Lost Ark - This is an adventure film to top any adventure film. This is why we go to the movies.

9. The Empire Strikes Back - The best "Star Wars" film ever. It is the very reason why I'm a devout fanboy of George Lucas' universe.

8. The Matrix - I just love this flick, especially the way it fuses Western and Eastern mythologies.

7. Jacob's Ladder - An uplifting film disguised as a disturbing film. It's about choices, dreams, love, and hope. I can't describe just how much this film has affected me deeply.

6. Barton Fink - My favorite Coen flick. As an aspiring writer, this is a tale that just creeps me out every time I watch it. I can relate to John Turturro character and I both love and fear the Mad Man Mundts out there.

5. A.I. - Completely blew me away and one of the greatest sci-fi fable of all-time. It's an excellent retelling of a cautionary tale for a new generation.

4. Blade Runner - Despite Ridley Scott's not-needed explanation of the film's ending, this film is a sci-fi film that I prefer: Sci-Fi Noir. The ambiguity of a futuristic world and human emotions are themes I find endlessly fascinating.

3. Excalibur - What used to be my number 2 movie of all-time has been knocked out by FOTR. Part of my love for FOTR is it's magical world is steeped in a real world such as ours. "Excalibur" is such a film that made truth out of magic and fantasy.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring - What a true cinematic fantasy epic should be. Everything is done right: from the acting, the sceneries, the special effects, and not to mention the battle scenes! And with my love for symbolisms and mythic themes, this film touches them all.

1. 2001: A Space Odyssey - My favorite movie of all-time and nothing and I mean nothing's going to kick it in my top spot. I can watch this film over and over again and never get bored. It speaks deeply to me in a level even I can't explain. All I can say is that I always experience something different every time I watch it.

Toasted as I may be, I just really love a thread that's all about love right now.

1. Rushmore - Perfect in almost every way. Stylish without being prententious; Great characters, dialogue, soundtrack... I wish I could experience it again for the first time.

2. Magnolia - There's just something so achingly beautiful about this film, which is quite simply an epic tome about the redemptive power of love.

3. Annie Hall - Woody Allen's best film is still his most touching. Funny, inventive and bittersweet.

4. The Empire Strikes Back - It will be difficult for Lucas to top this, the best installment of the Star Wars saga.

5. Jaws - Still retains its "bite" 25 years after the fact. Speilberg's tighest and most satisfying thrill ride.

6. L.A. Confidential - Classy, sexy and just plain fucking cool.

7. Apocalypse Now - The best war movie period. Coppola's journey into the heart of darkness is equal strokes brilliance and maddness.

8. A Clockwork Orange - Kubrick's artistry is at fult throttle here, and boy, he doesn't waste a minute of it. Pitch perfect on almost every level.

9. Vertigo - Hauntingly beautiful with the best ending I've ever seen.

10. Out Of Sight/The Limey (tie) - Soderberg's two best films also happened to come out in the same year - is this guy prolific or what?

1. Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain
2. Almost Famous
3. Léon
4. Magnolia
5. Fellowship of the Ring
6. Labyrinth
7. Silent Running
8. Three Kings
9. The Big Lebowski
10. The Right Stuff

1. The Remains of the Day

2. The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp

3. Everyone Says I Love You

4. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

5. Blazing Saddles

6. A Woman Under the Influence

7. A Shot in the Dark

8. South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut

9. Fearless

10. Dawn of the Dead

But that's just personal preference. I don't necessarily think those are the BEST films ever made, but they certainly are to me.

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"You do not have to be a gun."

Not in order:

Raiders of the Lost Ark Do I really need to explain?

LA Story Funny and romantic in that weird way that I am, too.

Star Wars While Empire may be a better film, and I appreciate the HELL out of the darkness of it, the first one still holds dear.

A Fish Called Wanda Cleese. Curtis. Swarzenegger...wait, scratch that last bit.

Vanilla Sky Because I *liked* it.

Fight Club Probably would beat the crap out of any other movie on this list...but Indy would look damn good, all beat up like that.

Memento Ok, so I have a personal reason for liking the film.

Dead Again Chemistry, storytelling, good direction, and an homage to Hitchcock.

Evil Dead II Knuckleheads.

Ladyhawk Didn't age well, but the story and actual acting jobs are timeless.

Wicked City (anime) Because I can't count.

This is, of course, off the top of my head. I'm sure if I thought really hard and set off the smoke alarms, some of those might be replaced with others.

1. THE RIGHT STUFF (d. Philip Kaufman) -- Because it's thrilling, arty, beautiful and exudes a test pilot's fuck-all spirit; in short, if you were to ever boil me down into celluloid, this is what you'd end up with.

2. STOLEN KISSES (d. Francois Truffaut) -- Because it's equal parts romantic and pessimistic.... like me.

3. THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (d. Irvin Kershner): "I love you." "I know." This may be my favorite moment in film history.

4. UMBERTO D. (d. Vittorio De Sica): Because it's the saddest damn movie ever made. THE BICYCLE THIEF could just as easily be up here, as well.

5. THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS (d. Orson Welles): I prefer this near-masterpiece to the too-perfect KANE. As personal a film for Welles as TOUCH OF EVIL, and what's personal for him translates into uninterrupted genius on-screen. Catch me on a Shakespeare kick, and I'll substitute CHIMES AT MIDNIGHT.

6. HALLOWEEN (d. John Carpenter): The first horror film I ever saw. To this day, Michael Myers still haunts my nightmares.

7. BARRY LYNDON (d. Stanley Kubrick): Kubrick's most fully realized film, and it's gorgeous.

8. ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST (d. Sergio Leone): Greatest opening sequence ever. My favorite score of all time.

9. BLOW OUT (d. Brian De Palma): De Palma saw the 80's a-comin', and put together a deeply felt dirge for the death of outrage.

10. BLAZING SADDLES (d. Mel Brooks): Because it's the funniest fucking movie ever made, and a fine example of authentic frontier gibberish.

I will resist the urge to post all 100:

1. FIGHT CLUB (1999, David Fincher)
For years No. 2 has been No. 1, and only recently did this occupy the top spot. Many people think that this film is overdone and overtly-stylistic. I don't. Even though I don't like Fincher's other work much, this is his masterpiece. Fifty years from now, this is what they'll remember him by. The movie that threw me out of suburbia and into a new world. A perfect film. (10/10)

2. FORREST GUMP (1994, Robert Zemeckis)
There's just something about old Forrest that brings a great big smile to my face. He feels like an old friend who you could sit and listen to for days. Most importantly, however, the Forrest-Jenny relationship has reminded me that to get the girl of your dreams, a certain amount of patience is required. I love this movie. (10/10)

3. AMERICAN GRAFITTI (1973, George Lucas)
You can't stay seventeen forever, but man, did Curt try. Before he became obsessed with creating "a new mythology", George Lucas made this cautionary tale of the dangers of suburbia. Whenever I think that going to college in Ohio and living at home isn't a bad idea, I always hear the Wolfman saying "There's a great big beautiful world out there..and here I sit, sucking on popsicles." I don't want to suck on popsicles for the rest of my life. Thanks, George. (10/10)

4. CASABLANCA (1942, Michael Curtiz)
There's not much to say about this movie that hasn't already been said. In the words of Roger the Idiot, this is The Movie. (10/10)

5. SCHINDLER’S LIST (1993, Steven Spielberg)
Classic Spielberg. Kicks Ryan's ass all over Europe and then some. (10/10)

6. BRAVEHEART (1995, Mel Gibson)
"This can't be William Wallace, I'm prettier than this man." "The Almighty says don't change the subject, just answer the fucking question." "Sons of Scotland! I am William Wallace." "It's all for nothing if you don't have freedom." "It's our wits that make us men." "Learn to use this..and then I'll teach you to use this." "Freedoommmm!" "You have bled with Wallace, now bleed with me." "They fought like warrior poets. They fought like Scotsmen. And won their freedom." (10/10)

7. L.A. CONFIDENTIAL (1997, Curtis Hanson)
Hanson takes Ellroy's epic novel and fashions it into a beautiful looking film filled with many small, wonderful moments and career-making and capping performances from Russell Crowe, Kevin Spacey, Kim Basinger, Guy Pierce, and the deliciously evil James Cromwell. A film for the whole family...if the name of your fucking family is the Charles Manson family. (10/10)

LOTR will probally go here once I see it a couple more times. (9.75/10) and will replace:

8. THE GODFATHER (1972, Francis Ford Coppola)
Long and overstylized, but still an excellent movie. I dig it. Great performances.

9. A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (2001, Steven Spielberg)
My mother died when I was five, so this movie hit real close to home for me. Real close. We're talking full on, Niagra-Falls bawling for the last forty five minutes or so. What a movie. Thank you Stan. Thank you Steve. (9.75/10)

10. CITIZEN KANE (1941, Orson Welles)
Orson Welles had cojones the size of ball bearings. (9.50/10)

Raiders of the Lost Ark - C'Mon, if adventure has a name...
Taps - The first movie I ever got into a passionate argument about
Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man - Everyone's got one of these, unfortunately mine doesn't star Dolph.
Nightmare on Elm Street - One of the best horror films...ever.
The Thing - The best horror film...ever.
Empire Strikes Back - George's finest hour.
Fellowship of the Ring - Free at last, free at last...
Black Rain - Just a damn cool movie.
The Road Warrior - Best of the three.
Army of Darkness - Gimme some sugar baby!



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"We can't just call it Breakin' 2, it needs a name..."

1)"The Usual Suspects"- I know its becoming popular to downplay how good this movie is, or try to pick it apart as being gimmicky. But for me it holds a special place. I saw it when I was a freshman with a casual interest in movies, now I'm a senior and a full-fledged film buff with this being my major hobby and interest. This is the movie that did it for me. It is endlessly watchable with great performances and the greatest mystery I've ever seen. It may not be the BEST film of all time, but I'd be lying to myself if I didn't put it on my personal top.

2)"Lawrence of Arabia"- Just simply the best that movies can be. Big, grand, romantic, and affecting. It has the classic, good-natured feel but with a darker modern twist that really sets it apart. I like my movies epic, and this is the epitome of epic. Peter O'Toole also gives maybe the greatest screen performance of all time.

3)"The Godfather"- Crime at its most romantic and stylish best. The performances are all-around magnificent. But the scene that really does it for me is the end, as Kay looks at Michael getting his hand kissed, only to have the door closed on her by a smiling Al Neri.

4)"Heat"- The "Lawrence" of crime films, big, soulful, and epic. Maybe the most underrated film of the 90s, this one is never old to me. Deniro, truth be told, was not this good at any other time in the 90s (yes that includes Goodfellas). Mann's direction is perfection, and crime movies don't usually have this much heart.

5)"JFK"- Blood, guts, and monsters don't scare me. But Stone's paranoid and creepy look at the countless inconsistencies and coincidences involved in this case shook me to the core. The editing is a masterwork in an of itself, and the supporting performances are all right on.

6)"The Empire Strikes Back"- I love Star Wars, and this will represent them all for me. It's the best there is. From the opening frame to the last, this one has more wonder, depth, and power than any of the others.

7)"Braveheart"- Another one that has maybe lost a bit of respect over the years, I still am affected each and every time I see this film. Gibson's Wallace is the most inspiring film hero I've ever watched, and the raw emotions and heroics on display here make this the ultimate masculine tearjerker.

8)"Patton"- As good a historical character study as ever there has been. They capture all of Patton's many facets, and make it cinematically brilliant in the process. Scott is Patton like few have ever inhabited a role, and the statements about war, honor, and glory are timeless.

9)"Raiders of the Lost Ark"- What can I say that hasn't been said? Big budget adventure at its greatest. The scene I always think of is Indy in the cave with the staff that reflects the sun. The puzzle gets worked out to John Williams's creepy score.

10)"The Godfather Part II"- They're both just that good.

Oh man....where to start..in no order.

Citizen Kane

It is still amazing today. Welles did some stuff that just blows me away

BladeRunner

My all time favorite movie. Saw it as a kid and thought "wow...wth is going on" Saw it as a teenager and understood it. So many themes and the poetic visuals of Scott.

Empire Strikes Back

Best of the Saga still

Seven Samurai

Amazing action and drama. You feel as if you understand the Samurai culture after you watch it.

Fellowship of the Ring

Flabbergasted

Conan the Barbarian

I loved the movie as a kid. Read the books when I got older and loved the movie even more. Milius did a great job on this one.

Fight Club

Read the book. Heard Fincher was going to do movie. Friends said"That looks dumb" They watched it with me "OMG that was so good" Then I got to say "I told you so"

Macross: Do you remember love?

One of the best Anime series of all time and even though movie is not as deep the theme and style is still there.

Paths of Glory

Brings me to my knees and tears flow from me at the end. Best anti-war movie ever.

Psycho

Hitchcock 'nuff said.




[This message has been edited by MilkManX (edited 12-21-2001).]

1. Empire - just that defining film that made me realize how wonderful and exciting movies can be. And how emotionally connecting: The Dark Father, what a lesson.
2. Pulp Fiction - the definer when I was older. So funny and crazy and violent. A mad group of short stories put together beautifully on the screen. Its unbeatable dialogue haunts my vocabulary and my conversations. The film I wish I would have written/made/been in. Johnny T in the car after shooting up=yes.
3. The Big Lebowski - my answer to the question: What's your favorite film? So weird and watchable. The Dude is an icon.
4. Full Metal Jacket - This is what war really is I think: insanity. I used to love the first half the most, now, the second half easily wastes it in my eyes. A dialogue-fest. Kubrick's finest.
5. Wall Street - I've heard this called overrated and yeah, maybe my reasons for liking it have nothing to do with the art of film. I just love the jousting, the money, and the big dicks swinging. It's a picture of a world that is so absolutely sexy, so intoxicating, I can't help but fall over my ass everytime I get the chance to take a look at it.
6. In the Company of Men/Your Friends and Neighbors - I like to watch animals without having to deal with the boredom of the Discovery channel. Brutal, hilarious, and true, the Labute two-pack is masterful in its ambition and its execution.
7. The Terminator - From the getgo, you know this is unlike any movie you ever saw before (The Matrix is second on that short list). I agree with Django, it is a love story. And one of the best science fiction films ever made. Violent and apocalyptic, but hopeful---what beats that?
8. Back to the Future - for so many obvious reasons
9. A Clockwork Orange - Kubrick gets two. Another film people slag and I don't know why. It's fucking brilliant. More brutality, more violence, more great dialogue and more drugs---guess these are the things that get me off.
10. Menace II Society - I'll make it this film for now. The black Goodfellas. Larenz Tate is amazing in this. Violence galore.

[This message has been edited by Kirby Drummond (edited 12-24-2001).]

1. Beyond the Valley of the Dolls--How could you not love this film? It has everything: sex, drugs, rock n roll, murder, fast cars, lesbians, abortion clinics, nazis, wacky comedy, overthetop melodrama, crazed drag queens who turn out to be...oops, almost gave it away! Oh, and lots of big titties. All in dayglo technicolor. When I'm watching this movie, I'm in the happy zone.

2. Heavenly Creatures--See, I;ve already got a PJ film! Maybe what makes me love this one so much is the clash of tones. It's dark as any noir, but it also has the same sense of wonder as Wizard of Oz. The 2 lead actresses are both incredible, the script is perfect, the direction is perfect, the cgi is beautiful AND put into the service of the story, this beautiful story of 2 outcasts who lose themselves in their own geek-reality. And the ending just breaks my heart every time.

3. Evil Dead I&II--but if I have to choose, I'll take the first. Non-stop mayhem. I love the way the effects are so cheap, yet so effective--when you see eye-gouging and pencil pushing, you react, muthafucka!

4. Star Wars--that is to say, A New Hope. But I could just as easily say 7th Voyage of Sinbad, King Kong, Jurasic Park (hey, just my opinion), Princess Mononoke, or Aliens.

5. Life of Brian--or any Monty Python movie. Holy Grail is the laugh-out-loud funniest, Meaning of Life is the weirdest, but I like Brian because it succeeds as typical Python wackiness, as religous/political/social satire, and as a spoof of Biblical epics. I love the inversion of the "I'm Spartacus"scene--that tells you everything about the Python view of human nature.

6. Fritz the Cat--most people see this as a one-joke novelty flick, but Fritz is such a charming character, and his adventures have this Tom and Huck quality. And the stoney animation is just great.

7. Switchblade Sisters--sort of the savory to go with Beyon the Valley's sweetness. Just an incredibly kick-ass exploitation flick!

8. Street of Crocodiles--Only about 20 min., but the Bros. Quay really manage to create a different world with their stop-motion animation. This really doesn't look like anything else. visionary.

9. Deathrace 2000--Again-how could you not like this?

10. I guess I'll say Dr. Strangelove. Of course it changes every day.

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Have your self a merry little Christmas
It may be your last
Pretty soon we'll all be living in the past

10. Goodfellas -- The film I've seen the most number of times, and yet each continues to reveal new things to me that I've missed before.

9. On the Waterfront -- The movie which truly brought Stanislavsky's method to the screen in a big way, made a star of Brando, made a goddess of Eva Marie Saint, and made a martyr of Elia. And it's filmed in Hoboken, so I gotta support that.

8. Annie Hall -- The most profound look at why love is as mysterious and confounding as it is hilarious and exhilirating that's ever been attempted.

7. Nights of Cabiria -- Flip side of Annie Hall. A look at all that is dark and disturbing about male-female relationships

6. The 400 Blows -- The film that kick-started the New Wave, it remains the best example of all that was fresh and exciting about that particular period in cinematic history.

5. Paths of Glory -- The inhumanity of war and the state has never been more obvious than here.

4. Chinatown -- Both pays tribute to, and transcends, the classic noirs, my favorite genre of film.

3. Nosferatu -- Invented the horror film (my other favorite genre) and remains its psychic archetype

2. Godfather, Part II -- A meditation on the nature of power and family, like Tsun Tzu and Machiavelli sitting down to Christmas dinner together.

1. Taxi Driver -- Nothing else even comes close, in my mind.

Yeah, it's a shame, isn't it?

Anyhow, I just wanted to say - it's great to see people posting their top 10 choices without getting any negative feedback or heat from other sewer chewers.

1.)Citizen Kane – Because it’s one of the few films I can watch over & over and still find new things to be amazed by.

2.)The Maltese Falcon—Because it’s SO damn fine.

3.)Raiders—Because Adventure DOES have a name…

4.)This Is Spinal Tap—Because I laugh like I’m stoned every time I see it.

5.)The Godfather(s)—Because it’s awesome (to steal from the late Douglas Adams, it’s awesome back when awesome meant something.)

6.)Little Shop Of Horrors (the musical)—Because great musicals didn’t stop being made in 1948.

7.)Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory—Because great kids films ARE weird, hallucinogenic and scary.

8.)North By Northwest—Because it’s the greatest Bond film ever.

9.)Casablanca—Because it makes any guy or girl think that they can change the course of human endeavor by being brave and loving.

10.) A jillion-way tie: Superman II, Goodfellas, Animal House, The Vanishing (real version), Zero Effect, MouseHunt, The Usual Suspects, Blood Simple, Raising Arizona, most Preston Sturges, Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, etc., etc., etc.—Because it hurts to limit your loved ones to 10.

Peace and the happiest of holidays to my CHUD brethern and, er, cistern?

Aliens - The greatest action thriller ever. The only sequel which tops the original without repeating anything from it. A film in which little boys' dreams take shape and becomes reality. One that leaves a mark on their minds that can never be taken away.

Streets of Fire - The coolest movie of all time and the source inspiration of all the MTV style that plauges us today. Archtypes over characterization. An epic myth done for the modern age.

Joe Versus The Volcano - The movie of my life. The one I relate to the most. An adventure of self beyond reality where an ordinary man can find and overcome his destiny.

Last Hurrah For Chivalry/The Killer - Virtually the same movie. Epic honor in which a friendship is formed in spite of class and situation. Tragic. Epic. Damian Lau plays these traits like no other.

The Searchers - The definative western odyssey.

Trancers - Hard-boiled "B" movie action that surpasses all of its inspirations.

The Last Starfighter - The film to remind us that not all childhood dreams have to die if only we dare to believe.

Dune - More important to my life as the years go by. A masterpiece.

Flash Gordon - Bubble gum heroics of a by-gone age.

Which leaves the saga to end them all...

I'm going to jump on the "in no particular order" bandwagon:

Aliens - Fuckin' a, Django. Changed my life.

True Stories - David Byrne is a god, and this film is quirky, funny, sad and beautiful.

The Big Lebowski/Miller's Crossing - pry my arm, and I'll go with the Dude over the high hat.

Lawrence of Arabia - pry my arm again, and I'll tell you that this is the greatest film ever made, with what is indeed the finest performance ever captured on film.

Big Trouble in Little China - Jack Burton.

Buckaroo Banzai - I love this film with all of my heart. It takes me back to my childhood and the early days of cable. Love it, love it, love it.

Brazil - The second best film ever made.

Dr. Strangelove - Sellers astounds. Beautiful B&W photography. The blackest of black humor.

Rushmore - from the opening credits, I knew I was witnessing greatness. By the time Max and his friends danced the night away, I knew I would love this movie purely and absolutely until the end of my days.

(I'm now going to cheat and give you a rotating number 10 spot/honorable mentions because it's too painful to leave these out)Big Time (an out-of-print Tom Waits concert film/art project), The Straight Story, The Royal Tennenbaums, Bottle Rocket, The Godfather 1 & 2, Star Wars/Empire, The Thing, In the Mouth of Madness, the other Coen bros films, the other Kubrick films, a couple of Spielberg films, Stop Making Sense, Dazed & Confused, After Hours, Babe, the other Lynch films, Amelie, Fellowship of the Ring, Cold Comfort Farm, Das Boot, The Thin Red Line, Dead Ringers, The Doors, Fast Cheap & Out of Control, Fearless, Magnolia, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, For All Mankind, Galaxy Quest, Gallipoli, Ghostbusters, Hard Boiled, Heat, Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy, Orgazmo, The Last Temptation of Christ, Malcom X, Life of Brian, Vacation, Office Space, Princess Bride, My Neighbor Totoro, Ran, Repo Man, Risky Business, Roger & Me, Say Anything, Silverado, Sleeper, Sneakers, The Sweet Hereafter (fucking genius, but too draining to watch often), Superman, Taxi Driver, Terminator 1 & 2, Spinal Tap, Time After Time, Time Bandits, Yellow Submarine, etc, etc with many still left out...

My favorites, in the order that I can recall them.

1. Tombstone - This re-telling of the Earp clan's stroy is more brief and "Hollywood-ish" than Kevin Costner's version, but ALL of the actors in Tombstone are spot-on all the way through. I love the action, and the power that Kurt Russell exers in playing Wyatt Earp is amazing. Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday is of course, the man.

2. Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey - I like the first one as well, but the 2nd installment has more rock n' roll flavor to it. I love the whole battle of the bands theme, and the music is killer. Also it's absolutely hilarious. It feeds my inner rock star.

3. Con Air - The action is fantastic and Nicolas Cage is one of my favorite actors. He's usually dependable for a good performance. The humor in this movie, though at times dark, is fantastic. Steve Buscemi is good in this movie as well. The main attractions to this movie for are the action and the score. Trevor Rabin does cool, cool stuff and the Con Air Theme is one of my all-time favorites.

4. This Is Spinal Tap - I don't know what to say. It's so hilariously absurd, yet so real. A perfect film about rock stars in my opinion.

5. Return of the Jedi - My favorite of the trilogy because of the...maturity I guess. Luke is "grown up" Han and Leia finally stopped denying their feelings, Yoda finally rests, Darth Vader is turned to the good side, and the Ewoks throw a big party. I love the Ewoks. Shove it.

6. Rush Hour - Jackie Chan has been one of my heroes for a long time, and my Dad and I have our tradition of seeing his films on opening day. For Rush Hour, it was the first time when ther were more than 6 people in the theatre. Funny movie, great action, a fun tradition with Dad, and a big stepping stone for Jackie.

7. Fight Club - No one I know except my best friend Scott will watch this movie with me. I think it's a great movie, full of dark humor and aggression. It's a perfect release for all the BS in the world.

8. The Matrix - I still don't know if the film ever really said what it was supposed to say, that is, I'm not sure if they ever got to the point, REALLY, but I like the effort a lot. Aside form Fight Club, it's one of the few movies that made me think about something other than action or special effects.

9. Gandhi - Gandhi is one of the three guys, alive or dead, whom I would eat lunch with if I had the chance. I know the movie is long, but his story is amazing and truly inspiring. It's also an excellently done film. I particularly enjoy the simple approach to the cinematography. the acting is superb as well.

10. Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade - Harrison Ford and Sean Connery. Those guys are great apart, but were really good in a film together. I'm pretty sure that this movie is the first non-kid film my parents allowed me to see. So just for that, it's a pretty important movie for me.

7.

I heard that.

Back in college, the team and I used to head up to Alhambra to the Ultrazone and as per the geeks we are, sure as shit it became Aliens.

Something about strapping on heavy armored sensor pack and holding light rifles that just screams of another glorious day in the core.

Where every meal is a banquet...

Played a lot of Predator and Red Dawn in grade school too...

That's AWESOME. How'd ya do that?

Wait until some tool puts a Michael Bay movie on his list...

Who would ever do that? Surely no one here.

How'd we play Red Dawn at school?

We'd steal black crayons and rub them into our faces to disguise ourselves for when we jumped out of the bushes and yelled "Wolverines!".

That and a lot of running around the school yard making hand motions while we raised our shirt collars above our mouths and acted like C. Thomas Howell.

Basically, it was easy.

Playing The Blues Brothers however...

1. Memento - Guy Pearce is amazing, the story line is tight, & most importantly its a smart original piece of story.

2. Lord of the Rings - I'm still shaking...

3. Happiness - Despite the fact I'm a social worker, I love this flick. Its the best movie to watch on a first date.

4. Fight Club - I watched it one day because nothing else was on, now I haven't turned it off.

5. Requim for a Dream - The use of every single camera effect know to man in a single film deserves credit.

6. American Movie - I think that every Indie film maker can relate to this movie.

7. Killer Klowns from Outer Space - I watched it when I was like 5, and I'm still affraid.

8. Quills - I solid, emotional drama.

9. Hard Core Logo - I'm a long time fan of Bruce McDonald films & the 'Headstones', what more could a person like me want.

10. Trowadis - My brothers Indie flick :-)

Tear my suggestions apart if you want, you don't have to like em.

-=UGB=-

First of all, my list is in constant flux... but here it is as it stands now:

1. SCHINDLER'S LIST. Saw it again recently for the first time in years, and it was just as shattering as the first time. Spielberg broke his perceived shackles here and proved that he is indeed the most gifted filmmaker walking among us today. Not the easiest film to watch, but arguably the BEST. My father put it best when he said, "The was the best movie I have ever seen... and I never want to see it again". Perfection.

2. Saving Private Ryan. This one spends time atop my list every now and then. Not as technically perfect as "Schindler's", but brilliant in it's own way and MUCH more important and deep than the naysayers will ever figure out. Our "thank you" to the men and women who saved the world. I thank Spielberg for the quintessential capture of WWII.

3. The Empire Strikes Back. If I voted strictly from the heart, this would top the list. The best film from the best film saga... PERIOD. Also, we're likely to NEVER see a sci-fi/fantasy film as beautiful or powerful as this ever again, and that includes the prequels and LOTR trilogy.

4. Raiders of The Lost Ark. The best Action-Adventure movie of all time. I feel lucky that it arrived at the perfect time for my generation. Its two sequels are inferior, but are actually underrated themselves. That's because they are directly and unfairly compared to this masterpiece... which few films ever surpass at all.

5. The Shawshank Redemption. Amazingly poignant and well-done in EVERY way possible. This film will only move UP on my list as the years go on... and Frank Darabont is already one of the most talented filmmakers we have.

6. The Elephant Man. This is the first movie that shattered me emotionally. Saw it at the age of 8 when it was initially released. David Lynch's true masterpiece... and a film that will sadly never get the attention or acclaim it really deserves.

7. Seven Samurai. This could be in the Top 3, but I haven't seen it in a couple pf years and I like the irony of it being at #7. Kurosawa has made MANY masterpieces... this is arguably the best of all. No "ensemble" action film has... or ever will... come close to this gem.

8. Casablanca. A miracle. The best film ever made with a running time around 90 minutes. Actually, probably the ONLY truly great film that runs under 2 hours. I never grow tired of it.

9. Lawrence of Arabia. I reluctantly watched this with my parents in an art-house theater when I was 6 or 7. I've since seen it about a dozen times (twice recently on DVD) and it seems only to get better with age.

10. Jaws. This makes the list because I just watched it very recently. An amazing film all the way around, and it wasn't until I "grew up" that I finally realized the scope, depth, complexity and emotion within its character development. A true gem.

MANY others (Godfather Trilogy, Goodfellas, Star Wars, The Abyss, RAN, Ben-Hur, Citizen Kane, etc) are on this list from time-to-time as well. Really, a Top 20 or 25 would be more telling.

[This message has been edited by Carl Cunningham (edited 12-24-2001).]

It took me forever to do this. I am not sure that I have a definitive version, but here is a try:

01) The Empire Strikes Back & A New Hope (I love both almost equally - but for different reasons. Part of this choice is due to sentimental value I suppose).

02) Raiders of the Lost Ark – One of the greatest adventure films ever made. Indy was the quintessential hero for me and who-knows-how-many-others of my generation.

03) Apocalypse Now – Martin Sheen as Willard gradually loses his mind as he travels through the jungle during the Vietnam War. A gripping and hypnotic journey.

04) Good Fellas – The greatest mob movie ever and Scorsese’s absolute masterpiece.

05) The Shawshank Redemption – Besides the fact that the script, performances, etc. are excellent – I have always been fascinated by prison set films. There has not yet been an epic drama both this well-done and entertaining since its release. There is good reason why this was the very first DVD that I owned.

06) Fight Club – Played a huge role in restoring my belief in the possibilities of film. When I saw this, it was the first movie to blow me away in years. Still nothing since has had near the impact on me.

07) Wild At Heart - Perhaps sloppy and artsy, but a funny nightmare that I will always cherish. Lynch’s twisted slant on reality provides some sort of balance for me.

08) Alien & Aliens – I enjoyed pieces of both flicks as a child, but they didn’t totally hold my attention back then. About 3 years ago, I watched these 2 back-to-back and I now love them to pieces.

09) Rain Man – My favorite Hoffman performance and my favorite Cruise performance in the same picture. Such a fun and touching story done with honesty.

10) Raising Arizona – After over a decade, I still find it hilarious from start to finish. I am always tough on comedies, but this one wins me over time and again.

***It would be unjust if I did not include my next 10 as well:

11) Brazil
12) The Godfather & Godfather II
13) Pulp Fiction
14) Schindler’s List
15) Saving Private Ryan
16) One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
17) Full Metal Jacket
18) Jaws
19) Rocky & Rocky II
20) Fellowship of the Ring / Memento / Image Man (I have not yet absorbed these enough to place them where they belong).

[Note: The ONLY reason why there is not a Hitchcock film on this list is because I have not seen one in a long time. There are 3 or 4 of his that might claim a spot here at a later time]

==I am 29 years old.

[This message has been edited by Ryan Calvert (edited 01-05-2002).]

I think it would be interesting to know a persons age in addition to his/her top 10 movies. I think it might be interesting to see the comparison in age to favorite movies.....?? oh I am 37....
I have been trying to think of my favorite10 movies for awhile now.....here goes

in no particular order

-Citizen Kane
-Aliens
-Big Lebowski
-Dr. No
-Desperado
-Blade Runner
-The Man with 2 Brains
-Seven
-Fight Club
-Apocalypse Now (I haven't decided if I like the new version yet?)

runners up
-Kelly's Heros
-Yojimbo
-Pulp Fiction
-Casino
and what the hell -Naked Lunch ( I wish this was out on DVD)

VTRan

I have to add " The Loveless" in here, not a great movie but Willem Dafoe is a cool biker and the soundtrack is freakin awesome.....I can't believe I forgot to include this

[This message has been edited by VTRan (edited 01-01-2002).]

In no particular order (and I am 33 years old):

1. Raiders of the Lost Ark - Fun, big time adventure, all in one sitting. I loved this movie and crave the day when Stevie and Georgie decide to let it hit DVD.

2. Bachelor Party - In college, my friend and I watched this movie every day one summer. Yes, EVERY day. We started the day (around noon) with a couple of beers and this movie. LOVE IT!

3. The Matrix - One of the first movies in a long time that I wanted to turn back around and go see again right after I left the theater.

4. Airplane! - The first movie that made laugh so hard that I was crying and my face hurt by the end of the movie.

5. The Thing (the old black and white version...sorry Nick! I do really like the Carpenter version as well) - I watched this with my dad when I was really young, and it scared the crap out of me. I catch it every Halloween (it's always on some channel) in memoriam to him.

6. The Empire Strikes Back - The best story telling of the Star Wars series (so far). Also waiting impatiently for DVD.

7. Gross Pointe Blank - My favorite Cusack movie. I also graduated High School in 1986 from a small town and am a hit man...Ok, I did graduate in '86 from a small town, so it really hits home with me, as far as the reunion went (aside from killing the guy and all).

8. South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut - The last movie that had me laughing until I was crying and made my face hurt after the movie.

9. Sixteen Candles - Of all the 80's teen classics, this one is my favorite. Farmer Ted reminded me a lot of myself, and I could identify with just about every situation in the movie.

10. Grease - I neglected to see this in the theaters, but then caught it on video, and have loved it ever since. When I was working the night shift (4 to Midnight) after college, I had a friend that also worked a crazy schedule (she got off at 2 AM), and we used to go to her house, watch Grease, and play Gin Rummy until sun up about 4 or 5 days a week. I did that for a year.


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"Don't sweat the petty things, and don't pet the sweaty things."

[This message has been edited by Martianman (edited 12-31-2001).]

I own this classic of 80's cinema on DVD. I hold fond memories of watching this movie repeatedly during college.

ech, I'm a list whore but I'll try to be a bit more creative than usual...

Sandiest Movie Ever/Greatest Film of All Time
Lawrence of Arabia - as smart as it is with the enigmatic character at the center of the plot, I must admit that a large part of why I love this movie is because it is just so beautiful to look at

Best Mobster Movie
GoodFellas - I think this is getting the most love on all these lists. One film buff once called it Scorsese's great musical which kind of fits given the effortless flow.

Best Gangster Movie
Miller's Crossing - Gabriel Byrne plays one of the most guarded and darkest characters in movie history serving as a liutenant for an Irish mob boss and who works every angle of a turf war. His intentions seem clear for most of the film, but his motives aren't.

Best Morality Farce/Best Depiction of Moral Bleakness
Crimes and Misdemeanors - Two small movies about men and their varying degrees of infidelity, bound together by a blind rabbi (symbolism, what symbolism?) and a beautiful closing scene.

Most Mesmerizing and Dreamlike Film
Blue Velvet - it seems silly with such a sinister film to get such childlike joy at the Lumberton jokes. What can I say? Dean Stockwell does Roy Orbison. Dennis Hopper inhales his high. Isabella shrieks about Kyle "putting his disease in her" while golden girl Sandy wonders who that woman is...if this movie doesn't make you uncomfortable at some point you are probably over medicated.

the "I hate snakes" award goes to...
Raiders of the Lost Ark - just as "Star Wars" forever holds #100 on my favorites list, Raiders will always hold #10. It just kept going and going and going, from South American jungles, to an American university, to Nepal, to Egypt and the Indian Ocean. When I was twelve I thought Katanga should get his own tv series. Still seems like a good idea.

Funniest Movie of All Time
I'm sorry but there's at least a five way tie here.

Tootsie - just such a well handled climax and hey, a guy in a dress is FUNNY!!

His Girl Friday - Rosalind Russel and Cary Grant talk so fast that it takes poor Ralph Bellamy half a scene to catch up
Groundhog Day - Who knew living the same day over again and again would be freaky, cool, boring, horrific, not so bad, and good for the soul. In that order.

Dr.Strangelove - out of the three characters Peter Sellers handles here my favorite is Captain Mandrake. That's how much I love this movie.

Sunset Boulevard - People often say how Gloria Swanson was born to play this role, but I think William Holden and Erich vonStroheim were also cast so perfectly that this film was halfway there before it even started shooting. Throw in Billy Wilder's perfect direction and a script so ripe that it uses a chimp's coffin not merely for humor but to characterize Ms.Desmond and creep out Joe Gillis (r.i.p.) at the same time.



[This message has been edited by Skeletor (edited 01-03-2002).]

Like everyone else, this is hard for me, but here goes:

In no particular order:

1) Once Upon a Time in the West
2) Leon
3) Glengarry Glen Ross
4) Tombstone
5) Mean Guns
6) The Iron Giant
7) Predator
8) With a Friend Like Harry
9) Monty Python and The Holy Grail
10) Natural Born Killers

I'm not much for these top ten lists(or bottom ten for that matter), because I always forget something. But whatever, I'm having a particularly dull night.

I'm 21, for those who seem concerned about age -- which neat, because it gives you bit of a generational perspective.

I have some HUGE gaps in my films viewed resume, by-the-way.

And just so you know, I debated cutting and pasting the IMDB top 10, on the premise that it might make me look knowing.

List:

The Naked Gun:

I love potty humour, I love sexual gags, and love my memories of nearly yakking on the woman beside me(my friends mom -- I was 12). We got so giggly mom and dad had to take hiatus three times to calm us down. I've never laughed so hard again.

All Quiet on the Western Front:

This movie compelled me to take an in-depth highschool history course. Not to mention the bit about being the first anti-war film.

The Godfather:

I love this movie. Why neo-nazi gangs in Eastern Europe insist on using the theme song for their dubious activities is beyond me. Then again, so was 2001.

2001:

Sure, I haven't a fucking clue what's going on, but the fact that I can play the movie in my head says something about the Kubrick's crack-addled trip into the future. I could do that after the first viewing too. Bizarre.

Airplane:

The shit hit the fan. I shit my pants.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High

I'm a huge Spicoli fan. That and the titty scenes(thank-you, Cameron Crowe).

Taxi Driver

The film which wierded me out about people in general. Quite powerful in its portrayal of the human condition and, more importantly, the mental condition of cabbies.

American Beauty:

The pick everyone will hate me for. I'd just returned from Europe when I saw this film, had absolutely no clue what I was getting into, and was suffering from emotional hang over. That unique perspective, coupled with the fact that this isn't a "bad" movie by any sane standard, gave Adam one of the coolest movie experiences he's ever had. And Kevin Spacey has a wank in the shower.

Raiders of the Lost Ark

For the same reasons as everyone else.

I can't think of tenth...

5 super films. NBK is the film I saw in the theater the most times.

here's some of my all time favs in no particular order:

the crow

fight club

fellowship of the ring

mallrats

braveheart

the thing

suspiria

trainspotting

blue velvet

empire strikes back


there's so many more...while the crow is my favorite movie i couldn't really make a list in order beyond that. maybe if we were going by genre...

No ranking:

Fellowship of the Ring
Moulin Rouge
Titanic
Empire Strikes Back
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Casablanca
Lawrence of Arabia
Hannah and Her Sisters
Manhattan
The Abyss

I was very surprised to see that Harry liked the voice over better. I've never heard anyone say that.

I'm not BLADE RUNNER's biggest fan, but I do prefer the original theatrical cut. With the narration, it works nicely as Chandler-inspired futuristic film noir, but without, it doesn't seem to cohere.

I've finally done it!

1. The Fellowship Of The Ring - Absolutely entrancing. Led me to open the books and captured my imagination and my spare time to this day. I've gushed about this in ten LOTR discussion threads.

2. Schindler's List - Powerful, riveting stuff from Spielbeard. I'll never forget the falling flakes of human ash, or Oskar's final, heartbreaking cry. Like Citizen Kane only more interesting.

3. This Is Spinal Tap - This is comedic heaven. Their sayings are clueless on so many levels, their songs are gloriously, triumphantly crap, and they're none... more better than when you're drunk.

4. JFK - Compelling and technically unmatchable. I couldn't care now if Stone made crap for the rest of his days. Made me sit up and go "holy shit!" more than any other movie.

5. The Commitments - An exuberant celebration of music and early-90s Irish youth. I love everything about it, and if it weren't for thick Dublin accents, I'm sure you would too.

6. The Nightmare Before Christmas - Every frame bursting with Burton's imagination. Elfman belting out great songs. Pumpkins screaming in the dead of night. Beautiful.

7. The Others - The film I'd been waiting all my life for. No violence, no swearing, no blood, no fancy effects and still pant-fillingly scary.

8. The Adventures Of Robin Hood - Legendary mega-diggler Errol Flynn is absolutely barnstorming in green tights. The very definition of Adventures.

9. LA Confidential - Engrossing and oh so rewarding movie, with many great confrontations and terrific acting. Curtis Hanson really raised the bar for himself.

10. Edward Scissorhands - Magical and gentle fairy tale, full of haunting images. Winona was an angel before she fell in with the wrong crowd...

Others I was sorry to leave out: Fight Club, Night Of The Hunter.

------------------
"You like to renegotiate as you go along. Well here's my counter offer... do I have to kill you? What if I were just to kick the ever-lovin' shit out of you?" - Vinny Gambini

I'll define the top ten films as my current favourite top ten, without a ton of explaination:

1. Blue Velvet
2. Fight Club
3. UHF
4. Wall Street
5. AI
6. The Straight Story - this was easily one of the most heart-felt movies I have ever seen.
7. Glengarry Glen Ross
8. The Royal Tannenbaums - see Straight Story.
9. Aliens - the extended edition - the extra footage in the Director's cut or Special Edition or whatever the fuck they called it was amazing. Showing the colony head office so full of life before the Marines have to come was haunting.
10. Blade Runner - the director's cut. I like both versions for different reasons.

Added because I couldn't bear not to:

11. The Lathe of Heaven
12. Requiem for a Dream

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"Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam."

[This message has been edited by Ludwig (edited 02-20-2002).]

Well, it's been tough, and I've agonized for a while over this, but here I go:.

1. Doctor Zhivago. Without a doubt it's my number one film. The be-all and end-all for me. The first time I watched it just pummelled me and I've been hooked ever since. Lean's direction, the camera work, the sets, the scope of the whole damn thing, it just holds a very high place for me. There is not a week that goes by where something doesn't set me off to think about this film. And one day I will find my laura...

after that, there is no particular order, I just love all of these:
-Lawrence of Arabia
-The Magnificent Ambersons
-Vertigo
-The Conformist
-Duel and Raiders of the Lost Ark
-Magnolia
-Back to the future part two
-Visions of Light (are we talking strictly narrative here? or can this amazing documentary be included?)
-Farenheit 451 (dir: Trauffaut)

... that's it. There are many more, but these are the best-of-the-best for me.

We're suppoed to do ten but I just found it impossible, so here's my Top 20 I'm ust writing this off the cuff so I'm sure there's others I'm missing:

1. Aliens: Special Edition
2. The Silence of the Lambs
3. Raiders of the Lost Ark
4. Empire Strikes Back
5. The Hunt for Red October
6. A Fish Called Wanda
7. Clue
8. Total Recall
9. Big Trouble in Little China
10. The Fugitive
11. T2
12. Die Hard
13. Goldfinger
14. Dead Calm
15. Serial Mom
16. Grease
17. Batman
18. Speed
19. Apocalypse Now
20. Chasing Amy



------------------
Garth Franklin
Editor of Dark Horizons,
and Satan's Ambassador to Earth (I'm on a time share with Jennifer Aniston & Nick Nunziata).

"Its so cold that families are having extra children just to provide a cheap alternative to turkey at Christmas" - Edmund Blackadder