Over the years, many many films have supplied me with a wealth of pleasure (no, not those kind), but there remain a select few, for which I struggle to describe exactly why they are so dearly appreciated. Yes, I can easily state aspect X is great or spill out a superlative on aspect Y but these films reasonate with me on a profoundly personal level and have thus become too personal to accurately convey their lasting emotional impact.
Do I speaketh nonsense or are there any specific films (or any art) which have left a similar imprint on yourselves?
Why does Celia look so much like Marion Cotillard in that shot?
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the first two, but the Lost In Translation one I can completely agree. It struck such a chord with me.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely not nonsense. Art, films, songs, creative endeavors set out to do exactly that (at least if they're any good)...to reach us on a deeply personal level. Good works of art and film come from the soul, from important and moving moments in our lives and seek to convey that to an audience...hoping to show parts of ourselves to others looking for a spark of understanding or to move them, too.
Specifically, any films/art that has left an imprint on me? Titanic (but for reasons that have nothing to do with the actual film plot), Dead Poets Society, The Phantom of the Opera, Hamlet, All Quiet on The Western Front, Truman Show, Heart & Souls, "A Poet's Walk" photo by Dave Beckerman and van Gogh's 'Starry Night over the Rhone.'
Two films: Bonnie and Clyde and Requiem Fro a Dream have bent me over a table and wrecked me from behind.
ReplyDeleteRequiem (I was 22 yrsold) was the first time since I was 7 watching Freddie Krueger that I actually considered turning off the movie and I had to tell myself -- It's not real. It makes me admire the power of the technicalities of filmmaking.
B&C (not much later), when Buck screams out in the dark after being shot, is so powerful and jarring that I come to understand how important the elements of narrative are.
You're right Andrew - there is a resemblence in those wide eyes.
ReplyDeleteThanks Wild Celtic - you should definitely check out the other two, especially Brief Encounter.
I must admit Floating Red Couch (if that is your real name;)), Requiem does create such a claustrophobic atmosphere - it's intense viewing. I haven't seen the classic Bonnie and Clyde for a while - a revisit is rather overdue.
I've seen the first and last of the films you posted, but not the middle one. Both of two of my favourites...
ReplyDeleteWaltz With Bashir is one film which left me speechless the first time I saw it. There are more, but my brain is refusing to function at 9am in the morning.
Moving over to music...I get a funny feeling in my stomach each time I hear the opening chords of 'God Only Knows' by The Beach Boys.
I struggle to write one word at 9am Jim so well done!
ReplyDeleteNice choice...there are two or three Beach Boys which give me a tingle.