1. A Clockwork Orange I simply cannot find a flaw in this movie. Absolutely gripping story, great acting, great visuals, great soundtrack, great concept, and seems to be aging well. 2. Rashomon Mesmerizing introduction to kurosawa. Can't really say anything about this movie that hasn't already been said. 3. Amadeus Not as perfect as the other movies so far, but this one really hit me on a personal level as a wannabe musician. The ending which I won't spoil for anyone is probably the most moving ending to me personally that I've ever seen. 4. Dr. Strangelove As you'll see a little later in this list I love comedies. So combine my love of laughter with my love for kubrick and thought provoking material and this is a fail-safe hit with me. 5. One flew over the cuckoo's nest I love Jack, I'll admit. A bit sentimental? yes, but also has a great ensemble cast and danny devito cracks me up in that movie. Plus, I love psychology. 6. The Royal Tenenbaums Absolutley hilarious introduction to wes anderson for me. It was like nothing else I'd ever seen. Plus, the 'needle in the hay' scene is one of my favorite scenes of all time. 7. Annie Hall I've seen 3 movies by Woody Allen and this one is head and shoulders above the rest of them. He doesn't take himself too seriously in this one, and there are just some comedic gems in this one. Had me doing a woody allen impression for weeks. 8. Tommy Boy I know it looks out of place, but f#ck if it doesn't make me laugh like mad. Few other movies have such replay value for me. Also, very quotable, gotta love a quotable movie. 9. Office Space Again, it just makes me laugh and is very quotable. 10. Punch Drunk Love Beautiful, funny, touching, unique. It will put me in a good movie any time I watch it (I broke down and downloaded it but plan on buying it the second it comes out on DVD). 11. Ran The most recently viewed of all these on the list. The best looking battle scenes I've ever seen and I saw the old dvd. I'm dying to get the new edition. 12. The Big Lebowski Pisses me off kind of because I saw a lot of the end before I saw a lot of the beginning so I'm kind of disappointed that I didn't get to see this movie the way it was meant to be seen for the first viewing. But lucky for me, it works well on multiple viewings and is utterly hilarious. plus, my last name is dube and its close enough to dude where I can say "the dube abides". 13. Taxi Driver Watched it back to back when I first saw it. Very intense movie. I still say the ending is a death dream, although I'm close to changing my mind. 14. Seven Samurai My third and last kurosawa movie on my list. I'm a big fan of his, and I dont see how anyone can NOT be a fan of him. 15. American History X Another very intense movie carried by a great performance from one of my favorite actors. 16. Deat Poets Society I can't really explain this one. There is nothing too terribly fantastic about the story or the visuals or the dialogue, but I guess its just a movie that I saw in high school that struck a chord with me. 17. Amelie Kind of like Punch Drunk Love, it just plain puts you in a good mood no matter what kind of day you've had. Love the last scene on the bike. 18. 2001: A space Odyssey The first movie I saw that made me realize that a movie could be more than just a movie. I've only seen it once and the thing that keeps it from going higher is the light display towards the end kind of put me off a little. I'll probably bump it up once I see it again as its a lot to take in in one viewing. 19. Life is Beautiful Another sentimental one, I know, but it combines tragedy and comedy to create a very moving experience. 20. Rushmore This one skyrocketed after a second viewing. I don't know how I missed the hilarity, the beauty, the subtelty, and the great acting the first time around, but I won't make that mistake again. 21. Good Will Hunting I know a lot of people around here don't like this one, but I really dig elliott smith who did the music for this one, plus again, I think its one that stuck with me from high school. 22. Wild Strawberries You know, when describing this movie it would seem terribly boring, but its not. Its really engaging and the chic who rides with him the whole way is completey enthrallingly beautiful. And another thing, I like that it has symbolism but that its completely unpretentious symbolism that isn't just thrown in there for the sake of having symbolism. It really is key to the story. 23. Seventh Seal Very personal movie for someone who struggles with being agnostic. And to all those who are going to say that death walking around is over the top symbolism, ITS NOT SYMBOLISM YOU IDIOTS, ITS CALLED PERSONIFCATION!!! breath in.... 24. Memento Probably my first introduction into the 'indie' movie. Very cool and I had actually seen a documentary about the condition described in the movie before I saw the movie or had even heard about the movie. As a result, I think I enjoyed it more than the average viewer... so in your face. 25. Snatch Come on, its just a cool movie. I think any college aged guy has to admit to liking this movie. And there it is. I still have tons of sh#t to see, and if you want to give me a recommendation based on my list, please do! I probably havent seen it yet.
With out going into all 25, I agree on Clockwork Orange. Absolutely my favorite movie of all time. Kubrick's masterpiece. I rented it about 2 months ago after not seeing it for over ten years and it does hold up. The first time I saw it I was blown away by the depth of the screenplay. And Malcolm McDowells' Little Alex is by far one of the most infamous characters to hit the big screen. I can't think of anyone else who could've played that role. Add in the soundtrack and you have a classic.
You know, everybody's entitled to their opinion, and I like all the movies on your list, but ranking Tommy Boy and Office Space above Seven Samurai, 2001: A Space Odyssey, or Taxi Driver? Others I would have included: The Godfather (parts I and II) Malcolm X The Sixth Sense Blazing Saddles Goodfellas Henry V Jaws
I notice you like a lot of Kubrick films. I really have difficulty enjoying any of his stuff, and it all started with A Clockwork Orange, which I found to be an extremely well crafted but cold-hearted, manipulative rendition of what was a less well crafted but much more humane book. What's so good about him?
Movies written or directed by zucker brothers are the best, like the naked gun series, airplane 1&2, hotshots 1&2, etc...
I also liked Kurosawa.... but my favorite is Kagemusha. Perhaps, it was my first Kurosawa movie. I also like Ran. I did not remember my opinion of 7 Samauri or Roshomon.
whats so good about kubrick? Well first, the visuals are just absolutely stunning. He has created some of the most compelling images in cinema... the monkey bashing the skull, dude riding a nuke like a cowboy, the eyeball shot in clockwork, jack's infamous scene in the shining etc etc. Second, he tackles some themes that very few directors are capable of tackling. He creates a mood like no other director. His movies generally have very few flaws in them. as far as tommy boy and office space being so high. Its a favorite 25 list, not a best 25 list, and I just love watching those movies. Godfather is ommited for similar reasons cus I'm not big on mob movies even if it is the ultimate mob movie. Malcom X and Blazing saddles are on my to-see list, though. I haven't seen kagemusha, yet. The other kurosawa's I've seen that aren't on the list are Yojimbo and The Bad Sleep well which were both really good. Right now I'm on the hunt for throne of blood, but I'll probably wait to see if any video stores pick up the criterion when it comes out.
Movies on your list that I agree are classics: Clockwork Orange Amadeus One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest Taxi Driver Dead Poet's Society 2001 Movies that I liked on your list, but I wouldn't call classics: Office Space Big Lebowski American History X Good Will Hunting Momento Life is Beautiful Movies I'd like to see on your list that I haven't seen: Dr. Strangelove Rushmore Snatch Movies that I didn't care for as much as you did: Tommy Boy Royal Tenenbaums Movies that I don't have a huge interest in seeing, but would watch to give a chance, I guess: Annie Hall Punch Drunk Love Seven Samuari (my roommate loves all those samuari movies.....I never cared for them) Movies I never heard of in my life: Rashoman Ran Amelie Wild Strawberries Seventh Seal
Crazy, nice list. I especially like how you give a brief defense of each selection--the myriad simple Top Ten lists always seems so uncontextualized. Lots of good fun flicks on there too. Though where is "This Is Spinal Tap?" Oh, and if you liked "Annie Hall," keep watching more Woody. Try "Love and Death" (his funniest) and "Manhattan" for starters.
Spinal tap is very high on my to see list but I can't find the dvd at any of the local rental places! Have you seen waiting for guffman and dog show? Those are both really great mockumentaries from christopher guest. I'm also really hoping to catch a mighty wind which is in theatres right now Same with manhatten, hannah and her sisters let me down, but I'm still looking forward to catching manhatten.
You might want to track down "Repo Man." Based on your list, you might like it. Not to mention "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrells," which many Guy Ritchie fans (those who haven't abandonned him for making that Madonna vehicle) say is better than "Snatch." I'm not sure I agree, but it is good. Office Space, while not classic cinema, is must-see for college students. Gives you a better idea of what the future might hold than other movies, thus preparing you to avoid the pitfalls of life (like obsessing on your stapler, etc.). It won't make your (or anyone's) top 25, but you might want to check out "Dead Man On Campus," too. You probably know people who spend considerably more effort avoiding their studies than it would take to actually do the studying. This movie is about them.
1. A Clockwork Orange One of my personal favorites as well, allthough not my favorite Kubrick, that would be Dr. Strangelove. 2. Rashomon Have several friends who are huge fans, but this one never did anything for me... 3. Amadeus Great movie, because it succeeds in making a huge, larger than life iconic character as Mozart into a person of flesh and blood. 4. Dr. Strangelove See number one, my fav movie of one of my favorite directors. 5. One flew over the cuckoo's nest I loved it more the last time i saw it than the first time. Remember that it frustrated the hell out of me at the first viewing. 6. The Royal Tenenbaums Very hilarious indeed, plus the movie is like a new genre in itself, but it wouldn't feature in my top 25 of all time. 7. Annie Hall Simply the best Allen movie if you ask me. "Hey, don't knock masturbation. It's sex with someone I love." and a dozen other quotes crack you up or just simply put a silly smile on your face. 8. Tommy Boy Don't even know this one, so no need in giving an opinion. 9. Office Space Same problem as with Tommy boy. 10. Punch Drunk Love Very moving indeed, plus who the hell thought that Sandler had so much dept. I sure as hell didn't. Good thing PTA knew. 11. Ran Great movie, but wouldn't be in my top 25 either 12. The Big Lebowski The Coen brothers always seemed to have a problem with getting it right went they went flat out for comedy before they made this one. Worth viewing for John Torturro as Jesus Santana alone. 13. Taxi Driver Best De Niro performance if you ask me, plus first time Jodie Foster was brilliant. (Wouldn't be the last time) 14. Seven Samurai My favorite Kurosawa film. 15. American History X Great movie, but the character portrayals are a bit too rough for my liking, and the entire thing is way too polar. Some will say that that is what you can expect because of the subject matter, but I still feel they could have done better. 16. Deat Poets Society Saw it in high school as well, and it made me mad at the time that I saw it. Saw it again recently and it didn't do anything to me this time. Since the movie hasn't changed, it must be me that has... 17. Amelie I love the entire thing, don't give a ************ what critics say about it, so what, then it can be my guilty pleasure. I love every scene Audrey Tautou is in... 18. 2001: A space Odyssey I saw it in high school as well and didn't like it. In fact didn't know what the fuss was about. It also was the first Kubrick film I saw. It was only later I learned to appreciate it. 19. Life is Beautiful A lot of people loved it, but the problem I had with it is that I don't like Begnini, so if he had cast someone else as the lead character maybe i would have enjoyed it more, but now he just irritated me the entire movie. 20. Rushmore Never saw it, so no comment... 21. Good Will Hunting It was something that had been done a dozen times before, but it was done well. So it wouldn't even be in my top 100, but it is certainly worth to wtch. 22. Wild Strawberries I remember seeing it once with a girl who was really into it, but the symbolism did seem cheap to me... 23. Seventh Seal Not sure which movie you refer to... 24. Memento GREAT movie. Great concept, great cast, great director, great story. Top 25 material? Maybe not, but it gets close enough. 25. Snatch I liked it, cause it was hilarious, didn't take itself serious, and had Vinnie Jones playing a mean SOB. But no way would I put it in my top 25
The Seventh Seal is another Bergman (wild strawberries). Its worth at least one viewing even if you didn't care for wild strawberries. and if you haven't seen rushmore and really like tenenbaums, definitely check it out. Both are wes anderson's and he really does create a whole new style/genre. Some even prefer rushmore over RT
Yeah, I'm well aware he's accomplished at making images (frankly, this is why I wonder why I don't like him better: the directors who use film first as a visual medium are the ones I tend to prefer). It's what he chooses to do with them that leaves me cold, I suppose. He seems to work only at the level of intellect, and cold intellect at that. This worked extremely well in 2001, probably because it matched the plot so well (space, HAL, etc.), but not at all for The Shining, which I thought was a total piece of crap and boring to boot: all technique and no pulse. Nicholson's scenery chewing bugged me and the only reason I cared at all about the ending was because there was a kid involved. If it had just been Shelly Duvall, screw it, kill her. For the same reason, Eyes Wide Shut was a total bore to me. Nothing about it carried the emotional weight one would have thought necessary for the characters to go through the changes they did. They seemed driven primarily by curiousity alone. As for A Clockwork Orange, we were supposed to accept Kubrick's Alex as a thug, at the level of the plot, but really Kubrick's images enlisted us to go along with his violence: the early rape scene was pure titillation, the other victims were so bizarre or patently corrupt themselves there was no chance for empathy from the audience. I heard a lot about people who were really upset by the violence in that film and I'm convinced this was a big part of it--they didn't like feeling so attracted to it. With the exception of 2001 and maybe Paths of Glory, Kubrick's films have all made me feel pissed off, mainly because they all feel dishonest.