Top Ten: Movies
Okay, in the spirit of extreme boredom I have decided to start posting various top ten lists designed to let you and whoever else out there that may be reading this a bit more insight into who the hell I am. I will kick off with perhaps the most basic, a list of my top ten movies. Feel free to comment... agree, disagree whatever.
1. Jerry Maguire (1996) - I saw this film when I was in high school at a period in my life where I felt very lost. I had developed a passion for the film industry but the reality of working in it seemed completely intangible given the fact that I lived in a small town outside of Houston. Anyway, I can't specifically put my finger on it, maybe it was the way love was portrayed in such a human and realistic way but Jerry Maguire moved me in ways I will never forget. I knew that one day I wanted to write films that inspired and moved people in ways that this film spoke to me and decided that even I failed miserably I had to move out there and try to make it happen. Also, this movie first introduced me to Renee Zellweger - who I am still a big fan of to this day. On the whole, Cameron Crowe's writing and directing has forever shaped me and will continue to follow me in my career.
2. Almost Famous (2000) - Yes, I have a thing for Cameron Crowe movies. I honestly do think he writes in a way that I can't even quite wrap my head around. I love everything about this movie from the brilliant performances from Patrick Fugit, Frances McDormand and Kate Hudson to the stunning cinematography and of course, the story. I saw so much of myself in William Miller and his circumstances and if I ever am in the mood to watch a really, really good story - I pop in Almost Famous.
3. You Can Count On Me (2000) - I personally think this movie should be required viewing for anyone who has even a remote interesting in acting or screenwriting. This is based off of a one act play written by Kenneth Lonergan, who wrote and helmed the film and its theater roots resonate very boldly in the film. A lot of people say this movie is slow and maybe it is but it SO BRILLIANTLY captures a complex brother / sister relationship and the acting in this movie will blow your mind. I remember watching both Laura Linney and Mark Ruffalo in the film for the first time and challenging myself to one day write roles worthy of their talents. I am still working at that and continue to resort to this movie when I need to be reminded of the kind of writer I want to be.
4. Bridget Jones' Diary (2001) - I love this movie entirely for what it is: perhaps the best chick flick of all time. As all of my friends know, I can recite every line to the movie in a Texabritish accent that would horrify Renee Zellweger but I can still do it. I have seen this movie more times than I can count, partly because I adore Renee in it and partly because I pray every night that Collin Firth would magically show up at MY HOUSE and tells me he loves me just as I am. But hey, a girl can dream, right?
5. Little Miss Sunshine (2006) - By now, you've gotten... I'm a writer. As a writer, I always love to find scripts and stories that surprise and entertain me while beaming with originality. Personally I can think of no better movie than Little Miss Sunshine when it comes to originality and entertainment value. I first read the script a few weeks before the movie came out and stopped half way through because I was laughing so hard I didn't want to spoil the rest of it and boy am I glad I did. This film has one of the best endings I have ever seen and features charming and hilarious performances from its brilliant cast.
6. Love Actually (2003) - After being dismally pleased by the offering of romantic comedies since about the early ninties (save a few noteable exceptions like My Best Best Friend's Wedding), I find Love Actually to be the very definition of what a romantic comedy should be. And let me also just say, if you want something done right... leave it to the Brits. This stunning romantic comedy never fails to put me in the Christmas spirit and make me smile. I just love it... actually.
7. The Graduate (1969) - I seriously do not see how it is possible to go wrong with a combination of Dustin Hoffman, Mike Nichols and Simon & Garfunkle. This film is a great example of mis en scene and wonderfully captures a kind of vintage charm that modern day Hollywood rarely achieves these days.
8. One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (1975) - I was forced to watch this movie one night by mom and dad who insisted that it was humiliating I hadn't seen this movie despite the fact that I was a film major. I rarely say this but, they were right. This film is so amazing, real and heartbreaking and again is one of those triumphs of the human spirit on film.
9. In Her Shoes (2005) - Ever since this movie I have been a huge fan of Toni Collette but prior to that, one of the writers who inspired me to pursue screenwriting is Susannah Grant. Her script, In Her Shoes is even more evidence as to her amazing abilities. In Her Shoes captures a complex love / hate relationship between a pair of sisters and the theme of the film always resonates with me. I also love Curtis Hanson's directing in this film.
10. Annie Hall (1971) - Not everyone loves Woody Allen, but I am not one of those people. This is without a doubt his greatest film and inspires me to write romantic comedies that ring of a vintage sensibility. Annie Hall is an amazing and charming character and has forever won Diane Keaton my admiration.
1. Jerry Maguire (1996) - I saw this film when I was in high school at a period in my life where I felt very lost. I had developed a passion for the film industry but the reality of working in it seemed completely intangible given the fact that I lived in a small town outside of Houston. Anyway, I can't specifically put my finger on it, maybe it was the way love was portrayed in such a human and realistic way but Jerry Maguire moved me in ways I will never forget. I knew that one day I wanted to write films that inspired and moved people in ways that this film spoke to me and decided that even I failed miserably I had to move out there and try to make it happen. Also, this movie first introduced me to Renee Zellweger - who I am still a big fan of to this day. On the whole, Cameron Crowe's writing and directing has forever shaped me and will continue to follow me in my career.
2. Almost Famous (2000) - Yes, I have a thing for Cameron Crowe movies. I honestly do think he writes in a way that I can't even quite wrap my head around. I love everything about this movie from the brilliant performances from Patrick Fugit, Frances McDormand and Kate Hudson to the stunning cinematography and of course, the story. I saw so much of myself in William Miller and his circumstances and if I ever am in the mood to watch a really, really good story - I pop in Almost Famous.
3. You Can Count On Me (2000) - I personally think this movie should be required viewing for anyone who has even a remote interesting in acting or screenwriting. This is based off of a one act play written by Kenneth Lonergan, who wrote and helmed the film and its theater roots resonate very boldly in the film. A lot of people say this movie is slow and maybe it is but it SO BRILLIANTLY captures a complex brother / sister relationship and the acting in this movie will blow your mind. I remember watching both Laura Linney and Mark Ruffalo in the film for the first time and challenging myself to one day write roles worthy of their talents. I am still working at that and continue to resort to this movie when I need to be reminded of the kind of writer I want to be.
4. Bridget Jones' Diary (2001) - I love this movie entirely for what it is: perhaps the best chick flick of all time. As all of my friends know, I can recite every line to the movie in a Texabritish accent that would horrify Renee Zellweger but I can still do it. I have seen this movie more times than I can count, partly because I adore Renee in it and partly because I pray every night that Collin Firth would magically show up at MY HOUSE and tells me he loves me just as I am. But hey, a girl can dream, right?
5. Little Miss Sunshine (2006) - By now, you've gotten... I'm a writer. As a writer, I always love to find scripts and stories that surprise and entertain me while beaming with originality. Personally I can think of no better movie than Little Miss Sunshine when it comes to originality and entertainment value. I first read the script a few weeks before the movie came out and stopped half way through because I was laughing so hard I didn't want to spoil the rest of it and boy am I glad I did. This film has one of the best endings I have ever seen and features charming and hilarious performances from its brilliant cast.
6. Love Actually (2003) - After being dismally pleased by the offering of romantic comedies since about the early ninties (save a few noteable exceptions like My Best Best Friend's Wedding), I find Love Actually to be the very definition of what a romantic comedy should be. And let me also just say, if you want something done right... leave it to the Brits. This stunning romantic comedy never fails to put me in the Christmas spirit and make me smile. I just love it... actually.
7. The Graduate (1969) - I seriously do not see how it is possible to go wrong with a combination of Dustin Hoffman, Mike Nichols and Simon & Garfunkle. This film is a great example of mis en scene and wonderfully captures a kind of vintage charm that modern day Hollywood rarely achieves these days.
8. One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (1975) - I was forced to watch this movie one night by mom and dad who insisted that it was humiliating I hadn't seen this movie despite the fact that I was a film major. I rarely say this but, they were right. This film is so amazing, real and heartbreaking and again is one of those triumphs of the human spirit on film.
9. In Her Shoes (2005) - Ever since this movie I have been a huge fan of Toni Collette but prior to that, one of the writers who inspired me to pursue screenwriting is Susannah Grant. Her script, In Her Shoes is even more evidence as to her amazing abilities. In Her Shoes captures a complex love / hate relationship between a pair of sisters and the theme of the film always resonates with me. I also love Curtis Hanson's directing in this film.
10. Annie Hall (1971) - Not everyone loves Woody Allen, but I am not one of those people. This is without a doubt his greatest film and inspires me to write romantic comedies that ring of a vintage sensibility. Annie Hall is an amazing and charming character and has forever won Diane Keaton my admiration.