Happy birthday to me! Last year for my birthday I wrote a list of my favorite books. This year, in an equally selfish move, I am presenting my favorite movies – in no particular order. Finally, as so many people have asked, here is my Amazon wishlist 
The reason I love this film is the stunning cinematography. Also, it is filmed in Venice (obviously) – the site of one of the best holidays I have ever had! The director (Visconti) is one of my favorite directors – virtually everything he has produced is brilliant. The film tells the tale of a composer who retreats to Venice to recover from a breakdown. Unbeknownst to him, Venice is about to be hit by a deadly pestilence. The film is based on the book of the same name by Thomas Mann.
Before seeing this film I was already a great fan of Bjork’s music. As well as writing the original music for the movie, she also had the starring role as Selma, an immigrant to the US who is slowly going blind. The film is very moving (and anyone who has seen it will agree). It is a must-see movie – but be warned, it is very traumatizing.
I realize that a lot of people consider this film to be overrated, but I love it. It was the first film in which I really appreciated the talent of Bill Murray and his subtle humor. The film is slow paced – which I like, and has a brilliant track in it by Peaches – who I had not heard of until this film (you can watch it here on Youtube – be warned, it has x-rated lyrics).
There is something about the writing of Brett Easton Ellis that really appeals to me. This movie adaptation of his book of the same name is very well done and has some great acting. The film follows the lives of a group of students in their last year at College (one is the brother of Patrick Bateman from American Psycho – also by the same author). The film has some hilarious moments (see here) but also one of the most disturbing scenes in a movie (see here).
This is the remake – I know it may shock people, but I do prefer the new one to the old. Anne Heche is excellent in this film and Vince Vaughan manages to be more sinister (and revolting) than Perkins in the original. The whole feel of the film (music and color) is warm and vibrant which adds a surprising irony to it.
I love everything by David Lynch, but this film is definitely my favorite. It tells the story of a young aspiring actress who moves to Hollywood and gets involved in intrigue and mystery. You can see the trailer here. If you have not seen this film you absolutely have to. It is disturbing on so many levels.
This is a brilliant film which intertwines the lives of various people. It has excellent acting from Julianne Moore (who also starred in Safe which I consider to be one of the most boring movies of all time) and it has some surprisingly good acting from Tom “Xenu’s Bitch” Cruise (I can’t believe I am saying that!) The case just has “win” written all over it: John C. Reilly, Philip Symour Hoffman, Alfred Molina, william H. Macy. Need I say more?
I have always been interested in the 1920s and this film is about as good as it gets for a look at the lifestyle of rich Americans during that period. Added to the fact that it is based on one of the greatest books by Scott Fitzgerald and you can’t go wrong! The film is a good adaptation of the book and contains excellent acting (for the most part). The colors and filming style really heighten the sense that you are present and watching the scenes unfold.
I love the original version of this film. It seems to never date (despite the 70s sets) and the story is still as spooky on the 20th viewing as it is on the first. If you had to pick one horror movie to take to a desert island, this would be the one I would recommend. The acting is excellent – especially from Ellen Burstyn (oscar nominated and winning actress) who is one of my favorite actresses.
Anyone who has seen this film (particularly to its conclusion) will know that it is one of the most disturbing films out there. But for some reason, I just can’t help but be drawn to it. As above, the film stars Ellen Burstyn who is absolutely amazing. It follows the lives of ordinary people as they descend into the hell of drug abuse.
Hahaha – just kidding! Happy birthday me!
Hahahahahahaha Titanic!! Lol nice one
Anyways, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMIE!!!!!
(Pardon my way of showing my enthusiasm by writing in all capital letters, but I think you deserved it today!
I rented Requiem at your suggestion in a previous list, and found it very watchable. After an “adults only” viewing, and discussion with my husband, we had our 2 teenage children watch it.
Deziner – great anecdote. Good to see LV touching “real-life” in a positive way.
thank god you’re joking about Titanic hahaha. Requiem for a Dream is such a fantastic movie, glad to see it is number 1. I also love Lost in Translation. Great list as always
Happy birthday J!!!
Make it into an entire weekend and don’t stop having fun!
yeh, it’s too bad Ole Andy Wharhol weren’t still alive to be in Van Sant’s as Perkins/mom/Bates. That would be the cherry on the sunday.
a little late.
I too heard shot for shot, but i think the most notorious scene in the shower is not…well
it would have been more pop exquisite if it were “movement per movement” exactitude. i connect them in my mind. (as long as the camera is in the same place, then its shot for shot. maybe thats the idea. give the same words to say and the same story , along with the camera in the same spot and angles,ect..it WILL be different still.
i might see it again. it did nothing for me when i first saw it.
i worked in a wine story for a short time back when Magnolia came out. Moviestars would frequent the place and one evening i sold a bottle to Julianne Moore. I joked with her and she laughed, but as i swiped her card and was finishing up the sale, i couldnt help but have the scene where she freaks out at the drug store, flash through my mind…and her beautiful smile and casual presence took on a sinister quality. i was sorta scared and exhaled with relief when she left the store.
Hey,happy birthday, man!!! I love this list, and hope your birthday is all good!
Happy birthday! Mulholland dr. and Magnolia are deep favorites of mine as well. some of mine are Eraserhead, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Down by Law, Rope, 8 1/2, the Shining, INLAND EMPIRE, and many more. There are also a lot of films that were introduced to me through this site like Satantango, and Man Bites Dog, and Death in Venice. Thank you Listverse!
We read the book and watched the movie for The Great Gatsby. It was so good.
Happy B-day, Jamie. I love “Lost in Translation”, and I thought I was one of the only people to appreciate it. I will have to sit down with a few of these- “Dancer in the Dark” sounds intriguing. Although, last year I took your advice on your book list. I ordered “Atlas Shrugged”, and I could not get into it. I mean, I am sure it gets better as the book goes along, but if I’m not happy with the first 100 pages, I lose interest. But, I’ll trust you with the films, many I have heard of, just not seen. Have a great day.
Happy Birthday!
I just added whatever movies I hadn’t seen from this list onto my ‘movies I want to see’ list, as I tend to trust your judgement. ^^
I love Magnolia to tears. I love how each storyline is slowly revealed to be related to all the others. And yes, I *cough* will admit it that Tom Cruise did indeed act in it. He did an excellent job of faking being a good actor.
Happy Birthday! It’s your listverse, we just live in it
I will see some of the older movies on this list, you make everything sound so interesting!
Well, I’m silly- I meant movies. Anywho, I still don’t “get” Mulholland Dr. There’s some secret to that movie that everyone keeps saying, “Well, I can’t tell you, you just have to know.” It really *****es me off. I was irritated by the portrayal of Tokyo life in Lost in Translation- it made it seem very bizarre, empty, and sterile. Rule of Attraction and Requiem were great movies. I enjoyed the original Psycho, but I think I see where you’re going. Older films portray what was older culture. Jimmy Stewart’s characters would never fly in a movie today (although that would be incredibly interesting).
Happy B-day Jay-Fray !!! Have fun at your party, even though you did not invite me
Well, your loss Jamie, I was gonna bring a Tom Cruise pinata!
#67 “Man bites Dog” is my favorite movie of all time, it’s the most quoted movie amongst college students in my country. Sadly, a LOT of the content has been edited out for the american audiences. Needless to say all the best parts are missing.
HB, JF. (The perks of being site admin!)
Right now, this list has clocked up 74 comments, and “Ancient Egypt” has attracted 31. Jamie is clearly more than twice as popular as Ancient Egypt. (238% to be exact)
I will comment on the films when I’ve had time to read the list, but I will say that I remember that you’d vowed never to make another movie list!
jfrater: I do not see any responses or rebuttals from you thus far. What gives!?
Are you having that much of a good time on your birthday
Requiem for a Dream is one of my top tens
Happy Birthday!
Hope your birthday was a great one and as lots of others have said, just make it a great weekend!!! LOL
Happy Birthday and many more Jamie!!!
I love Requiem for a Dream! It’s one of my favorite movies, but I can’t figure out why. It’s disturbing on so many levels, yet I keep watching it again and again. Great list! And happy birthday
I’ve only seen three of these: Dancer In The Dark, Lost In Translation, and The Great Gatsby.
I loved all three movies. I watched Dancer In The Dark by myself and ended up crying throughout the whole thing.
In Lost In Traslation I found the main character’s agoraphobic attitude towards Japan a bit child-like, but it was still a very charming movie.
I absolutely LOVED Requiem for a dream…I regret not seeing it more than once before my boyfriend’s hard drive crashed….and all music, pictures, and movies were deleted….oh the tragedy…oooh and Happy Birthday too!
Hey all! Thanks for the nice comments – they have certainly helped brighten up my day
My absence from the comment box has been because of parties. I am now at a family afternoon tea so I won’t be saying much until later. So, thanks again everyone – I really appreciate the kind words and the fact that the majority of you also love the movies I love!
Requiem for a Dream is pretty much insane. I saw it in …8th? grade… yeah my friend wasn’t aware of the rating or how weird it actually was. Awkward…..
Oh and Happy Birthday!
Ah yes. Requiem for a Dream was awesome. It was so very hard to watch, so depressing, yet so beautiful. I felt melancholy for a whole week after that.
the only ones on this list that i’ve seen are the exorcist and requiem for a dream. i’ve seen the original psycho, but not the remake. i lol’d at your “bonus” pick.
now i kinda wanna see requiem for a dream again… but i kinda don’t… it’s the single most depressing movie i’ve ever seen, but i still thought it was a great movie.
anyway,
happy birthday!!!
Happy Birthday Jamie! Lots of good choices too. How old are you now?
You know what’s sad? The only movies I’ve seen on this list are Exorcist and Ttanic.
Dancer in the Dark is AMAZING!!!
Happy birthday (belated)!
Yeah, how old are you now?
Unfortunately for me, I haven’t heard of any of these except for The Exorcist and Titanic.
Sandra- Don’t worry I’ve only seen Requiem for a Dream, I do want to see Dancer in the Dark as I love Bjork, but believe it or not I’ve never seen Titanic or the Exorcist…I need to watch more movies -_-
I’m not gonna lie. Requiem for a Dream bored me. T.T Ended up watching The Great Gatsby in school, and while it had a few good parts, it wasn’t really worth it to me. I feel so left out. T.T Just kidding. XDXDXD
Happy Birthday!! Hope your having a blast!!
I’ve seen Death in Venice, tragic. And I’v seen the end of Dancer in the Dark and man, it’s a movie I will never recommend. It’s so upsetting.
6 and 2 are 2 of my fav movies
Id been wanting to see Requiem for a Dream for sometime now.
Cool!
Go Jamie, it’s your birthday…
Happy Birthday Jamie. I think it’s great that you made a list for yoruself, you deserve it. As my birthday gift to you, I think I’m going to buy some listverse merchandise.
Happy birthday JFrater!
Requiem for a dream is tops as being a very disturbing movie!!!
Happy birthday JFrater!
Happy Birthday Jamie!
I have not seen #10, #7 and #3 but rest are all very good movies. David Lynch and Aronofsky are among my favorite directors as well, for the surrealist movies they make…life is nothing but a very long dream, the moment you wake up you find yourself waiting at the doors of hell.
Looks like we share a birthday. Hope you had a good one.
Happy Birthday JFrater (aka Jamie,JayFray,JF)!!!
I’m curious about “Dancer In The Dark” I woldd like to see Bjork acting.
I went to “Psycho” with a teenage buddy. I informed him ahead of time that it wasn’t going to have alot of blood splurting around like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies, so he might find it boring. (haha).
Happy belated birthday, Jfrater.
I liked Requiem too, awesome movie.
The last 20 minutes was one of the more disturbing and depressing scene I ever seen in a movie.
The soundtrack was good too.
My #1 favorite movie of all the time is also Requiem for a dream, great movie.
And also Dancer in the Dark is on my top, is really sad but i love all the music scenes
Oh!! and happy birthday!:D
Happy Birthday man. I like what you do here.
Oh dear I didnt know it was your birthday!
D :
happy birthday jfray
Why is everybody so mean to titanic D’:?
Happy birthday mate, and I can’t thank you enough for being the first person besides me so far to put Requiem For A Dream at the very top of their list!
Happy Belated Birthday JFrater! I hope it was grand! Loved the list. You’ve got the best site here, can’t wait to see what’s new every day!
warningdontreadthis – watch it and you’ll find out.
Say what you will about Titanic, but the last hour or so contains the most wonderfully crafted disaster sequences ever committed to celluloid. Nice choice with the Visconti film, to say the least.
Requiem for a Dream and The Great Gatsby are both amazing books AND movies. Seriously, if anyone on here hasn’t read both, but liked the movies, uh…you should. >_>
Unfortunately I haven’t seen any of the others, but many of them are on my “to-see” list.
Happy belated! I love Requiem and Rules of Attraction. The song “Without You” is still unbelievably sad and depressing to me (more so than normal) due to that scene.
Psycho has ruined my showering experiences. I saw the remake before the original and don’t have a preference either way. But Vince Vaughn was amazing.
I’m glad you put Magnolia up there. It doesn’t seem to be as well known as it should be.
To those who have been asking how old Jamie is, the answer is available somewhere on the internet – I won’t tell you where.
Are you deliberately not answering, Jamie?
JFrater I’m coming at you late here, but Happy Birthday my friend. I wish for you only what you and yours wish. May you always have good health and happiness.
Your Universe here has changed my life. I do not want to detail why publicly, but I want you to know that your influence has been profound. I can never thank you for your dedication to this site. If you ever need anything (and, I don’t mean some silly reference to ***** or whatever) please do not hesitate to ask. I am forever in your debt.
Vera Lynn
Happy Birthday J. Thanks again for the great website.
happy birthday. requirem for a dream is also my favourite movie. Altought, i’m surprised that you slightly mentioned about it on the lists..
I know it’s late but….
better late than never…
Happy bday to the smartest guy in the world…
hehehehe….
Happy b’day, Jamie! Belated wishes… You always make me come back to this site… I just love this site.
Happy Birthday kiddo!
Belated Happy B’day Mr.Frater… n thanq for the e-mail you sent…I am glad finally I am home…will have to see the doctor for a review on 11th again…