Top 10 Favorite Films of JFrater

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.

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Hahaha – just kidding! Happy birthday me!

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