Ryan McNeilSo Number Six over at Fandango Groovers Movie Blog is hosting a bit of a blogging event this weekend. I’m taking part, but have to be “that guy” who does things a little differently and gets a head start. Fandango is a good guy…he’ll understand…I hope.
My all-time top five has remained rather unchanged for the last seven or eight years, which I find a little bit strange. Perhaps equally strange is the fact that two of the films in my five come from the same year! This little collection of movies gives me everything I could ever want to watch on my coconut TV: adventure, violence, intrigue, heroism, drama, comedy, history, and of course music.
Admittedly, when I see these movies now I’m taken back to the time I first saw them on a big screen – so while this list is about dvd’s, you’ll hear me mention the big screen experience more than once.
Edit: I need to learn to read. Fandango asked we come up with eight titles, not five. So pardon me as I start over and add in three more. – MH
So before my own Oceanic 815 crash lands, these would be the five eight dvd’s I’d be grabbing to have with me on that island…
#8. FIELD OF DREAMS (1989)… Somewhat appropriate given that baseball season just started. While it isn’t my favorite baseball movie of all time (that honour goes to BULL DURHAM), it’s the one that speaks most about the romanticism of the game. Add in the themes of redemption, faith, and family and I’m sold – usually a weepy mess, but sold.
#7. THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)… I’ll give you a moment to pick yourself up off the floor. The funny thing is that given the slight comic book nerd I am, no other comic book movie cracks my top fifty. So why this one? Perhaps it comes down to the fact that it taps into themes of what it takes to keep a society civil, and just how delicate that civility is. Or maybe I’m just a geek for psychotic clowns dressed as nurses. Regardless, this is bad-ass, one of the handful of movies loaded on to my iPod, and one I’d never want to be without.
#6. SE7EN (1995)… If my recent post for the 1001 Series didn’t tip you off to how much I dig this pitch black movie, then this ought to cement its status. Yes, it’s violent. Yes, it’s depressing. But yes, I would always want to have it handy so I could watch it for the zillionth time. Movies like this actually cheer me up sometimes – no, really. I look at situations as grim as Mills and Somerset trying to catch a serial killer, and think to myself “Well, at least my life ain’t that bad”. I know, that’s kinda twisted, but what can I say?
#5. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981)… Y’know, it’s a funny thing – Indie doesn’t really do a whole heck of a lot to actually save the day in this instalment. Regardless, it still remains my favorite of the series. It makes me feel like a kid at a Saturday matinee every time I watch Jones scramble away from that boulder, and who can possibly hear that music without visualizing Indy scrambling away from certain doom. If there was ever a film that insists on being watched with a bucket of popcorn, this is it. (Then again, I likely wouldn’t have any popcorn on this island. Dammit).
#4. TRAFFIC (2000)… Sort of a serious and sombre choice, wouldn’t you say? But that’s the way I roll. The technical craft that went into this movie amazes me every time, especially the way it’s shot and the way it’s cut. It really brings out the futility of The War on Drugs. When Stephen Soderbergh won an Academy Award for TRAFFIC as best director, instead of rambling off a bunch of names, he got up to the mic and dedicated it to “painters, dancers, writers, and anyone else who spends their day being creative”. That really made an impression on me, and raised my opinion of the movie and the man a whole lot higher.
#3. THE GODFATHER (1972)… While I have two films above it as my favorites, this is my usual answer for “What is the greatest film of all time”. As a painter and a photographer, I’ve always loved how so much of this movie’s shots pull small splashes of light out of pitch black. And while it is incredibly violent, all of the violence has a lyrical quality to it that has seldom been matched in the 38 years since its release. For me, THE GODFATHER is all about family. Along with the story and themes that play out in the film, I have about half a dozen family memories that stem back to this film. It’s losing a bit of its lustre with its endless playings on Spike TV, and the video games based on it. Still, anytime I hear that undertaker say how he believes in America, I forget about my grumpiness with how commercial it has become and settle in.
#2. SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (1998)… I worked in a shop that required I wear a name tag when this film was released. A few days before it opened, an older gentleman saw my tag and said “There’s a movie coming out with your name in it” I smiled and replied “I know…I want to see it”. He nodded and answered “You should see it”. He planted a thought in my head that day – that some movies made are ones you should see. They’ll be upsetting, and you may never want to watch them again, but you should expose yourself to them nonetheless. As it happens, few films have rattled me as much as this one, and I credit the fact that I saw it in the theatre. Y’know, while I firmly believe that most movies deserve to be seen on a big screen to get the full effect, when it comes to RAIDERS, GODFATHER, and PRIVATE RYAN, I think that it’s essential. The battle sequences that bookend this movie really shook me up, since the video and sound is done in a way that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the fight. While it’s true that some syrupy aspects of the story give the movie a bit less teeth than it could have had, it still hit the mark when it came to trying to depict the horrors of war.
#1. ALMOST FAMOUS (2000)… Elvis Costello once said that writing about music was about as useful as dancing about architecture. He may have a point there, but there are many writers out there who choose to scribble about another art form just to convey their passion for that art form to the masses (*Guilty Your Honour*). There are moments in this film that make me laugh every time (“Was it that difficult to make us look cool?”). There’s one of the best cuts in film history (“How do you know if the acid has kicked in? / “I am a golden God!”). There is some of the best writing (“If you ever get lonely, you can just go to the record store and visit all your friends”). And there is one amazing soundtrack, which I’d love to highlight but would likely ramble on for days. Cameron Crowe has called this movie his love letter to rock & roll. That’s a rather appropriate handle, since for me, this movie is a love story. Love of music, love of writing, love for your friends, love for your family. These are four of the things that mean the world to me, so it’s no surprise that when they’re brought together in one film, I go head-over-heels for it.
What about you – any of you who aren’t participating in this blog event, do tell…what are your all time top five desert island movies?
Nice choices, lots of drama. Heavy stuff! Though Almost Famous does have its dash of comedy to it. That seen where all the girls are dancing around the kid singing "lets deflower the virgin!" is pretty funny!
My top five would probably have some comedies in it or something, just to laugh on that lonely island every once in a while. But solid choices on this one!
I agree with you on Indy too, his films are pure movie magic. During those days, Spielberg really knew how to make a crowd pleasing cinematic event, he still does, but this movies had it amped up. I mean, that music, the non stop adventure. I wish he made another indy movie that was a bit more like this one…
Good list… interesting. I thought it was eight, though?
@ Darren… It is eight, but I tend to work in fives so I'm being the maverick of the group.
Toss it into the same file of insubordination as me posting my list two days early.
Interesting choices. The only movie I personally wouldn't take is Traffic, the others I'd be fine with having. Though of course my top 5 would likely make the trip. Though I'd prob substitute Ikiru for something like Shawshank Redemption (need the hope ++). Or perhaps Cast Away for irony (and training) purposes 🙂
Solid list, man. Still need to put mine together, but Godfather's gonna be there. DAMMIT I need to make my list!
The airplane scene in Almost Famous…love it.
Why oh why oh why did I know that The Godfather would be on this list?
Hate to break it to you but you aren’t as maverick as you think a couple of people posted last week!
I know you always do top five lists (I’m thinking of renaming you Rob Gordon) but how can you only take five, the rest of us are agonising over not having ten! Maybe I will do a top eleven to make up for your missing three 🙂
Great list, although none of them make it to my list they are all great films that I can watch over and over again, and that is what this little event is all about!
I will take this as your final selection and use the link unless you tell me otherwise.
@ Everyone… Fandango wanted eight, so I decided to go back and add in three more. None of them should be terribly shocking, but you might want to double back and take another look at the additions to the list.
Still a great list even with 8!. I saw Field of Dreams for the first time in about ten years recently, still a great movie.
As great as The Godfather is, I'm not sure I could be stranded on an island with it. I watch it about once a decade, because it's just so heavy. But who knows, if I was stranded on an island with it, I'd probably be forced to watch it more.
On the new 3:
Love me some field of dreams, se7en, and dark knight, but if I had to watch them over and over again I wouldn't take them. I find all of these great every once in a while, but constant revisiting would get old. Perhaps taking an interpretational film like The Fountain would be fun to analyze and break down while I'm sunbathing for my 30th day in a row 🙂
Hmm, you made me want to compile a list for myself.
These are such guy movies, Hatter. Except maybe "Almost Famous." But good movie nonetheless.
I checked out your "Wrestler" review. Good stuff.
Are you a Lostie, MadHatter? I like the Oceanic reference. I also like thinking about which movies I'd like to be stranded with…a fantastic notion!
I shall spend the better part of today pondering my favorite movies and I'll get back to you. Great post!
This post is awesome. I like each of the seven films I've seen on this list.
The only film I haven't seen on here is Se7en but I kind of know what you mean about watching something terrible, and then thinking to yourself that, well, at least your life isn't that bad in comparison. I like that feeling.
I've seen Field of Dreams three times and I don't even care for baseball! It's a great film.
My top eight desert island movies might just include a bunch of fun, meaningless movies plus Goodfellas.
@ Everyone… If you do a desert island post between now and tomorrow, forward it to Fandango to be part of his blog event.
@ TFC… Funny thing about Indy, in that I even enjoy CRYSTAL SKULL (but might be the only person who does). It was indeed flawed, but still had all the hallmarks of the series. What more could an adventure fan want?
@ Univarn… I know it seems weird that I'd want to watch such dark and/or dry movies ad naseum, but I probably could y'know. part of what makes 'em my favorites.
I love your idea of bringing something nonsensical and trying to understand it through multiple viewings. in that vein, I'd likely have to go for SYNECHDOCE, NY.
@ Aiden… Get on it!
@ Tom… Gotta love Ed's only lines in the whole movie.
@ Movienut… You judging me?
@ Number Six… I echo Nick Hornby in the philosophy that tens are too long. Often by the time you get down past seven, you're into filler territory.
It's just the way my brain is wired where lists are concerened, but hey – good luck to everyone who's struggling! I'll have to try harder to be more maverickish next time…
@ Rachel… So if you couldn't be stranded on the island with THE GODFATHER due to heaviness, I imagine SE7EN would automatically be vetoed as well, right? Either that, or it would be used to make GODFATHER seem like a jovial romp.
@ Joel… "Guy Movies". Welcome to Lady Hatter's biggest gripe about the sorts of dvd's I come home with following a trip to the store. Thanks for reading my WRESTLER post!
@ Wild Celtic… I am indeed a Lostie, but I don't really talk about it in this space (It's a movie blog after all, not a TV blog). But if I must digress, I can't wait to watch the final five episodes to see how this whole story wraps up!
If you do in fact do a desert island list, send it through to Fandango to post.
@ Marcy (Hey Stranger!)… How in the world have you never seen SE7EN? Gotta get on that, it's held up remarkably well. I vote you give it a watch and then blog about it toute suite.
I don't know why I don't gravitate towards fluff…although there are a few that I reach for (FERRIS BEULLER, DODGEBALL, EMPIRE RECORDS).
You are correct sir. Though I watch Se7en much more often than Godfather, I would probably drown myself from depression by the end of the first week on that island.
Great list and reasons for choosing each film. Must have been nice picking 8 instead of 5 for a change, haha!
Nice to see Field of Dreams in the list, I really love that film. Sport at the Movies is one of my favorite types of film.
Sorry my love, but I hope we're never stranded on an island together because I don't want to be stuck with most of your selections! Great films… but far too depressing. I'd want some movies that bring me joy:
Breakfast Club
Almost Famous (we share one in common)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Singin' In The Rain
Roman Holiday
Nightmare Before Christmas
Up
Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone (most whimsical of the set)
I would have put the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but I'm being told that's a cheat!
-Lady Hatter
I did make a list, put it on my blog and emailed Fandango my link. They are:
Lord of the Rings: Fellowship
Love Actually
Groundhog Day
Father of the Bride
Grosse Point Blank
Top Hat
Monsters Inc
Sense & Sensibility
Lordy, this sure was a popular post…
@ Caz… You have no idea how much choosing eight instead of five screwed with my whole m/o. I'm looking forward to recording this weekend's podcast where I can get back under the 'top five security blanket'
@ Lady Hatter… Guess you're re-enforcing why our dvd's live on seperate shelves, eh? I don't know what it says about me, but I could handle watching your eight over and over…except for that Potter selection. It would just make me miss the other (better) volumes too much.
@ Celtic… Points for LOVE, ACTUALLY which is becoming one of my favorite Christmas movies! Geez, you and my wife seem to have very similar tastes as many of the movies on your lists compliment each other quite nicely. maybe you and she should be stuck on the island together!
Lady Hatter, I thought your picks deserved a place on the final blog so I have posted them here and placed a link next to your husbands on Sundays main page.
Would be a pleasure to be stuck on an island with your wif since she so obviously has fantastic taste in movies! Ha. It was fun making this list, thanks for passing it along!
One of my Desert Island DVD's would be Pulp Fiction. That film is so deeply layered even with multiple viewings. Great list!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you have se7en and Almost Famous on your list here.
Definitely some good choices, but I would expected a few lighter movies, and maybe one or more action ones to lighten the mood, though I admit, shy of Traffic, any of those films could have easily made it on my list, but you'll have to wait till Sunday to see.
@ Fandango… Why are you encouraging her?
@ Drehar… Definitely a good'n, but PULP ranks a bit lower for me (would probably find a place within my top twenty).
@ Heather… Again, my taste leans itself more towards dark/heavy/violent and in a few ways that's not what people think when they meet me since I'm pretty easygoing. I think it's my taste for Schadenfreude. Can't wait to see your list on Sunday!
Great choices here. Would probably have left out Seven, would be too scary for me, if I was alone on a desert island!
ALMOST FAMOUS… SHOCKER!!!
This is a great LIST and I brought Temple of Doom with me. So, let's figure out who's got The Last Crusade, swim to their island and have a little movie marathon!
Raiders of the Lost Ark ahah, me and you, we are the best! And who can deny The Dark Knight. I almost went Saving Private Ryan since it's one of my favorite film ever but then I chose to be original and picked The Thin Red Line from the same year. Excellent Desert Island collection, I might just risk my life paddling in shark-infested water to get to your island 😉
Hatter – I didn't get to hear your last three when we spoke yesterday, but I wanted to let you know that I approve of them all. 😉 Se7en might be heavy, but it's still a fun watch for most of the runtime. Field of Dreams is definitely the oddball of your group (says nothing about the quality, just the tone).
Friggin' Synecdoche, NY. Wish I'd thought of that one for my mindbender choice. Not that it'd necessarily beat the ones I chose, but it'd make the short list, for sure.
I do believe this is a record for most comments on my blog – even when my own are taken out of the equation…
@ Olive… I'll chance it. Perhaps if it gets too intense I can scour the island for a friendly monkey to cuddle with for affirmation.
@ Kai… Yeah, I could feel the ripples of shock going through the blogosphere all the way from here on that shocking revelation. Still – wouldn't have it any other way. I'm up for the Indy-Island-Hopping…but where would we find a copy of THE CRYSTAL SKULL?
@ Castor… Hmmm, THE THIN RED LINE. Interesting call, but with all the time it takes to linger on the natural flora and fauna, I might get the slight feeling that it was mocking my situation.
@ Fletch… Let me connect the dots – FIELD OF DREAMS is the odd man out because it's actually a happy movie amidst all these grim ones. It ain't one where I'm taking joy out of the misery of others.
Great list! You and I over lap on a few (Se7en, The Godfather, The Dark Knight). A lot here that I was considering putting on mine! I'd be very content with your list on the island.
Ohhhhh how did I forget "The Dark Knight"? One of the best of the '00s for sure!
Excellent list, MH. Can't find one pick to disagree with!
The big surprise here is that there are no surprises! More regular Hatter than Mad.
Forgive me, I think I missed something here: 'some movies made are ones you should see'
Uh…what?
(heheh The capthca is bilifili – what a great word!)
Looks like we'll have to get by without Crystal Skull… tell Lady Hatter she had a great list. Would've done Breakfast Club myself except I can pretty much recite the film by memory! 🙂
@ Sebastian… What can I say? "Great minds…" and all that, right? Funny that you had many that I considered, and I had many that you considered. Your dad wasn't a milkman, was he?
@ Meredith… Forgetting THE DARK KNIGHT??!! That's blasphemy!! I can't fathom a situation where I was denied the chance to hear Heath ask "Do I look like the sort of guy who has a plan?" Now I do believe I have to go take a look at your own eight.
@ Ross… Yeah, my phrasing was a bit spotty there, wasn't it? What I meant to point out, is that there are movies one might not want to see, but nevertheless should see. From a historical, cultural, or film literacy standpoint, they are important – and I think SAVING PRIVATE RYAN is one of those films.
If you want madness, I can perform my best Futterwacken?
@ Kai… I'm trying not to encourage Lady hatter's growing celebrity (wait til you hear the podcast!). So let's just keep her Breakfast club-choosin' awesomeness between us, OK?
Saving Private Ryan is supposed to be in my list if I am allowed to chose more than 8 movies.
I Like Seven too…I think that is the best Brad Pitt movie ever. And I've forgotten of how many time I've watched Indiana Jones
An excellent list. I can think of no better word to describe it than "robust". Some seriously meaty and satisfying choices in here that would definitely go a long way to maintaining your sanity on this island of yours… hopefully not to far from mine, so I could listen in from a distance and replay the visuals in my head.
Some of these I had to specifically leave off my list, as I was thinking that I would never want to watch any of these movies ever again after I left that island – I'd have beaten them into the ground too much to ever want to voluntarily check 'em again. Are your choices the same with that in mind?
@ The Film Cynics… I didn't really think about it that way. Now that you mention it, after enough time I could end up seeing any of these movies in that "If I ever have to eat mangos again, it'll be too soon" light!
Then again, I think even the most well rounded list would have that effect after a while.
I have visions of coming home and being like Tom hanks at the end of CAST AWAY…staring at the variety and selection in a Blockbuster and contemplating whether society appreciates the selection it has available to them.
Thanks for the comment sir, I'm a big fan of your show! If you're interested, give a listen to the latest episode of my podcast where Fletch and I (I believe you know him too) discussed this little topic at length.
Great List, loved your thoughts on 'Ryan'.
Its up there with Schindler's list as films everyone should see at least once, though having said that, as this was Spielberg, it warrants many more viewings than that.
You've inpired me to post on it now, if you're interested keep an eye on my site for it.
Cheers
Oooo, lots of heavy duty stuff in here. I don't watch many war movies, especially realistic ones like SPR. Boy, Se7en & The Godfather will give me nightmares on the island and Traffic will depress me for sure. But hey, can't go wrong with TDK, though I took Batman Begins instead as I find it more enjoyable for repeat viewings. I don't mind taking Raiders, too, but I've already got The Last Crusade. Hey Hatter, I've got popcorn on MY island 🙂
Holy Crap Hatter…my supreme apologies for not getting here sooner. I was looking through the list and I must have missed you. Please forgive G-S-T:)
But man, your list is aces!! TDK, Raiders, The Godfather annnd Saving Private Ryan…I guess you could say you'll be stranded on EPIC Island:) Great choices all, and you're like the 10th person to have Almost Famous…man, I really need to watch that again.