The Painting

The Painting (Jean-Pierre Laguionie, 2011)

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Rating: Q=8, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=4

Animated, Foreign, Philosophical, Adventure

I've often imagined a story about the characters in a painting, living in a world confined by a canvas frame. This film is amazing in so many ways: it is vivid, imaginative, quirky, and philosophical. It is a tale about the complexity of society, about race and power and hierarchy. It is also a story of adventure and learning to seek the answers to difficult questions. Beautiful, thought-provoking, and stunning.

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A Tree Grows In Brooklyn

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn (Elia Kazan, 1945)

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Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Drama, 1900s, Based on Novel, Coming of Age, Grief, Family, Tearjerker

What a beautiful, beautiful film. We need to watch films about the past, for many reasons. Lifestyle and environment were very different but values, the importance of dreams and goals, and the complexity of relationships haven't changed all that much. It's a reminder that the human race has always been adaptable and resilient. It reminds us that people everywhere wish to strive and succeed and create a stronger and happier next generation. Francie is one of the most lovable and relatable characters that has ever been on a film screen. We hope and dream and cry with her. She represents all young adults who must cope and learn to find the light in an often crushingly harsh world.

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The Cider House Rules

The Cider House Rules (Lasse Hallstrom, 1999)

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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Drama, Coming of Age, Complex Relationships, 1940s, Orphanage

We all must venture out in order to discover what we have left behind. This story, based on a novel, is clearly paying homage to Homer's Odyssey and the many trials we go through as we come of age. The world is full of light but there is also much darkness. The cinematography and art direction brings this tale to life--beautiful stark colors and lighting. Rachel Portman's soundtrack is enchanting, as well.

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Bottle Rocket

Bottle Rocket (Wes Anderson, 1996)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=3

Witty, Whimsical, Coming of Age, Comedy

I love Wes Anderson. And I've felt bad for the longest time because I hadn't watched his directorial debut. Now I have and everything seems right. The film is fun, quick-paced, and reflective. At its core, the film is about motivation, discipline, loyalty, and taking ownership of one's life. Owen and Luke Wilson are fantastic, the writing shines (pretty amazing for a first full-length film, really), and the comedy is perfectly timed. And what a great soundtrack.

I once took a quiz titled, "Which Wes Anderson Film Character Are You?" and I got "Anthony from Bottle Rocket." I can now say that this seems accurate, I couldn't before.

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Cape Fear

Cape Fear (J. Lee Thompson, 1962)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Based on Novel

I can't quite describe my reaction to this film. I had read about it and knew that its villain, Max Cady, is legendary in the film canon. But nothing can really prepare you for the disturbing qualities Robert Mitchem brought to every evil character he played. Maybe it's the non-nonchalant, meandering walk. Maybe his slow drawling voice. How can a straw hat and cigar become creepy?

This story is not just thrilling, though. It is an interesting tale of ethics and manipulation. Are the rules we put in place worth upholding? Or should they bend? And for whom should they bend?

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Kisses

Kisses (Lance Daly, 2008)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Coming of Age, Runaways, Complex Relationships, Social Realism

A subtle, somber, and uplifting film about the strength of friendship. Dylan and Kylie are victims of a less-than-fortunate life and their journey through the streets of Dublin together offers them a change from the depressing and, arguably, unsafe world they call home. But it also teaches them about trust, security, and love.

That Bob Dylan is a running theme is also a fun bonus :)

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