I haven’t done a list in ages. Bottom line, writing for The Looking Glass (TLG), I’ve found some really incredible films. So I want to highlight some of the ones I’ve discovered so far that I think everybody should see at least once. Some of these may be films I’ve reviewed. I may review some of them in the future. It could be neither! It’s my list, so why the hell not?!
These are the films I see as exemplary and near perfect. That being said, I haven’t seen every movie ever made. This list will get added to as I continue to view films and find the diamonds among the dung. So here are the first five TLG’s Essentials. They’re asshole certified, I guarantee you.
- The Sunset Limited
This Philosophical film based on the book of the same name is directed and stars Tommy Lee Jones. Samuel L. Jackson stars opposite. Jackson’s character, Mr. Black, saves Jone’s Mr. White from jumping in front of a train prior to the story. The film is the two of them talking about many things, looping back to why White wanted to die.
Why you should watch it: It’s deep, philosophical, dramatic, and great to talk about after. It’s a real masterpiece of performance given life. It’s just a fantastic film.
- The Machinist
If you want my full opinion on this film, check out my full review. In short though, this film is one of the best suspense/mystery films I’ve ever seen. It’s got Christian Bale doing some of his best work, a solid mystery some of the most insanely good direction I’ve ever seen. It’s without a doubt worth putting on your list. I have no idea why this movie isn’t a bigger deal than it is. It’s just, well, beautiful.
- Let The Right One In
No secrets: I love horror movies. I’ll double your money: I love foreign films. So guess what happens when you put them together? Well, you get Let the Right One In, which I haven’t freaked out about quite enough yet as it seems. This film is all about vampires, the bonds between children, innocence, and the darkest desires hidden in the most unlikely of places. As you watch the film, you can’t help but feel for the lonely boy Oscar and the eternally young vampire Eli. The movie’s got a sick sense of humor and knows how to build suspense and lay on the scares.
- ATM
This is a film that almost shouldn’t be on an “Essentials Viewing List,” but it earns the bill for being really damn creative. The acting isn’t exactly the best, but it does have Josh Peck swearing and being all “adult” and it actually works. The plot is about three people in this little ATM hut being held there by a violent psychopath. They just want to survive the night, although they’re not entirely sure how to do that. It’s got great tension, fantastic scenes of ultraviolence, and one of the most interesting endings I’ve seen, ATM should be watched at least once, even if it is a bit of a train wreck.
- Ravenous
Here come the big guns. I love this damn movie so much that it hurts. You ever want a period piece black comedy about cannibalism in post Alamo California? How about with one of the most gorgeous back drops and amazingly unique soundtracks ever? A Uh, FUCK YEAH! After a promotion, Captain John Boyd (Guy Pierce) gets sent to Fort Spencer, and eventually ends up hunting a cannibal with his troupe. Oh it goes so much deeper though, but I won’t ruin it. This movie is witty, suspenseful, deranged and all of the wonderful things that make a good horror film. It’s also Guy Pierce’s first big appearance. Bottom line, this movie is absolutely fantastic, so just log on to Netflix and watch it like right damn now! Seriously, that’s why I put this last. I’ve praised this movie in every countdown I’ve ever done so watch it already!
So this is the first part of my ongoing list. There are a lot of films I could recommend in a list like this. I held back a few other good ones for future lists. When new films warrant a spot on my Essential Viewing List, I will put out a new article just like this. So, cuddle up, sit back and enjoy the films.