Films that changed my life (for whatever reason)
A short list of the movies that changed my life, or at least the way I saw movies and their potential.
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- DirectorGeorge A. RomeroStarsDavid EmgeKen ForeeScott H. ReinigerDuring an escalating zombie epidemic, two Philadelphia SWAT team members, a traffic reporter and his TV executive girlfriend seek refuge in a secluded shopping mall.Probably the first film I can remember seeing (at about age 12) that I realized was actually 'saying something' about something. At the time I had no idea what it was, but I felt the intent.
- DirectorMichael LehmannStarsWinona RyderChristian SlaterShannen DohertyAt Westerburg High where cliques rule, jocks dominate and all the popular girls are named Heather, it's going to take a Veronica and mysterious new kid to give teen angst a body count.The second film I saw that I felt was 'saying something', and once again I had no idea what that something actually was until years later.
- DirectorSergio LeoneStarsHenry FondaCharles BronsonClaudia CardinaleA mysterious stranger with a harmonica joins forces with a notorious desperado to protect a beautiful widow from a ruthless assassin working for the railroad.A film I saw by accident, and had no idea even existed. But it was a life-changing day for me. The style, the coolness, the characters, the operatic style. It was also the first film to make me realize westerns weren't simply 'old man movies'.
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsHarvey KeitelTim RothMichael MadsenWhen a simple jewelry heist goes horribly wrong, the surviving criminals begin to suspect that one of them is a police informant.When I first saw it I was completely blown away by the energy, performances, style, and 'originality'. I later realized the the originality was false and that the story was completely juvenile. My opinion of Reservoir Dogs has dropped steadily over the years, but back in '95 it was a life-changer, for sure.
- DirectorStuart GordonStarsJeffrey CombsBruce AbbottBarbara CramptonAfter an odd new medical student arrives on campus, a dedicated local and his girlfriend become involved in bizarre experiments centering around the re-animation of dead tissue.Re-Animator for me has an intangible 'something' that I can't place. Is it the energy? The gore? The performances? The humour? Most likely a combination of all. This film made me see that a combination of energy, enthusiasm, earnestness, and wit can turn a film even with the lowest budgets into something highly enjoyable.
- DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsPaul WilliamsWilliam FinleyJessica HarperA disfigured composer sells his soul for the woman he loves so that she will perform his music. However, an evil record tycoon betrays him and steals his music to open his rock palace, The Paradise.A film I first saw when I was 14 and didn't see again until I was 24 and each time it had a markedly different impact. The first time around I thought it was a pure horror movie and it scared bejeezus out of me. Second time around I saw it much more as a satirical comedy with horror elements.
- DirectorIrvin KershnerStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherAfter the Rebel Alliance are overpowered by the Empire, Luke Skywalker begins his Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued across the galaxy by Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett.My father recorded this film from television in 1983 and that tape was my prized possession all the way until the DVD release in 2004. I think I could probably recite the film word for word, and it is unquestionably the film I have seen more than any other. Also, I never saw A New Hope until 1996!
- DirectorAndrew NiccolStarsEthan HawkeUma ThurmanJude LawA genetically inferior man assumes the identity of a superior one in order to pursue his lifelong dream of space travel.I saw this film at the cinema in 1997 at a late night session on a warm day, and had an incredible personal reaction to it. The film made me feel genuinely proud of being a flawed, imperfect human being, so much so that I took my shirt off and walked all the way home shirtless, just to show my imperfection in all it's glory. Not one of my favourite films, but never before or since have I had such an intense immediate reaction to a film.
- DirectorJim HensonStarsDavid BowieJennifer ConnellyToby FroudSixteen-year-old Sarah must solve a labyrinth to rescue her baby brother when he is taken by the Goblin King.One of the first films I saw at a cinema, it created a crush on Jennifer Connelly that still, almost 3 decades later, I have never completely been able to shake. Bowie is also my favourite musician, which is just a nice coincidence.
- DirectorRob ReinerStarsWil WheatonRiver PhoenixCorey FeldmanA writer recounts a childhood journey with his friends to find the body of a missing boy.The first film I can remember really relating to, watching it and seeing my own life reflected on screen. Growing up in a small town, having adventures on the weekend, and knowing very similar people to those shown on screen (both the heroes and villains). I was definitely Gordie. Probably still am.