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  #161  
Old 06-07-2014, 12:39 PM
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Originally Posted by metternich1815 View Post
A Clockwork Orange- ... Honestly, I am surprised it was not considered a horror film. ...
That's what I said when we did the 100 Years of Horror. :) I didn't get any bites. :/
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  #162  
Old 06-07-2014, 01:45 PM
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I guess I'll (sorta reluctantly) enter the top 100 discussion. Based on some of the past comments, I'm not sure this is the right thread for me. I have a feeling I'm not going enjoy every minute of it. :)

As a head's up, you probably won't ever hear me arguing for a film based on any technical aspect of its makeup, and honestly I don't put a lot of value on those qualities. If the movie makes me think, or makes me feel something, it's on my radar. I won't discredit a film for having a few warts. Flaws are what makes things unique. Obviously I'm not going to praise a film for being a pile of crap, but you won't hear me disqualifying a film because of one element that doesn't meet my particular definition of "good." Like saying Star Wars has too simple a story (it's called melodrama... ever read Shakespere?), or Apocalypse Now feels unresolved (maybe that's... intentional?). My tastes are naturally a bit off-the-beaten-path, so I don't expect everyone (or anyone?) to agree with me, but I do have a strong allergic reaction to the status quo.

So, having said that, here's my next 5. (BTW, I really like the idea roshiq. And, better late than never, "Get better soon, V!!"

Since A Clockwork Orange probably doesn't need my help, I'll hold my vote on that one, but it deserves it. Too sci-fi for many to make the best Horror list (although I disagree), and IMO too horrific to be on the non-horror list.

Since it looks like Once Upon a Time in the West might make it, I'll hold my vote on a different Sergio Leone classic. I chose For a Fistful of Dollars in my top 20, and I prefer the Man with No Name trilogy over the Once...in the West epic, but I would be happy to back For a Few Dollars More or, better yet, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly since it doesn't look like Fistful will get the votes. These films are likely to be poo-pooed by some -- but then again, so are the Bava, Argento and Fulci classics by many critics. They are truly iconic, important and visually beautiful films. Ennio Morricone gave us the score that we now associate with "Westerns." And perhaps most importantly, they essentially invented the anti-hero. All of a sudden John Wayne was a goodie-two-shoes, and no longer the coolest guy on the block. Cinema has never been the same since.

The actual five outside my 20 that I'll back are:

1. Black Swan -- Although I truly consider this a horror film, Arnofsky and Co. did a great job marketing this as non-horror so it would get attention at the Oscars -- so much so that even horror fans believe it. A modern masterpiece in psychological storytelling. Heartbreaking and distressing.

2. Monty Python & The Holy Grail -- No argument is really necessary. If you love it, you love it, and if you don't, you never will. But for a comedy, this film has the most amazingly detailed sets and costumes, and feels extremely gritty for being off-the-wall British slapstick. This film has no peers.

3. The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover -- This film breaks too many rules for most folks, and I wouldn't want to watch it with my mom. But every time I do watch it, I'm left gut-punched for a couple days.

4. The Deer Hunter -- Incredible cast, moving, heartbreaking, epic. A truly impactful drama that is oh so human.

5. Fargo -- I would be fine with any number of Coen Brothers films, but one of them really needs to make the list. I chose O Brother, Where Art Thou?, but that film is a bit niche for a broad range of voters. Fargo has been cherished by quite a few, including myself, and has an endless number of memorable moments. The Coen Bros know how to define and develop unique, but still believable, characters. I personally think The Big Lebowski is a better example of that, but Fargo is probably more respected in a general sense, and a good choice if the Bros only get one.
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  #163  
Old 06-07-2014, 02:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Giganticface View Post
5. Fargo -- I would be fine with any number of Coen Brothers films, but one of them really needs to make the list. I chose O Brother, Where Art Thou?, but that film is a bit niche for a broad range of voters.
Actually I very nearly picked O Brother, Where Art Thou as one of my 5 movies... it's one of the most deserving ones on the master list, in my opinion. But I thought like you, that there would be no point because no one else would pick it. I'd be willing to change my 5 movie list, if you want to back it too...

Last edited by Kandarian Demon; 06-07-2014 at 02:06 PM.
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  #164  
Old 06-07-2014, 03:12 PM
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Out of the movies that didn't make my top 20, I'll back:

A Christmas Carol (Providing its the one staring Alastair Sim and not some god awful modern remake I haven't yet had the misfortune to watch).
The Grapes of Wrath
Rashomon

There are a few others I'd vote for, but for now I'll just wait and see what happens. There's so much crap with multiple votes, I'd rather back movies that I might not necessarily have in my own top 100 that are a ton better than some of the other junk in the running.

Also, someone get behind The Apartment already.... And what's with 12 Monkey's getting more support than Brazil. Surely if you are going to have a Terry Gilliam movie in the top 100 it has to be Brazil. :shocked:
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  #165  
Old 06-07-2014, 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Kandarian Demon View Post
Actually I very nearly picked O Brother, Where Art Thou as one of my 5 movies... it's one of the most deserving ones on the master list, in my opinion. But I thought like you, that there would be no point because no one else would pick it. I'd be willing to change my 5 movie list, if you want to back it too...
Awesome! I already have it submitted in my top 20, so I think at this "5 more" point I can't back it. Not sure where this process is all going, but at any point I would gladly debate its merits for being in the list, stronger than I would for Fargo.

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And what's with 12 Monkey's getting more support than Brazil. Surely if you are going to have a Terry Gilliam movie in the top 100 it has to be Brazil. :shocked:
They're both amazingly creative films. I came very close to putting Brazil on my next 5, but didn't want to triple-up on Terry Gilliam, since I thought Holy Grail was a must-have. I personally prefer 12 Monkeys to Brazil, but wouldn't have any issue with Brazil taking its place. (For whoever's tracking, that statement doesn't constitute a vote change.)
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  #166  
Old 06-07-2014, 05:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Giganticface View Post
Awesome! I already have it submitted in my top 20, so I think at this "5 more" point I can't back it. Not sure where this process is all going, but at any point I would gladly debate its merits for being in the list, stronger than I would for Fargo.
I just found out I can't edit my older posts, I would have switched Superman for O Brother, Where Art Thou... hopefully this post won't drown, or maybe someone with "special powers" will help us
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  #167  
Old 06-07-2014, 05:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Kandarian Demon View Post
I just found out I can't edit my older posts, I would have switched Superman for O Brother, Where Art Thou... hopefully this post won't drown, or maybe someone with "special powers" will help us
I think there was some issue with people going back and editing their posts, thus causing a number of issues. Or something like that, so the settings were changed so that people could only edit their post for a certain timeframe after posting. I believe it is thirty minutes. I found the thread on this and other changes made last year http://www.horror.com/forum/showthread.php?t=63919
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  #168  
Old 06-07-2014, 05:54 PM
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Seeing how this is all just debate, it hardly makes a difference anyway.
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  #169  
Old 06-07-2014, 08:03 PM
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Originally Posted by metternich1815 View Post
Here is my list:

Twelve Monkeys- An excellent, mind-bending film with an excellent story and a solid cast. the film contains an interesting exploration of the topic of fate. Further, I love how the line between fiction and reality is unclear. Through most of the movie you are not sure if this is real or the delusions of a maniac.

The Terminator- A classic science fiction film from the 1980s. I honestly did not include it on my list because I was not sure if it was horror. The film has elements of romance, horror, science fiction, and action. Definitely deserving of a place.

Blade Runner- A dark science fiction story based on a work by noted science fiction author Phillip K. Dick. If I recall correctly, this was the only film based on his works that he had seen and he loved it. There were some excellent performances particularly by Harrison Ford and the atmosphere was beautiful. Also, there was some amazing special effects in the film that really brought the world created by Dick alive.

GoodFellas- A quintessential gangster movie. Casino has always been my personal favorite of the Scorsese gangster films, but I definitely see why this film is so loved. Some terrific performances by all involved. It is fascinating to watch the evolution of the main character played by Ray Liotta. This film really helps to illuminate organized crime and why people decide to go into this line of "work".

12 Angry Men- Sadly, I have yet to see this film, but from what I know, it is an absolutely terrific film. For this reason, I will also support it in this list.

(If you can't tell I am a big science fiction lover)

Now, for films that were in my list, but I would like to bring special attention to.

Duck Soup- An absolute classic of comedy. This film is perhaps the best of the Marx Brothers films. It is particularly noteworthy as it is a criticism of dictatorship and war. This is interesting because this is a few years before the launch of the second World War. As with other films by the Marx Brothers, the film was definitely progressive and did things that were questionable for film in the 1930s. A worthy inclusion on this list.

Back to the Future- This film is a quintessential 80s movie. The plot does not entirely make sense and has logical problems, but that is the point. It is clearly referencing the crazy science fiction films of the 1950s and, to top it off, that is the decade they travel back to. The film also contains some excellent performances by Chrsitpher Lloyd as Doc Brown and Michael J. Fox as Martin McFly. Some may say it is not great enough to be included, but I have to disagree. It may not belong in the top 20, but it definitely belongs on the list, in my opinion.

Vertigo- This is perhaps Hitchcock's best non-horror film. It is fascinating to see the main character played by Jimmy Stewart go through the film. You really feel for his character. The film really draws one in and you are on the edge of your seat until the very end. The ending alone is enough for inclusion. Sadly, the film was a failure in its own day, which is sad because it really is an excellent picture.

Dumbo- I figured this list should have at least one Disney movie. It was difficult to choose one, but this is the one I went with (Snow White and the Seven Dwarves would have been a good choice as well). The film had an interesting storyline which centered around an elephant that was teased because his ears were larger than normal. The film discretely was a criticism of racism. As with racism, Dumbo was picked on purely for looking different. This message is even more clear with the crow scene (and one was even named Jim Crow!). That scene is considered one of the first that did not portray a stereotype of African Americans. Originally the film was to be the cover of Time Magazine, but Pearl Harbor happened, preventing this from ever taking place. Definitely a worthy film for inclusion.

Titanic- I know many will disagree with me, but, other than the clichéd romance, this really is an amazing film. I love Cameron's direction, it really draws one in. Even though the romance is a little unoriginal, there is something about it that makes it more interesting than it should be. The film is also an incredibly accurate vision of sailing and sinking of that great ocean liner. In fact, it is probably the most accurate vision. Throughout the film, there are many references to the time its set, which make it appear more realistic. On that note, the film is visually stunning and contains some of the best historical costumes of a period piece, in my opinion. The music that accompanies the film is absolutely beautiful as well. It complements the film perfectly. A year or two ago they re-released the film in 3-D and, I have to say, that was some of the best 3-D I have ever seen. Sorry, for the long defense on this one, it is just this film receives more hate than I think it should, so I wanted to preemptively protect it.
12 & 1/2 Monkeys - That's what I've always called the film (to be funny). I really liked the film. Very unusual story; and the music effectively kept me feeling as uncomfortable as the puzzling story and Willis's servitude. The story is resolved at the end, but though the disorientation is intended, it wearies a little.
Terminator - loved it, excellent sc-fi and exciting. Only x from me is although warning against AI is fine, it lacks an important message.

Blade Runner- loved it, excellent sc-fi. Slight lack of heart for me.

I enjoyed all the films in your list.

Quote:
Originally Posted by metternich1815 View Post
Not a bad list, here are my specific thoughts on the films:

Dances with Wolves- I have not seen enough nor do I know enough about Dances with Wolves to have an informed opinion. I own it, perhaps I should watch it.

Pulp Fiction- I definitely agree on this one. It is a classic with some excellent performances and equally excellent directing. One of Tarantino's best, in my opinion.

A Clockwork Orange- I agree with everything said on this film. Honestly, I am surprised it was not considered a horror film. In any case, this film definitely deserves inclusion on this list.

Fight Club- I have not seen this film myself, so I cannot really comment much on the film, but I have heard many good things about it and I am sure it would be a worthy inclusion on the list.

The Lion King- I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I have never really liked this film. There are many Disney films that I loved when I was younger, but this is one I could never really get into to.
Ah, you're lucky, my friend. You'll love Dances With Wolves. A white man, discouraged with the Western life and cold Civil War, volunteers to be stationed alone in S. Dakota. Beautiful big sky SD scenery. Meets native tribe. I don't want to give anything else away. Lovely film.

Wow, you haven't seen Fight Club. You have another huge treat. It's intense philosophy. Knowing your tastes, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kandarian Demon View Post
Ok, here's the 5 movies I've chosen from the master list that was not in my personal list:

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE
I actually considered this movie for my own list, and very nearly included it, so this is a movie I will definitely back :-)

BACK TO THE FUTURE II
The first movie was in my list, and actually I love all 3 of them, so... I think they're all very creative movies that can be enjoyed by all ages.

LABYRINTH
Assuming that this is the one with David Bowie and not another movie of the same name, this is one that could have been in my top 30. I know a lot of people think it's horrible, but I think it's a great fantasy movie, and again... when I don't watch horror, I tend to like more family oriented movies.

SCHINDLERS LIST
I remember when I first saw this movie, the person who wanted me to see it told me that it was a movie that everyone should watch at least once, but that most people wouldn't want to watch more than once. It's certainly a tough movie to get through, it doesn't exactly make you feel good... but it makes you think, and it is extremely well done in every way.

SUPERMAN
If this is the classic 80s movie, and not some remake, then I will definitely back it. I've watched it many times over the years, and although I will admit that it probably hasn't aged too well, I still think it's a great movie, and it was very well done for it's time.
Loved Superman. It's a warm lovely film. It has aged, but I think now that's become part of it's charm.

Don't know any other film named "labyrinth"... you're probably talking about Pan Labyrinth? I'll see Labyrinth based on your recommendation. I saw clips, and I wasn't big on those types of musicals at the time.
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Last edited by Sculpt; 06-07-2014 at 08:12 PM.
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  #170  
Old 06-07-2014, 08:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Giganticface View Post
I guess I'll (sorta reluctantly) enter the top 100 discussion. Based on some of the past comments, I'm not sure this is the right thread for me. I have a feeling I'm not going enjoy every minute of it. :)

As a head's up, you probably won't ever hear me arguing for a film based on any technical aspect of its makeup, and honestly I don't put a lot of value on those qualities. If the movie makes me think, or makes me feel something, it's on my radar. I won't discredit a film for having a few warts. Flaws are what makes things unique. Obviously I'm not going to praise a film for being a pile of crap, but you won't hear me disqualifying a film because of one element that doesn't meet my particular definition of "good." Like saying Star Wars has too simple a story (it's called melodrama... ever read Shakespere?), or Apocalypse Now feels unresolved (maybe that's... intentional?). My tastes are naturally a bit off-the-beaten-path, so I don't expect everyone (or anyone?) to agree with me, but I do have a strong allergic reaction to the status quo.

So, having said that, here's my next 5. (BTW, I really like the idea roshiq. And, better late than never, "Get better soon, V!!"

Since A Clockwork Orange probably doesn't need my help, I'll hold my vote on that one, but it deserves it. Too sci-fi for many to make the best Horror list (although I disagree), and IMO too horrific to be on the non-horror list.

Since it looks like Once Upon a Time in the West might make it, I'll hold my vote on a different Sergio Leone classic. I chose For a Fistful of Dollars in my top 20, and I prefer the Man with No Name trilogy over the Once...in the West epic, but I would be happy to back For a Few Dollars More or, better yet, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly since it doesn't look like Fistful will get the votes. These films are likely to be poo-pooed by some -- but then again, so are the Bava, Argento and Fulci classics by many critics. They are truly iconic, important and visually beautiful films. Ennio Morricone gave us the score that we now associate with "Westerns." And perhaps most importantly, they essentially invented the anti-hero. All of a sudden John Wayne was a goodie-two-shoes, and no longer the coolest guy on the block. Cinema has never been the same since.

The actual five outside my 20 that I'll back are:

1. Black Swan -- Although I truly consider this a horror film, Arnofsky and Co. did a great job marketing this as non-horror so it would get attention at the Oscars -- so much so that even horror fans believe it. A modern masterpiece in psychological storytelling. Heartbreaking and distressing.

2. Monty Python & The Holy Grail -- No argument is really necessary. If you love it, you love it, and if you don't, you never will. But for a comedy, this film has the most amazingly detailed sets and costumes, and feels extremely gritty for being off-the-wall British slapstick. This film has no peers.

3. The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover -- This film breaks too many rules for most folks, and I wouldn't want to watch it with my mom. But every time I do watch it, I'm left gut-punched for a couple days.

4. The Deer Hunter -- Incredible cast, moving, heartbreaking, epic. A truly impactful drama that is oh so human.

5. Fargo -- I would be fine with any number of Coen Brothers films, but one of them really needs to make the list. I chose O Brother, Where Art Thou?, but that film is a bit niche for a broad range of voters. Fargo has been cherished by quite a few, including myself, and has an endless number of memorable moments. The Coen Bros know how to define and develop unique, but still believable, characters. I personally think The Big Lebowski is a better example of that, but Fargo is probably more respected in a general sense, and a good choice if the Bros only get one.
You make an excellent point that what some hold as a flaw is not only what was intended by the director, but also what others see as a key success.

Let me say upfront, I know the Apocalypse Now ending is "meant" to be unresolved. (War, man's heart, life, Kutz's Society... it can be viewed as absurd, cold and hopelessly unresolvable.) The film ending is famously unresolved and has been debated at length. I can easily accept the unresolve is meant to be, the point, etc. The thing is, many ask, "does it work?" Some say 'no', and some say 'yes'. I know it works in many aspects. But in picking the best films of all-time, the resolution is no small thing. To me the ending isn't it's crowing achievement, but rather an ending that only partly works. I wouldn't vote against it. It's just flawed to me.

Deer Hunter is an excellent and moving film. It was on my Plus20 list.

Black Swan - My expectations outstretched the film. Although it's well done, it was a bit old hat for me (for me, obviously not a common plot). I didn't feel connected and empathetic to Portman's character as I would have liked. And the ending wasn't as satisfying as I hoped.
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Originally Posted by Kandarian Demon View Post
Actually I very nearly picked O Brother, Where Art Thou as one of my 5 movies... it's one of the most deserving ones on the master list, in my opinion. But I thought like you, that there would be no point because no one else would pick it. I'd be willing to change my 5 movie list, if you want to back it too...
I have to check out O Brother. I've heard very good reviews from folks I really respect.
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Last edited by Sculpt; 06-07-2014 at 08:15 PM.
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