My usual reaction whenever someone selects Citizen Cane as the all-time "Best" film:
I'm not saying it isn't true or the person is being disingenuous, but it always feels like the "safe" reply. Yes, I understand why, I took a film class in college as well an understand why Welles was such a genius. I'd just be more interested in hearing why someone would go with something by, say, Truffaut, Hitchcock, Scorsese, Coppola, or Cassavetes.
Favorite film? It's impossible to pin down. Like any art form, film provokes an emotional reaction - does anyone have a "favorite" emotion? Tastes also change with age, as well. I doubt my "favorite" film these days would be the same as when I was 23. I also think people are worried about their choices not being perceived as "highbrow" enough for these kinds of lists. Look, I've re-watched John Carpenter's The Thing so many times I've lost count. Setting aside the special effects for its time (which is often why its praised; that aspect doesn't really do much for me) it's a masterful story of paranoia, suspense, betrayal, and doubt. So yeah, it's probably one of my "favorite" films - but I wouldn't rank it up there with Taxi Driver or Bridge on the River Kwai as a "great" film.
I was reminded of "Mulholland Drive" by an article in the Guardian. If you don't like David Lynch, don't bother, otherwise it is the most fully realized of his films. What is it about? That is totally up to the individual viewer. One thing is for sure, once you watch it, you will never order an espresso without thinking of this movie.
I've never heard of Hombre either - classic Paul Newman? Count me in.
Great stuff! I must see Hombre - I had not even heard of it!
Hombre (1967) - IMDb
Best film I'd go with Pulp Fiction. Incredible dialogue especially the first 15 minutes. Once it starts it never slows down! Tarantino borrows from all the masters. Wells, Hitchcock and Scorsese. I believe arts is about interpterion and great arts reminds you of others while at the same time separates itself from the pack and comes across distinctive!
Favorite movie Hombre! Something about Paul Newman with those piercing blue eyes tickles the hell out me. Great social commentary too. You can't go wrong with anything Elmore Leonard ask Tarantino ( Jackie Brown)
Best movie when I'm heavily medicated! Thor: The Dark World!!
Drop the hammer on there ass Thor! Drop the hammer!
Decided to record myself during one of my sessions and it was the only thing that made a bit of sense!
Dallas Money
The first time I saw Citizen Kane was in the late 60s when I was about 7 years old. It immediately mesmerized me and became my favorite movie, and remains so to this day. I believe it drew me in on a subliminal level due to the deep-focus and use of perspective. That is quite a feat for a movie to do that to a 7 year old kid who is ignorant of film and has no preconceptions of any kind. My second favorite movie at the time was "You Only Live Twice", so it wasn't all high-brow...
I wouldn't call it my 'favorite" - just kind of musing on what makes a "favorite" or how to even quantify it. It's very re-watchable - but would I put it on a list of ten films that I could only choose from for the rest of my life? Probably not, no.
Your fave is The Thing, cool. But what is your pick for the greatest film of all time and why? The Godfather II wouldn't be far off - let's hear Mr. Film Class in College defend Coppola and Godfather II.
Fantastic take - thanks buddy