Here are some of my favourite films of all time. Making this list was difficult, as I’m sure many of you will agree that picking a favourite film is impossible, but I have narrowed it down to three (plus a few honourable mentions) to hopefully keep things simple. Please enjoy, and if you haven’t watched these already I would encourage you to do so.
Number One:
Matilda, Danny DeVito (1996)
If I had to choose one film to sum up my childhood it would be Matilda - and I simply could not count how many times I sat in front of my little portable dvd player to watch this film. From Miss Trunchbull’s questionable teaching styles to Mr Wormwood’s hideous chequered suits, Matilda truly frightened me - but for all the right reasons. Matilda captures a world of imagination through its whimsical characters, colourful fashion and its loveable music. I surely cannot have been the only one who wished I could move things with my mind. It's the perfect story for both children and adults.
Number Two:
Nowhere, Gregg Araki (1997)
Coincidentally also from the ‘90s, Nowhere will always be one of my favourite films. Araki’s vision is loud and flashy, and he manages to capture a contemporary view of youth in a flamboyant - yet also sinister way. What I love about this film is its visuals. All of Nowhere’s characters are dressed like they are straight out of a magazine, and similarly, all of the film's sets look like they could be a music video. On top of this, I also love Nowhere because of its importance. Araki presents a radical portrayal of queer youth, through how they deal with love, hate and growing up.
Number Three:
Lost in Translation, Sofia Coppola (2003)
Lost in Translation will forever be one of my comfort movies because it feels so calming to watch. Sofia Coppola’s illustration of love in this film is both tranquil and heartbreaking, and its two leads (Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray), have the perfect chemistry. Lost In Translation is able to capture a sense of alienation and connection through its gentle score, slow camera movement and minimal dialogue. Not to mention the scene where Bob attempts (and fails) to use an elliptical machine is hilarious. This is just one of many simple, yet endearing moments in this film.
Honourable Mentions:
Trainspotting, Danny Boyle (1996)
Children of Men, Alfonso Cuarón (2006)
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Francis Lawrence (2013)
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