These are a few of my favorite things - Films

I have a lot of time on my hands this year as I'm not in education nor do I have a job. Therefore I watch lots of films to occupy myself. Here's a few of my favorite films ever.

Fight Club

I think I've seen this film more times then anything, ever. It's my go-to film when I'm mad or upset or just want to relax. It's witty, fast paced and well written. It's also shot beautifully and the camera work is to be complimented. Never do you really get a full understanding of hte plot and I think that's an important eliment to a film such as this. For some, it's not until they've watched it a few times, that they actually get it and this is a clear showing of how great it is. I'm also a huge fan of the books and it's amazing one-liners and quotes that are relevant to every aspect of life. 

Requiem For a DreamA few years back, I got a new English teacher in school. She wanted to learn a bit about our writing styles and set us a task of writing a review of our favorite films. I choose Requiem for a dream and I think I may have shocked the poor ex-nun with my frank description of the plot of this Aronofsky classic. It's a little haunting and details the life of four individuals as they yearn to make something of their lives and beat their daemons. If I ever had some mad incline to try drugs (which I doubt I would have) this film would scare me out of it. Harry's (Jared Leto) arm after prolonged drug abuse is enough to petrify me. The soundtrack (title track Requiem for a Dream played at various volumes at various times) also stays with you. A great film with a great cast. 

Rock N' Rolla

"There's no school like old school, and I'm the fucking headmaster." This is a real nitty, gritty, down to basics film from Guy Richie who proves he's such much more then just Madonna's ex. It’s funny, high-energy, interesting and most importantly has an interesting plot! It also has a great cast including Gerard Butler, Thandy Newton, Mark Strong and Tom Hardy as the hilarious Handsome Bob. Blink and you may miss a cameo from Jamie Campbell-Bower as the troublesome "Rocker"

Inception

The definitive mind-fuck. I love how large scale this film is and also it's off centered concept. What if we really could manupilate other's dreams? What would that mean for the world?  It's actually quite freaky to think of. This film has one of my favorite casts (and what a beautiful lot they are!) - Leo DiCaprio, Joesph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hardy, Mario Collitard etc I also adore Christopher Nolan's directing style. Plus, I just love ambiguous endings. Is it all a dream or is it reality? Who knows? 

Atonement

Anyone who's ever seen Pride and Prejudice knows that director Joe Wright really knows how to make the best of a period drama and Atonement is no different. He also really seems to enjoy working with Kiera Knightley and Saoirse Ronan - both star here. Ronan stars as Briony - a young girl jelous of her older sister's (Knightley) relationship with Robbie (James McAvoy) Her scheming ways leads to her changing the lives of those around her for the worst. This is the one film that Benedict Cumberbatch properly scares me in - and with those cheekbones you wouldn't think that was ever possible. It also features my favorite tracking sequence (the battle of Dunkirk) one that can rival even Saving Private Ryan. Also, Kiera's green dress is the most beautiful I've ever seen and I want ti so bad it hurts the very fiber of my being. 

The others: (there's too many to mention so here's a short list that's not extensive)

• Brideshead Revisited
• Saving Private Ryan
• Jarhead
• Inglorious Bastards
• Madagascar
• Sleuth
• The Talented Mr Ripely
• Killing Bono
• Cold Mountain
• Stuart: A Life Backwards

What are your favorite films?

Órla xo