32) O Brother, Where Art Thou
This was a movie I was almost really wrong about. I remember the trailer for this film being so bad that in spite of it being a Coen Bros. flick, I had no desire whatsoever to see it. Thankfully I caught a screening just before it left the theaters. Some actors are just better with certain directors, case in point is George Clooney with Joel Coen and Steven Soderberg. I love the use of government entities taking on the role of the squabbling Greek Gods from the Oddyssey.
33) Dirty Harry
Again, some people were born to work together. Clint Eastwood and Don Siegel made great partners. This film is still relevant in its exploration of the relationship between cops and the killers they hunt. Harry Callahan the natural extreme outcome of the 'good intentions' of law enforcement. Men like Harry and Scorpio are created when the natural order of things breaks down through social engineering. The sequels are regrettable messes that Clint did to keep the studio happy between his pet projects.
34) The Fisher King
This is the last of Terry Gilliam's films to make this list. I think the biggest surprise here was how well he handled his actors. Up to this point his films had been visual treats and less focused on the people populating said visions. This film is truly heartbreaking. Here are four people whose story deserves to end happily, which it does.
35) THX 1138
George Lucas's first film is a wry, dry, and unique vision of a totalitarian future. With the release of this film (altered for the most part very well) on DVD it was like seeing it for the first time. Lucas's direction and framing of shots needs to be seen widescreen to get the full force of the film. It's an odd, recalcitrant movie that, along with Brazil, understands how badly people act when they are able to duck the responsibility of their actions.
36) One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
The role Jack Nicholson was born to play, Randall Patrick McMurphy. I have always identified with independant iconoclasts and this one made a huge impression on me. The metaphor that is central to this film is perfect and Nurse Ratchet represents every condescending do-gooder ever to hold elected office. And, in the end shw would rather destroy her charges then allow them to have any control over their destiny.
37) 2001: A Space Odyssey
The last of Stanley Kubrick's films to make the list. This, like THX, is a film made by an observer who is not from our culture, in this case those who made the Monolith. This is a story told completely in pictures and in conjunction with its point of view is difficult to divine the answers to the questions posed.
38) Mister Roberts
I have a real soft spot for Jack Lemmon, and this is a wonderful comedy about the absurdity of the petty tyrant and the wars they create. The cast is brilliant and the story bittersweet.
39) Much Ado About Nothing
Kenneth Branagh has a gift. He makes Shakespeare accessible to modern audiences without having to compromise the Bard's original intent. While his Hamlet may be his magnum opus, I have watched this film more times than I care to count. The cast, with the exception of Robert Sean Leonard, is just delightful, with an especially great and understated performance by Denzel Washington.
40) Lawrence of Arabia
Peter O'Toole is simply awe-inspiring here in his film debut. My commentary on this movie is pretty much irrelevant. So, I'll just shut up and urge you to watch whatever DVD version you can lay your hands on.
41-50 some time soon.
Ta,
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