Here we go. This is my list of top ten films. Not necessesarily my favourites or films I think are particularly influential or ground-breaking. A list of Highly Recommended that you might not have considered. In no particular order:
1. Sir Henry at Rawlinson End (1980) UK - Viv Stanshall wanders through some acid flash-backs while examining the morality of dissipated aristocracy. A Ghost story.
2. **** and Bull Story (2005) UK - A game attempt at producing a filmic version of "Tristram Shandy". A film within a film. Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon engage in a battle of wits to see who is the most prominent "Actor"
3. Jacobs Ladder 1990 (US) - A 'Nam vet is troubled by vivid flash-backs (well duh!) and is forced to reconsider his reality. A thoroughly annoying film but who said films shouldn't be annoying.
4. Delicatessen (1991) Fr - Set in a surreal, post-apocalyptic apartment block. Retired circus clown, Pascal Benezech is targetted by the landlord as the next meal for his bizarre tenants while being terrorised by a tribe of subterranean militant vegetarians.
5. The Tin Drum (1979) Ger - Based on the novel by Gunter Grass, it follows the rise and fall of the Nazi regime as seen through the eyes of "Poison Dwarf" Oskar Matzareth who vows not to grow up while the world is in madness. Includes a visceral depiction of his birth and his mothers suicide by overeating eels. (Eeeuch!)
6. Black Cat, White Cat (1998) Ger/Yugo - Set among a colony of small-time hustlers on the banks of the Danube, it follows the romantic adventures of 17 year old Zare. Features a cabaret artist who removes 6 inch nails from floorboards using only her buttocks. Most tasteful.
7. The Grey Fox (1982) Can - Bill Miner, a 65-year-old stagecoach robber is finally released from jail in the early 20th century and finds his profession has been overtaken by modern technology. Based on the true story of "The Gentleman Bandit".
8. Barbarella - Queen of the Galaxy (1968) Fr - The story of a futuristic society where one of the greatest dangers is to die from sexual ecstasy. A camp classic that has influenced ... well.. me for a start.
9. The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) US - Set during the height of the depression, Cecilia's intense belief in the reality of the movie she is watching causes the characters to step down from the screen. Jeff Daniels enjoys a romantic fling while the other characters become more and more irritated by him holding up the development of the movie.
10. The Dish (2000) Aus - The technical staff of the radio-satellite dish at Bourke, New South Wales have agreed to co-operate in all respects with NASA for the first moon shot. All is going well until the local disco causes a power cut and the dish recalibrates itself. Warning - Contains genuine technology rather than the "Hollywood" version.
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"What may seem depressing or even tragic to one person may seem like an absolute scream to another person, especially if he has had between four and seven beers."
Dave Barry
