3 January 2011
It’s dark, cold and grim, we need some movies to cheer us up. Firstly, let’s define our terms; a comfort film must give you that fuzzy glow. That glimmering can be because “good” triumphs, justice prevails, or genuine love finds a way; overall, an incredibly satisfying outcome. These are the pictures that reassure us. (The ones that shake our foundations don’t belong on this list.) Just because a movie aims to satisfy certain needs, does not mean it should be complacent. Taking us in unexpected directions, characters you truly care about, and all round panache on display, are what I’m looking for. So, here are my five recommendations:
Grosse Pointe Blank
So few genre mash-ups work. But this romantic-action-comedy certainly does. (Contrast the recent Jennifer Aniston-Gerard Butler dud, The Bounty Hunter.) John Cusack’s Martin Blank kicks off proceedings by executing a rival assassin, while discussing with his secretary the invite to his 10 year high school reunion. This invite triggers an existential crisis, which has been bubbling under the surface for a long time. We find out he’s still in love with his high school sweetheart, Debi Newberry (Minnie Driver), whom he left on her prom night a decade earlier. Blank’s jittery psychiatrist Dr. Oatman (Alan Arkin) advises him to go ahead. And that he does. Here in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, he not only has to confront suppressed emotions about loved ones, he is to contend with rival hitmen and government agents. This heady mix of quarter-life-crisis and action shenanigans works to brilliant effect. The film is peopled with quirky, lovable characters; the dialogue is whip-smart; and the combat exciting. A pure joy.
The Darjeeling Limited
Three American brothers go on a journey to India to visit their mother after their father’s death, as a bonding experience for them and a hope of re-connecting with their parent. This is from the modern king of familial dysfunction, director Wes Anderson (The Royal Tenenbaums; Fantastic Mr. Fox). Some of the delights to an Anderson picture are striking camera work, the way it moves is a fluid pleasure; and then there is the mise en scène, where actors are choreographed in an almost balletic way. On top of that is the colour scheme, all lovely greens, browns and yellows. This is not just a visual treat, The Darjeeling Limited is a moving and charming brotherly adventure.
Grosse Pointe Blank
So few genre mash-ups work. But this romantic-action-comedy certainly does. (Contrast the recent Jennifer Aniston-Gerard Butler dud, The Bounty Hunter.) John Cusack’s Martin Blank kicks off proceedings by executing a rival assassin, while discussing with his secretary the invite to his 10 year high school reunion. This invite triggers an existential crisis, which has been bubbling under the surface for a long time. We find out he’s still in love with his high school sweetheart, Debi Newberry (Minnie Driver), whom he left on her prom night a decade earlier. Blank’s jittery psychiatrist Dr. Oatman (Alan Arkin) advises him to go ahead. And that he does. Here in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, he not only has to confront suppressed emotions about loved ones, he is to contend with rival hitmen and government agents. This heady mix of quarter-life-crisis and action shenanigans works to brilliant effect. The film is peopled with quirky, lovable characters; the dialogue is whip-smart; and the combat exciting. A pure joy.
The Darjeeling Limited
Three American brothers go on a journey to India to visit their mother after their father’s death, as a bonding experience for them and a hope of re-connecting with their parent. This is from the modern king of familial dysfunction, director Wes Anderson (The Royal Tenenbaums; Fantastic Mr. Fox). Some of the delights to an Anderson picture are striking camera work, the way it moves is a fluid pleasure; and then there is the mise en scène, where actors are choreographed in an almost balletic way. On top of that is the colour scheme, all lovely greens, browns and yellows. This is not just a visual treat, The Darjeeling Limited is a moving and charming brotherly adventure.
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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Everyone talks about what a feel-good film director Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life is, but for me his best movie is this. It also stars the legendary James Stewart. A senator dies. His corrupt colleague Senator Paine (Claude Rains), a governor, and a business man conspire to appoint a popular but seemingly simple man to the post. They aim to get a bill passed that will continue the formers’ political careers and enrich the latter. They however did not bargain on the courage, gumption and honesty of Stewart’s Jefferson Smith; as well as the sass and intellect of his secretary Clarissa Saunders (Jean Arthur). This team up to battle overwhelming odds is inspirational.
A Very Long Engagement
How can a war film leave you with a positive feeling? One from the director of Amelie can. Starring Audrey Tautou and Gaspard Ulliel as engaged adults, who began as childhood sweethearts. However, the First World War starts, and Ulliel’s Manech is sent off to fight for France. He’s a delicate soul and is not suited to conflict. The film shifts into another gear and becomes a different beast, Tautou’s Mathilde plays detective to investigate what happened to him. A Very Long Engagement is what you expect from director Jean-Pierre Jeunet: stunning cinematography and dazzling design emanating from every frame.
Wonder Boys
Who would have thought a film set over the course of a weekend literary festival could be so fantastic? Well, it is based on the novel by Pulitzer Prize winning author Michael Chabon (The Amazing Adventures of Cavlier & Clay); and from the director of L.A. Confidential; and stars Michael Douglas, Robert Downey Jr., Tobey Maguire, Katie Holmes and Frances McDormand. Probably Douglas’ best performance, he is wholly believable as an English professor trying to juggle multiple crises – he wrote a masterpiece but has spent many years attempting a follow-up; his publisher (Downey Jr.) is in town to chase him on it; he’s having an affair with his boss’s wife (McDormand); his lodger (Holmes) is in love with him; and his most talented and troubled student (Maguire) seems in dire need of his help. Wowzers! That’s a lot to deal with in one weekend. Enjoy!
Right, so there you have it. Get a nice cuppa, leave your phone in the other room, and hit play.