My Favorite Movies

Having seen this film dozens of times in my lifetime, I have to admit this was the first drama I ever saw that really turned me onto the power of storytelling in filmmaking. "Amadeus" is based on a play by Peter Schaffer, and it deals with the rise and sudden fall of one of the greatest musicians of all time, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. I loved the look of this film, and I loved how Mozart's music added texture to the scenes and helped shape the pacing. And of course, the best part of this movie is Tom Hulce's finely textured performance of this man who put composition above all else, at the sake of his finances, his health and even his family. It's a great film to watch, one of my all time favourites. Grade: A

Like "Fargo," Quentin Tarantino's 1997 film, "Jackie Brown" is a finely crafted character study that combined strong characters, strong direction and some stunning visuals in a unique and originally captivating story about life, love, death and the search for one's self in Southern California. But don't get me wrong, this film is violent and it is pure Tarantino. With wonderfully sinister and provocative performances by Sam Jackson Robert DeNero, Bridget Fonda, Michael Keaton, and a thoroughly wonderful chemistry between Pam Grier and Robert Forester, "Jackie Brown" presents us with the story of a woman trying hard to get her life back on track, no matter who she has to screw to save her soul, life and freedom. Grade: A-

Described by Robert McKee as a film that is essentially one without a plot, or rather, one with a nonplot. In short, "Leaving Las Vegas" can best be defined as a character study, one in which its believability rests solely on its lead actors, Nicolas Cage and Elizabeth Shue. I remember seeing this film back in 1996 and I can't believe that it's been more than five years since I first saw it. I loved every moment of this emotionally dark roller coaster about a man who has chosen to drink himself to death in the city of Vegas. It's visceral images and jazzy soundtrack add to its sorrow, contentment and lament, and I found myself feeling for these characters. To quote Cage's last line in the film, "Wow," would best describe my own reaction every time I see this film. Grade: A

The original action thriller that I believe would pave the way for movies like "Die Hard," that we take for granted today. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, "North By Northwest" is a fast paced visual treat for film goers. The plot is a wild case of mistaken identity (don't miss the first 10 minutes of this film or you'll be hopelessly lost), but its grounded through a strong story and real performances by stars Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint. It's a great film for anyone to see, high on thrills and wonder, low on swearing and violence. "North By Northwest" is another stellar example of why I love movies so much, and more importantly, of why I want to make them someday too! Grade: A+

Quintessential Tarantino starts with 1994's "Pulp Fiction." Tarantino is really at the top of his game here, giving us some very interesting characters in a plot that, at first, seems to be all over the map, but in the end comes together in some very interesting ways. And how this movie has it all, from druggies to boxers and hitmen debating religion, foot massages and the benefits of eating pork, "Pulp Fiction" lays out an interesting story that just also happens to have some very interesting ideas to boot. Grade: A-

If I was ever asked (and I never am) 'if you only had about two hours to live, what film would you watch if you could only watch one more film before you died?' the answer would be simple. I'd watch "Rear Window." Why? Because "Rear Window" was the first Alfred Hitchcock film I ever watched, it was my first exposure to the fact that good films were actually made before 1985. And it was my first exposure to Grace Kelly. WOW - what a woman! So attractive, smart, funny, what a character she plays here, with "Rear Window" I fell in love with the chemistry between Kelly and leading man James Stewart. Add an interesting murder mystery plot with spices of humour, believable characters and themes that question the levels of society's voyeuristic tenancies, and you've got a great movie. My favourite movie of all time. Grade: A+

Right now in my room, I have two movie posters laminated and hung (before I used to have dozens, but do to the size of my room it's only two), and both of them are for films by Steven Spielberg. One is of "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," and the other is "Schindler's List," the first real war film I saw on the big screen, the first real war film that moved me to tears and a state of being an emotional wreak as I walked out of the theatre. Before seeing this film, I had no idea that you could be moved so deeply by a work of art. And considering "Schindler's List" is based on such a true and horrific story, it's amazing it ever got made. No other film has ever really covered the Holocaust in such a realistic manner, no film has ever really had such a remarkable ensemble cast with a strong vision brought to the screen by its director and everyone involved. "Schindler's List" is a film that deserves to be seen, not only for it's amazing cinematic achievements but for its story as well. Grade: A+

One of Alfred Hitchcock's best films of all time is also one of my personal favourites. "Vertigo" is a film that grows on you, a film that like fine wine, gets better with age. Each time I watch it I find myself immersed in a perfect world of character and story that engages me and leaves me in awe and wonder. Whether it's the representation of Jimmy Stewart's character's fear of heights, to the various shots of San Francisco from the point of view of an outsider, "Vertigo" is a wonderfully complex psychological thriller that is also a strangely enchanting love story. But best of all, the film is believable because of the actor's performances. On paper, like "North By Northwest," I could see how "Vertigo" could seem outlandish and unbelievable, but on screen, "Vertigo" is a stunning piece of filmmaking at its best. Grade: A+

Shoah, a powerful 9 1/2 hour film, is essential viewing as it revisits the horror of the Holocaust through interviews with survivors, witnesses and perpetrators as intertwined with sojourns to the places that are discussed.