Films

A few of us saw Water For Elephants the other night and it was amazing! It definitely did the novel justice, although there were a few things that weren't the same as it was presented in the novel. After the movie we got to talking about our top 10 favourite films and we each decided to post about our favourite ones. Check my list out below:

1. The Hours- I watched this film for the first time in my Music in the Movies class and immediately captured my attention. It's so ethereal and engaging seeing Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore in their roles. I also find it interesting how each of the eras are placed against each other and how the music connects them so they can co-exist on screen with one another.

2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind- This film is by far one of my favourites that I can never tire of. I love the dialogue and how it's raw and flawed with awkward breaks, overlaps and pauses. The unique plot line is also pretty tricky to follow but I find that each time I watch it, I find something new that I hadn't noticed before.

3. Big Fish- This film holds a special place in my heart. It's one of those films that is out of the ordinary but the storyline and the characters are so unique and lovable. I love the scene in the circus where time stops and Ed Bloom walks through the performers and the flying popcorn.

4. The Shawshank Redemption- I could watch this movie over and over again and never get tired of it. I love Morgan Freeman's golden voice and how he narrates the film to reinforce the theme of holding onto hope even in the most dark of places.

5. Blindness- I studied this film in depth in one of my film classes and the dialogue and the cinematography are perfect.  It's one of those films that made me feel very uncomfortable at first, because it was so raw and realistic but after watching it a few times I have a growing appreciation for the style and how the blindness affected each of the characters.

6. Shutter Island- When this film first came out I thought it was going to be a mediocre quality thriller film attempting to throw off the audience, but after giving in and seeing it, I was blown away. It was so good! The mise-en-scene, cinematography and the music fit perfectly with the style of the film. Not knowing what was supposed to be reality threw me off course.

7. Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events- I absolutely adore the music in this film, its so good. So many amazing and legendary actors were a part of this film, including Jim Carrey, Meryl Streep, Jude Law, and Dustin Hoffman.  Jim Carrey did an excellent job playing the goon Count Olaf, this role was right up his alley.

8. Life is Beautiful- This film is absolutely heart-wrenching, definitely not for the faint of heart. I first saw this film in my Italian Cinema class and everyone in the class was pretty much in tears by the end. This film is a masterpiece, watch it if you haven't already.

9. The Holiday- This movie is a guilty pleasure of mine, I get so excited for the Christmas holidays when I can watch it again! Wouldn't you just love to spend Christmas in the UK and fall in love with Jude Law? Swoon.

10. Water for Elephants- I started reading the novel a few months ago before it was announced that the book was being turned into a film. I was a little hesitant at first when I heard the casting choices but after seeing the film, it completely changed my mind! I would recommend that people start reading the novel, because it was amazing. A must read!