There are two types of people in lockdown: The type of person who still gets up at six-thirty to do a HIIT workout before they bake their banana bread and rearrange their family album, while sipping on a protein shake. And then there is the type of person who hasn’t worn jeans in weeks, is most productive at 02h00 and considers a lap around the garden an achievement. Don’t get me wrong, I am 100% the second, and if you are too I have a suggestion: you know you’re going to binge-watch Netflix, so why not watch something critically acclaimed (after you’ve watched Tiger King of course)? If nothing else, it will give you some Zoom party conversation.
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
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The most notable detail about this movie is its all-star cast: Kate Winslet, Jim Carrey, Elijah Wood and Mark Ruffalo, to name a few. These actors and actresses all deliver a stunning performance, especially Winslet and Carrey. The story follows a recently separated couple who find themselves absolutely drowning in the grief and pain that inevitably follows a break-up. They both respectively decide to get their memories of each other cleared at a memory-erasing clinic. Did I mention the film is sci-fi?
The film centres around a quote by Alexander Pope which reads: “How happy is the blameless vestal’s lot! The world forgetting, by the world forgot. Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! Each pray’r accepted, and each wish resign’d.” Thus exploring the idea of whether it really is better to have loved than to never have loved at all, even if that love will cause you unbelievable agony. The premise is original, the symbolism is thought-provoking, the non-linear plot keeps you on your toes and the use of perspective allows you into the heart and mind of the experience of Joel (the protagonist) along with all the textures, sounds and emotions that accompany it.
It’s the type of movie that leaves you thinking long after you’ve switched the TV off. And, it leaves you with the question: If you knew someone could bring you so much joy, but so many tears, would you still want to meet them?
- Something’s Gotta Give
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Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton star is this laid-back and charming romantic comedy. It follows the story of an elderly playboy (Nicholson) whose health is beginning to pose problems to his routine seduction of younger women. Due to unforeseen circumstances, he is forced to stay at the house of his latest twenty-something’s mother. The mother (Keaton) is clever and beautiful but has deep-seated control issues and is uneasy with the idea of such a man living in her home. The story follows the interactions between these two unlikely companions.
My favourite thing about this movie is how it explores a type of romance often left untouched in the romantic comedy genre: old love. We’re so used to seeing romance blossom between young characters with their six packs and perky breasts, so it’s quite refreshing to see a love story that involves Viagra and granny panties, yet is just as appealing.
Also, Keanu Reeves makes an appearance, so that’s always a plus.
- Big Fish
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You know how Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Edward Scissorhands were great movies, but had a slightly strange and unsettling atmosphere about them? That’s because both of those movies were directed by Tim Burton. And, so was this one. Like most Tim Burton films, Big Fish toys with the genre of fantasy while at the same time creating really lovable characters and weaving meaning into the madness. Big Fish follows the story of a man whose father is renowned for telling very tall tales (one of the tallest being about a big fish) and who is plagued with a disease that leaves him on his last legs. As the movie progresses, we journey through the timeline of his life, never knowing how much of it is real and how much of it is just another yarn. But as we learn, perhaps that doesn’t matter so much. What is real anyway?
It is a weird movie, no doubt, but it leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling and an enthusiasm for the make-believe. Watching Big Fish is like listening to your slightly crazy grandpa tell you stories around the fire, and I’d like to think we could all do with a little more of that.
I could end off with something cute and generic like: ‘And there you have it folks!’ And you know what? I think I just might. (At least I’m self-aware.)