The Big Lebowski
The Big Lebowski (1998)because it’s a Coen Brothers film with Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi and Juliane Moore in it, with lots of quotable lines and scenes to get lost in. It is a quirky film that is suitable for any time of the day but is ideal upon arrival home post-club with chipper chips clutched in one hand and a slightly swaying demeanour. Put down the chips (on the table not the sofa) stick on the DVD, find a hoody, curl up with your chips and your drunken mates and enjoy. Please note that the film may be started several times and reach various points in the plot before you have to stop and start again. Worry not, this adds to the overall enjoyment of the film. If you are still confused upon fourth attempt, watch it in the morning clutching a large mug of tea, and it will all become much clearer, dude.
Casablanca
Casablanca (Michael Curtiz, 1943). Why? Because everyone has seen this film…for a reason. It’s Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart, it’s wartime and love story…and if you don’t watch it, you will be looked at quizzically by those around you (who have seen it numerous times at Christmas and what not), like you’re a strange breed of failed film student. And who wants to be that? It is a film that requires some concentration, but is a safe bet for early Sunday evening or a Wednesday afternoon in the library when you should be studying statistics.
Requiem for a Dream
Requiem for a Dream (Darren Aronofsky, 2000), because it is a great film. This comes with a health warning. Never watch alone; preferably watch with a group of good friends. Never watch when depressed or stressed. Always have something upbeat and fun to do when it’s over, and give yourself 20 minutes absorption time before partaking in other activities. Warning: may cause mild PTSD. It is one of those films that you will watch and re-shelve, and may not touch again for years, but never regret the time you gave to watching it.
It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s a Wonderful Life (Frank Capra, 1946). Because sometimes you need a little Capra in your life. I’ve seen this numerous times, as many people have. The best was on a cold winter evening in Meeting House Square in Temple Bar on fold up chairs, wrapped up in hat, scarf and gloves and clutching a hot chocolate with marshmallows, you can’t get more wonderful than that. If fold up chairs aren’t to hand, then at least make hot chocolate and grab a cosy blanket to set the mood. Traditionally a Christmas film, this can be enjoyed anytime you need a lift. A good hangover film.
La Haine
La Haine (Mathieu Kassovitz, 1995). Because of the amazing French hip-hop music. It’s set in the suburbs of Paris and follows a day in the life of three friends who wonder aimlessly through Paris the day after rioting. The black and white style and the music are great, and who doesn’t love a bad DeNiro impressions in French, speaking of which…
Goodfellas
Goodfellas (Martin Scorsese, 1990). One of the best films that you will ever see. It’s a simple as that. If you haven’t seen it, stop what you are doing (clearly when you reach the end of this article) and go beg, borrow, or steal it. Well, maybe not steal it, but begging would not be out of the question. If you have seen it, watch it again and quote every quotable line. Bear in mind, that you do have to devote some time to this one, so don’t have anything planned for a while, and a good supply of crisps and/or popcorn is advised.
Finally, don’t forget the guilty pleasure films. Sense and Sensability(Ang Lee, 1995) mostly for Alan Rickman, Love Actually(Richard Curtis, 2003) to adjust Alan Rickman’s status to normal and to see Emma Thompson cry again, but mostly to see the best airport chase scene, and Baz Luhrman’s William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (1996) because it’s wonderful in it’s over-the-top-ness. Watch in the privacy of your own home, draped in a duvet or equivalent consuming a variety of chocolate. Sniffle.
