This is the next of several (seven?) posts that springs from an article,
essentially listing "the most [x] book I've read." Having worked through the list in book form (e.g. here), I've decided to do the same with movies.
The most incomprehensible movie I saw: although I have an obvious answer to this prompt, I'm going to replace it with something I prefer to share (as I did with the book version).
The most practically useful movie I saw: 12 Angry Men (1957)
"Practically useful" is a tough standard to apply to feature film. I've seen movies that teach all sorts of things: what to do, what not to do; how to dance or sing or cook; the meaning of honor and revenge and loyalty; the best way to swing a baseball bat, a sword, or a golf club. Each of those things is useful in its way.
This film, though, has a higher purpose, though one that is mixed into entertainment. It teaches how to think, the importance of really listening and paying attention, and how easy it is to get things wrong. Standing up for what you believe, and acknowledging when you don't know for sure. And, y'know, the meaning of "reasonable doubt."
The most memorable movie I saw: Trust (1990)
Caught it on a "free IFC weekend" through the basic cable package, back when IFC was all independent films, all day long. Proceeded to watch it a couple more times (all right, so there were a lot of repeat showings required to reach the all day showing goal), and then bought it on VHS, watching it many times. And then, when the whole VHS format finally gave up for real, I bought the DVD—which I've watched several times. (This may be the second copy of the DVD, actually. Pretty sure I lent it to a friend who never gave it back. Hmm.) Pretty memorable, huh?
(oddly, I've never reviewed it, but mentioned it ten billion times and discussed it, sort of, here)
The most smokin' movie I saw: Blazing Saddles (1974)
They would NEVER get away with making this movie today. Even at the time it was so terribly daring, and it worked on almost every level. Ridiculous, dumb, and mind-clearing.
(reviewed here)
The most tempting movie I saw: Tequila Sunrise (1988)
Critics didn't love this movie, but I did. Gorgeously lit, shot, and acted, it draws the eye and keeps the attention thanks to an admittedly twisty plot and some quality writing. Why tempting? Because it makes me want to write like this, and it makes me want to be in California (a rare feat), and it makes me long to go back in time and be around Raúl Juliá all the time, just in case he would sing.
(reviewed here)
The wisest movie I saw: Ocean Heaven (2010)
It's a Jet Li movie with no martial arts. It is quiet, profoundly sad, and thoughtful. I had intended to watch a few movies over the weekend when I first saw it, but after it was over I just sat in the quiet dark, thinking it over.
(I've seen it a few times, own it, but never reviewed it. Weird!)
[based on this post; the title quotation is by Roger Ebert, from I Hated, Hated, Hated This Movie]
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