Over the past few years, I have developed a passion for the artistic side of movies. So this year, I found a list of "top 500 movies of all time" aggregated from a few different sources (IMDB, Metacritic, etc). I organized it into a spreadsheet and have been slowly checking off boxes until May 1st.
For the entire month of May, I am challenging myself to watch one movie a day. 31 movies total. I will detail the progress here.
May 1st: Seven Samurai (1954)
This movie is LOOONG. But there is a lot happening. I really felt the genre of old school epic when watching this. It is not technically impressive now, but thinking about the effort these filmmakers put into the large scale set design, choreography and stunts was the highlight of the film for me. #morefilmintermissionsplease. 7/10
May 2nd: Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Absolutely wide eyed. This film is the opposite of rose colored glasses. I felt like I was watching Fortunate Son (the movie). It's such a slow burn through the eyes of a reporter as the audience is guided from US controlled safe areas to post combat consequences to finally true horror and chaos. 8/10
May 3rd: Il Sorpasso (1962)
The "utimate road comedy" is what I knew about this film before watching. While I agree with this description, it did not prepare me for the climax. I see myself in Roberto throughout his journey. Bruno is an unstoppable force to a people pleaser. The sights and culture of 1960's Italy bring pure sunshine to the film. Bruno appears to be on top of the world but his true life is revealed in the second act. Much like his dangerous driving has consequences during the film, it is revealed how his extreme sexism and narcissism have already infected his life. 8/10
For the entire month of May, I am challenging myself to watch one movie a day. 31 movies total. I will detail the progress here.
May 1st: Seven Samurai (1954)
This movie is LOOONG. But there is a lot happening. I really felt the genre of old school epic when watching this. It is not technically impressive now, but thinking about the effort these filmmakers put into the large scale set design, choreography and stunts was the highlight of the film for me. #morefilmintermissionsplease. 7/10
May 2nd: Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Absolutely wide eyed. This film is the opposite of rose colored glasses. I felt like I was watching Fortunate Son (the movie). It's such a slow burn through the eyes of a reporter as the audience is guided from US controlled safe areas to post combat consequences to finally true horror and chaos. 8/10
May 3rd: Il Sorpasso (1962)
The "utimate road comedy" is what I knew about this film before watching. While I agree with this description, it did not prepare me for the climax. I see myself in Roberto throughout his journey. Bruno is an unstoppable force to a people pleaser. The sights and culture of 1960's Italy bring pure sunshine to the film. Bruno appears to be on top of the world but his true life is revealed in the second act. Much like his dangerous driving has consequences during the film, it is revealed how his extreme sexism and narcissism have already infected his life. 8/10