The Most Meaningful Cinematic Experiences I've Had
five films that will have a lasting impact on myself
By: Keaton Marcus
1. ex machina (2015)
I saw the magnificent Ex Machina a couple days ago and it was a beautiful experience. It’s about AI and two coders attempting to perfect a certain robot called Ava, to make her as human as possible. Not only did the cerebral effect make me feel a certain calm and placidity, but Alex Garland also notches up the tension whenever he needs it. Oscar Isaac and Alicia Vikander were undoubtedly the standouts, and both of their performances were ultimately Oscar worthy. Although it’s slow, the film is so engaging, deep and thought-provoking. Garland has shown himself to be a venerable sci-fi director, and he is a true expert behind the camera. Props to cinematographer Rob Hardy, who uses distinct color palettes and haunting imagery to mash beauty and horror into one fabulous whole. Overall, I was so invested in the characters, and especially the plot, that this movie actually got inside my heart and touched it profoundly. Then, it became clear that this would make it to the list.
2. blade runner 2049 (2017)
Another science fiction masterpiece, the intricate, beautiful Blade Runner 2049 comes from one of my all-time favorite directors: Denis Villeneuve. His work, which includes Sicario, Arrival and more, peaked with this flawless achievement. Through Roger Deakins’ untouchably cinematic camera work, gorgeously crafted action sequences, and some of the greatest acting I’ve ever witnessed, of course I was easily pulled right into the experience. This was another time where I felt something different, something unique to the paint-by-the-numbers film. I haven’t even brought up the transfixing score by the one and only master: Hans Zimmer. He has truly done it again, packing in intense music for the violence, and wondrous soundtracks for the unmistakable imagery. Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford also have excellent chemistry, blending humor, drama, and one beautifully-realized fight scene between them.
3. star wars: the last jedi (2017)
Sure, The Force Awakens is a perfectly good movie, but JJ Abrams didn’t make it imaginative enough, without the risks and detours that Rian Johnson took with The Last Jedi. Although fans were divided on this one, TLJ was no doubt a special experience for me. I’m always a sucker for beautiful cinematography, but Steve Yedlin finally did me in with this one. Unquestionably the most stunning Star Wars film, and packed with entertaining action, powerful acting, and most likely one of the most memorably choreographed battles in the entire franchise, I have absolutely no words to describe it. Although it was ruined from perfection by a decidedly mediocre subplot, Kylo Ren and Rey have definitely found their way into my heart as some of the most beloved characters I’ve witnessed. Luke Skywalker was portrayed controversially here, but I loved every second of Mark Hamill’s more focused, real, and dramatic performances of his career. This is not a flawless movie on any account, but it easily makes it on to this list because of how many times I rewatch it, think about it, and watch videos of it. It’s number three on the most meaningful cinematic experiences I’ve had because I will never get tired of the film.
4. portrait of a lady on fire (2019)
Earlier this year, I had barely touched the foreign film genre, so I was obviously procrastinating on watching Portrait of a Lady on Fire, which was hailed as one of last year’s best movies. So on one fateful summer day, I decided to finally view it, still skeptical about reading all those subtitles. Nonetheless, this has made it into my top ten list of all-time, and would rank number two in terms of 2019 films. This movie is a touching, heartwarming romantic drama with a tragic, yet so satisfying conclusion that was the perfect cherry on top for me. From the gorgeous seaside landscapes to Celine Sciamma’s assured hand at the camera, and the virtual perfection in the performances, I couldn’t find any problems, or even nitpicks about this thing. Don’t worry about it being in French, because you’ll be too transfixed by what’s happening on screen.
5. The godfather: part II (1974)
It sure is a long one, but a damn good one. At around 3 hours long, The Godfather: Part II may sound like a pain to get through, but after viewing the first film, I had no issue getting around to it. One of Robert De Niro’s earliest, and surprisingly best performances, my mind was completely and utterly blown away by his acting props. Coupled with that was Al Pacino, another legend in cinematic history, and the two of them worked in tandem to create the rare sequel that actually improves on the already immaculate original. Francis Ford Coppola’s peak in his career was no doubt this film, and this epic experience has found its way on to my favorite’s list. Perhaps the most shocking thing was that I was entertained despite the running time, and this is the result of great writing, iconic performances, and ultimately the work of a master in filmmaking.