Have You Ever Felt Like a Film was Made Specifically For You?
Are you willing to admit it?
Photo: Sony Pictures Classics
Over the weekend I received a fantastic email from a RopeofSilicon reader telling me how much they enjoyed Charlie Kaufman's directorial debut Synecdoche, New York. The email was filled with reasons why they found the film so enjoyable, and even though it is a film I did not particularly enjoy it gave me pause. It made me think about the film and even made me consider giving it a second chance. There was one sentence in the email that brought it all home for me and it went like this:
Maybe your life needs to be in chaos, or your worldview uncertain, or be a particular age, but I felt as if Charlie went to all this trouble to create a movie just for me.
I replied to this email saying this was an excellent way to look at a film and to realize love for a film. This person wasn't painting the film into a corner as much as opening up possibilities as to who may like it and why, and how someone could potentially share in their experience. The reason stories are told are to open up connections. We begin relating to film through the connections we find in them and our own lives.
I have heard of people breaking up with their girlfriend/boyfriend and then happening upon Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind the day after. Such an experience allowed for them to have a unique and personal connection to a film no one else will have. Sharing it may allow others to find the same connection.
Photo: Criterion Collection
I recently watched Akira Kurosawa's Ikiru, which I enjoyed, but didn't particularly love as the film ended. It came as a part of my Essential Art House: 50 Years of Janus Films from Criterion and included in the collection is a book with an essay on each film. I flipped to the page for Ikiru and after reading the final sentence everything clicked and I don't think I will ever watch a film about death the same way again. It read:
After asking the question "Where do we go when we die?" the director can only respond that there is one place for certain: the memory of others.
I had never looked at death like this and it is an idea I will carry with me forever, in life as well as with films. It gave me an entirely new appreciation for the film I would have never had if someone had not put it into words. Sometimes people are afraid to admit these things or share them, but what good is a connection if it is not shared? Perhaps you are an atheist and believe this life is it and there isn't any more, or perhaps you believe in God and only thought of life after death in terms of Heaven and Hell. Either way, the quote above has to affect you in some way. It opens doors to a whole new thought process without destroying your original beliefs and for me it was an absolute revelation.
In our travels we also come across films that allow us to escape into a world unlike our own, perhaps even a world you desire for yourself one day. Before Sunset is a film I absolutely get lost in. I find myself consumed in the words and atmosphere of the picture. Another film I connect with wholly is Fellini's 8 1/2. Guido's confusion and search for answers in that film are relatable to everyone, and I find a specific connection to his plight. Of course there is also last year's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a film I have already talked so much about I won't bore you with any further details you can't already get right here or here.
Truly great films are films that manage to tap into what makes us who we are and every so often a movie can manage to help us with that definition. These films don't have to be the agreed upon "classics" or Oscar Best Picture winners. When someone talks about their favorite movies it's not always enough to simply know the title because movies hold different meanings for everyone. It's the power film has over us and it's what makes going to the theater worthwhile. It's the reason Vicky Cristina Barcelona was my favorite film of 2008 and the reason films such as Nine and Whatever Works are on my list of most anticipated films of 2009. It's also the reason I won't be surprised if a film I haven't even heard of yet makes my top ten at the end of the year. That's what makes watching movies so enthralling, but now it is your turn…
Do you have a film that holds special meaning for you? Do you care to share? Don't be shy. Remember, this is the Internet, the home of anonymous comments.
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Man on Fire. Watching Washington's character transform, and his relationship with Dakota and the other supporting characters, the music, the editing, I love all of it. I haven't watched it in about a year, but it still rest at the top of my favorite movies list.
I remember that, right after watching "Punch-Drunk Love", I was crying so hardly I could barely say: "This is all I wanted to say, but I didn't know how". The idea that the movie carries – that love can indeed change someone completely, even someone as awkward as Barry Egan (Adam Sandler's character) – resonated with me on a high level (especially because, when I saw it, I was in a relationship with someone who could've been a Barry Egan. I am so thankful to Paul Thomas Anderson, cause he believes in it like I do. And I think that's a truly revolutionary idea. "Punch-Drunk Love" may be the most romantic movie ever made because of this: it's a movie that firmly believes in the POWER of love.
Emperor's New Groove.
Imaginative, funny, quotable and no matter how much s*** life throws at you it's the perfect antidote to a crappy day.
See also: The Princess Bride & Flash Gordon (I'm not ashamed!)
Jim Jarmusch's Dead Man.
forgetting sarah marshall. i feel like jason segel and i are pretty much the same person, which is weird but yet freakin awesome. i can't wait for i love you man.
I like to watch high fidelity after a breakup because of being able to laugh and relate. But there are 2 movies I hold very dear to me.
Batman Begins: reason because I lost my father when I was young as well and seeing a man ( no powers just a normal human) rise above the pain and guilt is something I viewed as if he can do it why can't I ( yes I know he's not real but) but I felt Begins showed that so well as well as having that person who is always there no matter what and says the things that you need to hear (his Alfred and how I am with my uncle) I loved that aspect of the movie and it may be hard to understand but something I feel real close with esp with him seeing his dads old doctors equipment (forget which) but it spawns the memory, that's how it is in real life too
Heat: I love the aspect of how driven these men are and set in their ways but when they meet (diner scene) they open up to each other ( something which they don't do with anyone else in the film really) and they realize they are very much the same but just on other sides of the law. Then at the end when he is holding his hand there is the powerful music but it's the face AL is what's great. I relate to it because of the respect they have for eachother and that you are what you are and sometimes that doesn't work for other people in your life ( both of their love interests) again may not make sense but I love the connection that is shared and the respect there something in which I have in my life
Also The movie Parenthood by Ron Howard that was made in 89. Love how that movie shows real life but also the line where the grandfather who is talking about caring for his kids he says "it doesn't end when your kids turn 18, 25,35,65 it never never ends" very true
Lastly kingdom of heaven the amazing line " I have lost my religion. I have seen religion in the eyes of murderers, rapest, and mad men. All God desires is here (points to head) and here( points to heart)
I'll end this long post with the amazing Batman Begins line that everyone should remember for hard times in life
"why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up"
Great topic brad
Magnolia. Each character seemed to possess a piece of myself, thus making each of their plights extremely meaningful. The story with Jim and Claudia especially; as those two opposites moved closer to a uniform feeling (love), it seemed to depict some of my own past personal strife. Beautiful film
I watched the Italian Job (2003) when I was 13 and at the time forgot about it, re-watching though it was jusy amazing cause they combined all my favourite actors from all the segments of TV and movie.
They had the comedian Seth Green who I loved, they had Jason Statham who I'd grown up loving with his action films, they also had Edward Norton who I liked through movies I shouldn't have watched. It felt like the director had gone, "Which actors would EnglishGavz most enjoy?"
Also I love Heist films.
Yes, Synecdoche is a powerful film for those looking at life and realizing we are all stars in our own plays but not fully realizing that there is no audience.
I want to add that I had watched Igby Goes Down about 7 or 8 times before I realized quite clearly as I was falling asleep one night that my feelings of connection to the film arise because Igby seems to be the personification of a boyfriend I had in college. I don't know if that makes me the Sookie character, I certainly was a bit naive and brashly tried to cover it up with pseudo sophistication, but I never screwed his brother, so maybe not.
First off, i have to have Lord of the Rings on my list. J.R.R. Tolkien and Peter Jackson filled the screen with so much imagination and the characters were amazing! I found myself consumed in every second of all 3 films! greatest trilogy ever!
No Country For Old Men kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next plus, Javier Bardem was , to me, the absolute perfect villian! i loved his character and the was he portrayed him was poetry in motion!
and lastly, Kung Fu Panda with Jack Black was awesome to me. i didnt care that i brought the average age of movie goers in the theatre up a few years, but i loved that movie!
I've been giving this additional thought I realize that I must discuss the film "Blue" by Krzysztof Kieslowski. This is what I wrote after seeing the film this year: "The power that great cinema has is that it can reach into its viewer and recreate his/her most personal experiences out of the dissimilar tale of a stranger. I had that kind of visceral experience (with this film); I found myself emotionally exhausted by the end." I remember being just stunned at the end…almost hating it because it layed my life so bare. Yet as I said, my circumstances and the lead characters are not at all similar, just the feelings we shared. This was one of the most personal experiences I have ever had watching a film. It felt like the hand of God reaching out. What power authentic film making has!
For some reason I'v always had a thing for The Punisher (the first one) and I know a lot of people say it wasnt so good wich if i really take a good look at the movie I can understand….but for some reason I just love it.
I saw Big Fish in theaters the day before my grandpa died. (He had pneumonia.) My grandpa was so much like Edward Bloom, that when I left the theater, I was BAWLING. I still, to this day, cannot watch the end without shutting down. I love it, though, and it was pretty therapeutic.
Aaaaand after graduating college (as a film major, no less), I saw Reality Bites, and… yeah, it sounded quite a bit familiar. Made for me? Maybe not, but totally relateable.
Nightmare Before Christmas.
The first time I watched it was on VHS at a friend's house. I was out of the target audience age-group and had since graduated to action and horror movies. However, I felt an odd kinship with Jack and Sally. I loved the music (some of which is on my iPod). I had a falling-out with this friend and one day I decided I wanted (or maybe even needed) to watch Nightmare Before Christmas. I found it on DVD and $30 later, it was mine to watch whenever I wanted!
Paying a visit to Halloween Town is a sure-fire way for me to get myself out of whatever funk I'm in.
Great article, Brad!
They're three flims that are made for me and I have always said it.
Moulin Rouge: that film got me in my most sensitive side simply because it treats themes like love like any movie have treated before. And not just that, put it with the music and that's the perfect movie for me.
Before Sunrise/Before Sunset: this is the number 1 film that is made for me and also represents me. They do exactly what I will do with a friend in Vienna or with a girlfriend. Talk. Talk about life, their ideas in their mind, the world itself, etc. They express each one's opinion about themes and things and you can see how the humans have reasons to believe or to not believe in something.
Hot Fuzz: this movie is simply incredible. I can't stop seeing it, just because it have the kind of humor that I like and also have the most incredible action scene EVER. In my opinion.
This one is under thoughts. Personally I love it but its to weird for me.
Synecdoche, New york. I saw it the other day and its incredible how Charlie puts life in his own words and how we live everyday.
Also Magnolia changed my life. Just because I was seen realitys that were related to and how the world is when were passing through a bad situation of our lifes.
For me it was Love Actually I really felt for Mark, and still do. I don't know if it was the movie or the time of year (Christmas) it first landed on my retinas but wow it just feels great and awful every time I watch it. The emotional responses to a film for me are the most important whether it's reacting to high-speed action or a sad death scene the emotions I feel and the character for whom I feel them, especially in love actually just break me every time i see it.
The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada.
I love that film. I just love it.
The Godfather I-II. Movie magic where everything falls into place. End of story. On the emotional side there is One Flew Over the Cuckoo´s Nest.
@southard:
Same freakin' here. The cast in I LOVE YOU MAN looks as if it were assembled from my dreams. And I really connect with Segel in FSM.
First up is Darren Aronofsky's The Fountain. While working at a movie theatre where we had to put our favorite movie on our name badge, I got into many a discussion about this film. I watched it in a limited release within a week of a very difficult break-up, and the story uniquely conveyed the universal message of true love, one's undying passion for another person that blinds one from the rest of the world. This was demonstrated beautifully in 3 parts, 3 eras, which to me was the microcosm of the world constructed in Izzy's book, the real world, and the metaphorical world of Tommy's mind. The film crushed me and had such an immense impact on me that I couldn't get it out of my head until it was released on DVD and I could finally watch it again. When I got a blu-ray player, it was my first purchase, and I love it more than anything else. Not to mention, this film had the best trailer of 2006!
Another one that did it for me was Luis Mandoki's Innocent Voices. Ironically enough, this was the first film I saw with said ex-girlfriend. I had seen it once before, but couldn't wait to get into the theater to watch it again. I have never seen another film that has see-sawed my emotions as much as this one. Taking place during the 1980s El Salvadorian revolution, the film jumps from scenes of children playing and laughing in a field to bombs exploding and gunshots raining over their heads. From 10 year old boys running in the woods one second to fearing for their lives the next as soldiers come to town to recruit them into the militia. At it's climax, I had never cried, trembled, or feared so much for a character on screen as I did in this film. It is emotionally powerful and devastating, yet hopefully optimistic as you watch and pray that a child's innocence is not lost.
Aussie film THE VIEW FROM GREENHAVEN, which made me cry at recognising my father on screen.
'Commando' anyone?
In the Company of Men. That film helped me realize that there is always a motive behind heartbreak. Wow that sounded cliche haha.
the dark knight…this movie is so unbelievably good I didn't really enjoy watching anything for a week after…
underworld evolution; I nearly cried when I thought Michael was dead. No movie has ever touched me in this way, not to mention the strong story, special effects, characters…I felt they made this movie just for me.
The Constant Gardener: When you love someone so much that that you woul;d do anything to keep them safe.
In the Land of Women
Don't even deny it…if you have been dumped you can relate to Carter
For me, a little film that gets good marks but never called one of the best is possibly my favorite: Stranger Than Fiction. I just remember watching the movie and feeling this immediate CLICK, like I could fit into that universe. I have that same quirky sense of humor, and I felt like Harold Crick was a wakeup call of what my life could become one day. I know it might sound stupid, but the film inspired me. Live your life the way you want to live it. Live and love like there's no tomorrow, even if you can smell death waiting for you around the corner. Enjoy every moment, because when all is said and done, the moments are all we have left.
Definetly EVERY Pixar movie!
Even when I watch the trailer of UP, a film I don't know yet, I get this instant feeling of inner calm and happiness.
In direct contrast: Fight Club, when I'm feeling down.
ROCKY, ROCKY 2 and ROCKY BALBOA. I sat through RB with a big lump in my throat – from beginning to end.
Field of Dreams, The Shawshank Redemtion, Forrest Gump and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Great uplifting movies.
But I'd like to expand this "Made just for me" discussion to TV series, because, SPACED was definetly made for me, sorry guys.
I'm not sure if "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" was made just for me, but it's one movie I go back to over and over again. The dialogue and actors make it so very realistic – I almost feel as though I'm right there. I can replace each person with someone else within my family and friends, and – at times – after watching it, I can notice the lines between reality and movie blur. What a great movie. What great acting. A combination between actors/writer/director that made for such great work.
Two more that I find I lose myself in are "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and "The Sound of Music". When either are on I can't tear myself away. I own both, yet I can't seem to change the channel. I think it's because I'm just a die hard sucker for a great love story – a happy ending. For both, the music and dancing is very addicting. I find myself (as do many, I'm sure) voicing the words from "a few of my favorite things" to "doe – ray – mi;" and I never look at a barn or cabin the same.
definitely American Beauty, which I always think of as an uplifting movie, although many disagree. but I think everyone can relate to Lester Burnham, and how you want to change your life style so drastically to get out of a rut
I always watch that movie when I'm down
well first i would like to mention that its not just the movie itself. i believe that a movie is not only enjoyable based on the quality of the movie, its also when,where, and who youre with that makes a movie special to you.
For me it 3 in particular. toy story because it was like my favorite movie as a little kid and for a kids movie its just one of the smartest pieces of film i have ever seen and it justs sets my mood.
Also, even though this isnt the happiest movie, i really do think it was made for me because i just feel it in my gut and now that its just what i need. its got great music,great acting, and you will probally say its boring, i say even though it kind of is at some points, dont just turn it off, wait a litle and try to understand it, then its great
And last, forrest gump, but do i really need to explain. Whats not to make it special. Its happy,romantic,adorable,funny, and sad. It had everything so no need to explain.
P.S. Write one of these about tv shows because i have good ones for those.
Legally Blonde 2 – its me & what i can see in my future.
"you know what i thought when i first met you" "that girl wears a lot of pink"
Little Miss Sunshine – I could watch this movie over and over again for the rest of my life. One thing I look for in a movie is originality. This film wasn't afraid to be a little risky. When the grandpa dies, the rest of the family is heartbroken. But for the remainder of the movie they're constantly making jokes about the grandpa's death. Subtle jokes, but jokes nonetheless. There aren't many films that make me cry, but this is one of them. That's why I feel this film was made for me.
High Fidelity – This film was made for me because it makes you look at break ups in a whole new way. And they manage to show breakups in a funny way. Also I love one liners that are really smart and make you think. And one of the most brilliant one liners in any movie comes from High Fidelity, and it goes like this: "Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to pop music?"
Milk – I'm not gay but for some reason when I saw this movie for the first time, I felt like I was in heaven. It is literally one of the greatest films ever made. Plus it's directed by the brilliant Gus Van Sant, who coincidentally lives in my hometown of Portland, Oregon. This is another film I could watch basically anytime. For anyone who hasn't seen it, you need to. Please, for me. It's freakin brilliant.
"Eyes Wide Shut" all the way. People miss the point so badly on this movie! It is very much about a married man exploring his fantasies and not about him trying to have sex. It is a very honest film about the idea of betrayal and faithfulness, and about being bound to someone else in a way as intense as marriage. It is also an amazingly beautiful film to watch, and utterly dreamlike in its mood! Every single frame of the film feels like it was made with a specific intent in mind, and it feels like that intent was to please every single bit of me. As with any Kubrick film, I didn't realize how amazing it was the first time. Sure, I liked it right off; another day's thought convinced me I loved it. But then I needed to rewatch it… once, twice, thrice, four times… By now I think I'm up to 8 or 9 times. And I've dethroned "A Clockwork Orange" from my Favorite Film of All Time in order to make way for Kubrick's final masterpiece: "Eyes Wide Shut." Give it a few more years, and people will give it the same kind of honor they give the rest of Kubrick's repertoire.
To continue in the Kubrick vein, "AI: Artificial Intelligence" hit me harder than a ton of bricks. I'm not sure if I've ever cried so hard when watching a film. It is a grotesque premise: the idea that a robot–someone who ISN'T human–can actually feel love, and I wonder if it is love, instead of just an artificial imitation of love. And yet, still… it just broke my heart! His mother wasn't able to make up her mind about that matter, either–he seemed so real, but she still kept reminding herself he wasn't real. And yet he tried so hard to get her to love him! Was it that he tried too hard that convinced her his feelings were as artificial as he was? Or was that not it at all? Either this will feel totally wrong and you will hate the film for it, or it will feel totally wrong and it will break your heart. I'm in the latter camp. Oh, and I think it was a genius touch for Spielberg to direct Kubrick's concept. That was the way the Master wanted it, and it was for a damn good reason.
I also must agree with Seiko: "The Dark Knight" moved me so tremendously that for at least four or five days after watching it, I didn't even think of wanting to see another film! I've cried every single time I've watched the movie (6 times on the big screen), especially at the death in the middle. And I purposely put off buying the DVD so that I could see it again during the IMAX re-release. What an amazing film! Once again, made as if it was for me and me alone.
the new dragonball evolution movie for sure, they really hit that nail right on the head
Into the wild, god it hit home almost from beginning to end, especially because a lot of what is said in the movie i was and i am still going through, first time i saw it i couldnt stop crying it made me think and put a lot of what i was thinking into perspective.
1. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS. I could watch that movie forever, just because it's so unbelievably good.
2. STAR WARS SAGA. Some of the greatest films ever made, they really connected with me especially because of the movie.
3. BIG. My favorite film by Tom Hanks who is my favorite actor. It almost teaches you to never rush your childhood because you're going to regret it one day.
4. BATMAN (Nolan)/SPIDER-MAN TRILOGY. Both of these series have stuck with me from introducing me how to be a REAL comic book nerd.
5. THE LION KING. The first movie I've ever seen, (Im 14), and it became a HUGE chunk of my life from 50000 repeated viewings.
Magnolia.
My own vehicles of escapism (in no specific order):
1. Atonement
2. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
3. Match Point
4. American Beauty
5. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
6. Redbelt
7. Lionheart
8. The Incredibles
9. Jesus' Son
10. The Croupier
Magnolia and Punch-Drunk Love for me. The Fountain …
As I said, Magnolia is the film I would think of that I related to the most, but I don't really feel it wasmade specifically for me. I think damn near everyone can relate to the characters' problems, lives, etc… I'm only 14 year old an I can.
Also, yes, Synecdoche is an amazing film.
Brokeback Mountain.
I guy and I fell in love and it was the most intense experience of my life, but we were separated with really diferent lives and we barely saw each other because of the distance, we were in love but, as Jack and Ennis, we couldn't be together so we had to break the relationship.
I saw the film and I thought they spied us because everything was so incredebly similar…really touching movie for me.
Sorry about my English.
John Cusack is one of my favourite actors. I like most of his movies, but these three titles are very close to my heart. It's like he playes this great character from Sure Thing (Walter "Gib" Gibbson) in different stages of his life.
And that's why this is …
My personal John Cusack Trilogy:
The Sure Thing
Say Anything
High Fidelity
my favourite films are "Prosperos Book", "Magnolia", "Orlando" and "Blade Runner"