Thursday, November 8, 2012

My Movie Alphabet

"It all started with a little comment under my celebration post and suddenly, I had no other obligations in my head except this idea of actually starting a blogathon. If all goes as planned, the one hosted at the moment, My Movie Alphabet, won’t be the last and I really hope that many of you will participate in making this blogathon into something really amazing – I’m extremely curious to find out what movie, director or actor becomes letter B, M, P, O, V and Z in particular (you’ll see why, probably)." - Mettel Rey

To participate in the blogathon all you need to do is create your own movie alphabet and go to Mettel Ray's site - just click the picture above and you'll there!

Alternatives: 50/50, (500) Days of Summer
Why? Before Mulholland Drive came 3 Women - cryptic, fascinating and engaging tale of two women and their difficult friendship. The film has dreamlike atmosphere and often times changes key elements of the plot - it's not easy to understand it, but it's worth trying. Sissy Spacek and especially Shelley Duvall deliver exceptional performances.
Alternatives: American Horror Story, Amelie, American Psycho, Anything Else, Alan Rickman
Why? Angel Heart is one of my favorite horror films and is in my top 10 list of films with best atmosphere. Everything about it - from imaginative editing, through erotic score to excellent performance by Mickey Rourke - is fantastic. Add to that lovely Lisa Bonet and always superb Charlotte Rampling and wonderfully wacky performance from Robert De Niro, which apparently scared the director of the movie so badly, he let DeNiro direct his own scenes..
Alternatives: Big Fish, Brokeback Mountain, Bette Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, The Big Lebowski, Bridget Jones's Diary
Why? This is my all time favorite movie - it has everything I love - brilliant execution, terrific script that leaves things open for interpretation and unforgettable performances. The story is amazing and certain sequences - such as the one in the club or the Black Swan coda - are some of the best scenes I've seen. Plus I love the score and all the creative body horror and small details placed into the movie. Things that will probably go unnoticed - like the silver paint on Lily's face and neck when she comes over to congratulate Nina - still confuse me and I still search for answers.
Alternatives: Catwoman, Cate Blanchett, Carrie, Charlize Theron
Why? This is my favorite movie by Scorsese. People usually prefer Goodfellas but to me Casino is flawless. I could watch it all day, every day. DeNiro is terrific, Pesci is hilarious and Stone delivers one of my all time favorite performances - her Ginger is heartbreaking, manipulative, sad, lively and determined, but most of all - she is a tragic character. The story is terrific and the soundtrack consists of some of the best songs I've heard.
Alternatives: David Holmes, The Devil Wears Prada, The Dark Knight Rises
Why? I'm not one for loving directors. Actors and actresses - I do love some of them, madly even. But I'm never in love with the director, as it's rare for them to never disappoint me. While I wouldn't say I love Aronofsky, he didn't disappoint me yet and I always say he is my favorite director at the moment. I think this man has a real gift when it comes to creating terrific character studies and movies about addictions and paranoia, which incidentally is my very favorite kind of film.
Alternatives: Eva Green, Emily Browning, Emily Blunt
Why? Because I love and miss Meg Ryan and Emma has the same charm and loveliness about her.
Alternatives? Fargo, Frost/Nixon, Frida
Why? Because that movie fooled me like no other - when the twist came my jaw just dropped and I couldn't believe what I was seeing was actually going on. Also I love Tyler and Marla. Tom Waits' Going Out West. And the way Tyler handled Lou. And "his name was Robert Paulson".
Alternatives: Grey Gardens, Geoffrey Rush, Gillian Owens
Why? Neither me nor any woman on Earth needs to give a reason.
Alternatives: Helena Bonham Carter,  The Hours
Why? I love this series. Seen all the films few times - the last one is definitely my favorite, but Goblet of Fire is the most fun. Not only are those movies very well made, they also have nearly every single wonderful British actor in them, especially Alan Rickman who will forever rule my heart as Severus Snape. Beautiful films, showing the importance of love, friendship and kindness.
Alternatives? In the Loop
Why? Because I actually needed to wait few days before seeing another episode of Luther as it was just too much hotness. And also:
Alternatives: Jackie Brown, Jason Statham
Why? Because he is talented, sexy and hilarious. While watching his French movies something amazing happened - my 6 years of learning French actually paid off. Also it's very rare that someone wins an Oscar when I'm rooting for them and here it happened. I can't wait for the Wolf of Wall Street.
Alternatives: Killer Joe, Kate Winslet
Why? While I'm not a huge fan of Volume 2 it has a bad ass fight between the Bride and Elle and the ending to the movie is just lovely. I absolutely adore Volume 1, though - Pussy Wagon, the knife fight, the animated sequence and especially Lucy Liu's O Ren Ishii, film's fantastic soundtrack and all the awesome supporting characters including Sofie Fatale and Go Go.
Alternatives: Love Actually, Lisbeth Salander, London
Why? I love everything about Lana - her music, her lyrics, her style. She embodies Americana, especially with her gorgeous and creative music videos - the desert, the Kennedys, the bikers, the gas stations, the pools near the motel...
Alternatives: Mavis Gary, Moneyball, Mildred Pierce, Michael Fassbender, Michael Clayton
Why? My number 2 on favorite movies list - dark, twisted and heartbreaking tale that deceives the viewer and takes us from heaven to hell, all in the city of broken dreams. Frightening, nightmarish but at the same time fascinating and beautiful film that shows jealousy, rage and the power of dreams. The film has my all time favorite performance - from Naomi Watts, who portrays every single possible emotion as Betty and Diane.
Alternatives: Nicole Kidman, North Country
Why? I love this movie. It has such a rich atmosphere, built mostly out of quick editing, disturbing images and tremendous soundtrack. It also has hilarious performances from Tommy Lee Jones, Tom Sizemore and especially Robert Downey Jr who is insanely funny as the reporter who wants to get the best possible story. Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis are fantastic as titular killers and have splendid chemistry together.
Alternatives: Out of Sight
Why? David Holmes is my favorite movie composer - his elegant, sexy and smooth music goes beautifully with Steven Soderbergh's films, especially the jazzy tunes in Ocean trilogy films - those films wouldn't be so fun without that excellent soundtrack.
Alternatives: Prometheus, Psycho, Pulp Fiction, Patricia Clarkson
Why? Because I love movies about witches and this is my favorite among them - it's a beautiful and funny tale of the love between sisters and about our ability to change our destiny. I usually don't like Sandra Bullock but she was fantastic here and she had a lovely chemistry with Aidan Quinn. Nicole Kidman never looked prettier than in this movie.
Alternatives: Quentin Tarantino
Why? I love films where the suspense lies in the strong script and the interactions between the characters and the dialogue they exchange. Along with Frost/Nixon and Michael Clayton, Quiz Show is such a movie - it's quite long but it's insanely engaging and Ralph Fiennes and John Torturro are both amazing in it. It also has one of my favorite movie quotes "I was flying on borrowed wings".
Alternatives: Repulsion, Rosmary's Baby, Richard Jenkins
Why? Not only is Robert Downey Jr. a terrific actor - he is also a source of inspiration and hope for every single addict out there. Not so long ago he was passing out in strangers' houses and driving his Porshe, naked, during daytime in LA and now he is a devoted husband, loving father and he is completely clean. He got one of the most shocking Oscar nominations ever for his courageous work in Tropic Thunder and he is the sexiest Sherlock Holmes ever.
Alternatives: Sleeping Beauty (2011), Se7en, Selina Kyle
Why? This is the funniest movie I have ever seen. First time I saw Tyrone getting out the car and Tommy "standing up" to Boris I just couldn't stop laughing. I love everything about this film, especially Brad Pitt's crazy performance, the lovely dynamics between Turkish and Tommy, Jason Statham being funny and cute and film's bitchin' soundtrack.
Alternatives: Tim Burton, True Romance
Why? I love good dark comedies and To Die For is one of those - it has my favorite performance ever from Nicole Kidman, as a cold, calculated and oddly charming woman who will do everything to be on TV. The film is funny, disturbing and ridiculous - always in intentional and entertaining way. Illeana Douglas is also terrific in the film as is the quick cameo from David Cronenberg.
Alternatives: U Turn
Why? Last Oscar season wouldn't nearly be as charming without the adorable Jack Russel Uggie, appearing on red carpet, on talk shows, riding on skateboard and being held by Jean Dujardin on award ceremonies. I love dogs and Uggie is definitely one of my favorite cinematic pets.
Alternatives: Vanilla Sky, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Why? Vera is one of my favorite actresses and I'm hoping she won't disappear from movies. She gave terrific performances in Down to the Bone, Running Scared, Orphan and Up in the Air, but my favorite is definitely her intense work in Nothing But the Truth, which is worth seeing if only for her fearless performance.
Alternatives: Woody Allen, Woody Harrelson, Winona Ryder
Why? I love The Big Lebowski but if I were to chose one thing that I love the most about it, it wouldn't be The Dude or adorable Donny. It would definitely be Walter. He made me laugh the hardest during the film - the ridiculous switch on the bridge scene, the terrorizing of Smokey and his dismissive comments about everything and finally hm inserting the talk about Vietnam everywhere. Though the character delivers many hilarious lines he is very tragic too as it's obvious he is a traumatized war veteran and his anger is his copying mechanism. John Goodman is just splendid in his role here.
Alternatives: ?
Why? I'll be damned if I include any X-Men movies here. If it wasn't for Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy I wouldn't be able to sit through X-Men: First Class. Thankfully, I found someone awesome for "X" - my favorite Bond villain, hilariously named beauty who suffocates man with her thighs and looks like a dominatrix, played by (X-Men thing is pretty ironic here) Famke Janssen. Yummy.
Alternatives: ?
Why? The film is one of the best character studies I've ever seen. It's also very misunderstood and underrated - the movie is such a painful and accurate portrayal of depression and alcoholism, yet it approaches the subject from completely fresh and unique perspective - in the effect some people may not even notice the main themes of the film. Charlize Theron is fantastic and gives one of her best performances.
Alternatives: Zodiac
Why? Crude and disgusting? Yes. Hilarious and charming? Yes. That film is not only so much fun, it's a very unique and lovely romantic comedy - it shows things from the other way around: first sex, then love. The chemistry between funny Seth Rogan and lovely Elizabeth Banks is adorable and believable and film manages to make you laugh and go "ohhh" a lot, which only the best romantic comedies can do.

38 comments:

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    1. Thank you! It was a lot of work to put together :)

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  2. Gosh, I like how every alphabet is different.. I like yours a lot because of Snatch!! Omg. And, the Lana Del Ray music video thing gave me inspiration to write a post about it.. hopefully it will happen. :)

    Thanks for participating btw!

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    1. I hope you will - I'd love to read that!

      My pleasure, such a fun blogathon!

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  3. What a lovely blogathon. I am tempted to join. Great choices, Sati. I too love practical magic and vera farmiga. And emma stone. 3 women looks great.

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    1. I'd love to see your alphabet! Thank you, Practical Magic is such a fun movie, I watch it every Halloween. You should check out 3 Women, it's really worth seeing.

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  4. Ahhhh, I love this list! I was going to put Lana Del Rey's music videos in mine, too. They're so beautiful.

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    1. They really are, I hope she does a video for Cola and American. I love how many videos she does, especially since they are so lovely.

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  5. Three things here we share in common and LOVE: Lana, Practical Magic and Young Adult. Never fails. Lovelovelove.

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    1. I knew about YA and Lana, but I didn't know you love Practical Magic too! Awesome!

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  6. Awesome list. We'll definitely have Fight Club in common cuz duh. Love X though I guess I'll have to go with more obvious choices.

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    1. Thanks! I'm just really not a fan of X Men. I think it's my least favorite comic book franchise. That or Fantastic 4.

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  7. That's a really nice alphabet. If I'd make mine I'd also have the same one for B. It's also my all time favorite movie. Might have to write down one of these as well if I find the time to do so.

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    1. Awesome! I really don't think Black Swan will be dethroned from my number 1 any time soon :)

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  8. Great choices here! Love that you included "Quiz Show"... truly underrated film.

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    1. It really is, I saw it by chance when I was going through all of Ralph Fiennes movies. I cannot believe it's not well known, it has so many great actors and Redford himself is the director after all.

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    1. It's such a great movie! I need to see it again soon, it's so complex and hard to decypher.

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  10. Awesome post! I'm so jealous of your design skills! :)

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    1. Thank you! The images were particularly time consuming :)

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  11. Great list. So glad to see Uggie on there haha. Did you know he's apparently in the film 'The Campaign' ?

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    1. Uggie is the best <3 I had no idea, apparantly it's a bad film, hopefully there are some clips of Uggie on youtube.

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  12. Love this! Had no idea you liked the Harry Potter films so much, or the Ocean's soundtracks. :)

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    1. Thank you! Oh, I love HP especially since I'm a HUGE Alan Rickman - I'd love to be in Severus Snape's potion class :D

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    2. I would dread his potions class, since I'd be in Ravenclaw. ;)

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    3. I'll be in Slytherin for sure :) Also - they would probably kick me out of Hogwarts after a year or something :)

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  13. Great list! Glad to see the greatly under-appreciated Practical Magic on there :)

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    1. Thank you! So glad to see so much love for this one in comments section!

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  14. Wow ... you create the most gorgeous posts I have ever seen. Seriously ... they are often works of art. Love this post. Love the content, the collages, the fonts ... I love everything about it. And yes, Alan Rickman is amazing. I like that you included Uggie! And Idris, of course ... not that there was any possibility that you wouldn't.

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    1. Thank you so much! Glad you like Alan and Uggie too :) "I" was the easiest letter :)

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  15. Great choices! Didn't expect to see Zach and Miri Make a Porno on the list, it's quite a fun watch! I agree with everything you said about it.:)

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    1. Thanks! I really like this movie, definetly one of my favorite from Kevin Smith.

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  16. Good stuff here, Sati. Great to see Casino, Darren Aronofsky and Young Adult mentioned!

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    1. Thank you! Awesome to see fellow Casino and Young Adult fan!

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  17. Excellent list and an interesting Blogathon. I'd have several of the choices in my own, if I ever managed to compile one.

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