13 Films To Get To Know My Sister, Emily Carlson
My sister charts out thirteen films as a roadmap to her history as a film viewer.
I’ve mentioned before that I have a family movie club that’s very important to me. My mom was quite taken with my recent post about my 13 films to get to know me. She was so intrigued by the exercise that she set to work on making her own list.
Now, the concept has become the next theme of our movie club. Each member of our club is crafting their own list of 13 films, and we will screen one flick from each list and discuss it with the group. I am also sharing these lists with all of you as a window into the viewing patterns, and loves of our group.
Here is the varied, and rich set of flicks my sister chose. Take it away, Em.
African Queen (1951)
There were many films my father and I shared but this one was always like a warm hug between the two of us. The comedic performance of Humphery Bogart would bring my father’s smile even after the fitieth time we watched it. The transformation of characters in this film is believable and captivating.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
This movie inspires me on many levels. Robin Williams’ performance in this film tugs at my creative soul and point me to Carpe Diem. I cannot watch this without wanting to “feel more, do more, and be more!” I love an inspirational story that brings me to tears and this film does so without fail.
The English Patient (1996)
This film is the most passionate tragic romance that I have ever seen. The heartache that exists between each of the couples in the film encapsulates the feelings of desire. This romance is told through the lens of a WW2 survivor who weaves us through his story. It is a brilliant work that similarly to a good book takes two stories and dances them around each other to create a picture that makes you smile, yearn and cry right along with the characters.
Evil Dead 2 (1987)
OMG! The first time I saw this film I didn’t know what I was watching! Was it a horror film gone wrong, comedy, a little of both? The ridiculousness of both the plot and the gore sequences in this film really hooked my sardonic sense of humor and pulled me to watch it again and again.
Inside Out (2015)
This is a Disney movie that is meant more for adults than children. Though it depicts a child dealing with the complications of moving and starting a new life the film is really about losing your childhood. As a parent I cannot watch this film without crying. Multiple times in the film you watch a child’s emotions move from innocence and joy to worry, anger and sadness.
Jaws (1975)
Quite frankly, this may be a perfect film. As a child, it ignited a terror that has stuck with me for 35 years. As an adult it gives me a sense of how camera angles, limited set, and great actors can transform a relatively stupid plot into a great film.
Life is Beautiful (1997)
This film shows that a person will do anything for their family. Comical and tender, Roberto Benigni captivates an audience with his charm. Though this film is far from perfect I enjoy the simplicity of the theme. The heaviness of war and hardship is lightened through love.
Do you have a list of thirteen films that represent you as a film lover? We’d love to see your list. Maybe you would even like to share a full version of your list like the one above. Please, reach out and submit yours today! Leave a comment and I can share details with how to go about putting your list together.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1974)
I love a good comedy and Monty Python gives just that in this slapstick interpretation of grail lore. This film is jammed packed with witicisms and one liners I have been quoting for years. The humor lives up year after year.
On Golden Pond (1981)
To think that an 8-year-old would be awed watching a couple of golden aged actors trounce around a small lake is hard to believe but that was my experience. Now granted, these two actors are Henry Fonda and Katherin Hepburn so most people would understand how I was captivated upon watching this film. The portrayal of the nuances of relationships within family, especially multi-generationally connected to many of my own experiences.
Princess Bride (1987)
This film mixes fairy tale, comedy and romance with ease. It is a quirky litle film that follows the romance of two people through duels, torture and rodents of unusual size. The heroes are an unlikely cast of characters who make you laugh through their imperfections and have you rooting for them the whole film.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
This film made history cool. Well, actually my father made history cool but this gave me all the visual adventure to spark an interest in the subject that would grow throughout my life. Though I later discovered that this depiction was not actually what archeology was, this film still ruminates each time I visit an old pile of rocks.
Spellbound (1945)
Though this is not the greatest Hitchcock film, it formed my movie watching infancy. This mystery looks at the psychology of humans and pairs it with murder. Salvador Dali co-directs as he takes an artistic dream sequence that fueled my search for strange and art style films for years to come. This film helped to teach me that a film does not need to be perfect to make me think. A film can be intriguing in its abstraction.
Stand By Me (1986)
This is a coming-of-age film that looks into imperfect relationship between both family and friends. Though this film is set in the 1950s the themes of growing up and the difficulties that occur in this transition are timeless.
Cheers,
Matty C
Do you have a list of thirteen films that represent you as a film lover? We’d love to see your list. Maybe you would even like to share a full version of your list like the one above. Please, reach out and submit yours today! Leave a comment and I can share details with how to go about putting your list together.
