13 Films To Get To Know Rock Putansu

The last of our baker's dozen lists for the members of my family film club. We end things with a bang from my film nerd of a brother-in-law.

Rock playing goalie in his roller hockey league.

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.

My brother-in-law, Rock was a movie lover long before he married into the cinematic Carlson clan. Since joining our ranks his adoration for film has only blossomed further.

Here is a look at 13 films to get know Rock a bit better.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

I have to admit that originally I didn't like this film, but since that initial viewing I've grown to love it more and more. Jokes are present several layers deep and the attention to detail so great that I continue to find new things to laugh at after dozens of viewings at this point. A film suggested by our film club previously (Murder My Sweet) made me appreciate this even more when I understood the tribute being paid here.

Citizen Kane (1941)

Often in the discussion when the topic of best films comes up but I feel that modern audiences don't tend to appreciate this one as much as they should. I often compare this to conversations I've had with younger co-workers who insist the Beatles weren't that great of a band. There are so many film making innovations present in this film (analogous to the Beatles musical innovation) and since its release those innovations have been copied continuously. To truly appreciate this, you need to understand what film making was before this film and what it became afterwards.

Dr. Strangelove, Or How I Stopped Worrying And Learned To Love The Bomb (1964)

My favorite of the Stanley Kubrick films. Excellent performances by Peter Sellers and George C. Scott. When I was younger I always would comfort myself with the idea that the people in charge of everything were in those positions of power because they were so much smarter than the rest of us. This film shows how I feel today-the people in charge are only better at maneuvering their way up the ladder than we are. Other than that they're just a dumb as everyone else.

Goodfellas (1990)

When it comes to popular gangster movies I feel like there are 2 bookends: The Godfather with its glamorous view of life at the top of an "honorable" mafia, and Goodfellas with its grimy and potentially more realistic view of that life. What I love about this film is the way everything starts out so great for Henry and his pals and then slowly but surely falls apart. In the beginning I almost feel jealous that these guys were able to live such fun lives and have so many nice things for basically doing nothing. By the end though we get to see where that path really leads in the end which makes the 9-5 route seem much more appealing.

Goldfinger (1964)

I'm a big fan of the Bond series of films and although this one has a big problem with sexist moments I think Goldfinger best encapsulates the entire series with an improbable spy caper, advanced gadgets, and fancy cars.

High Fidelity (2000)

Not a 100% accurate depiction of relationships in your youth but about as close as any attempt I've had a chance to watch, and there have been many. The battle with insecurities and constant analysis of old miscues ring so true for me as does the payoff-there will always be a "fantasy" of some better situation with someone else but to build a truly better relationship means accepting someone for their faults (within reason) and working to make that relationship a reality.  

Miracle (2004)

I've loved hockey my whole life and in 1980 (the year I was born), the US Olympic hockey team was able to defeat the Russian team (and later Finland although not shown in the movie). At heart this is just another cheesy sports film but due to the subject this is my favorite of that bunch.

Monty Python & The Holy Grail (1975)

Absurd and hilarious with jokes layered on thick. Even after many viewings I still feel like I find new gags to enjoy. 

North By Northwest (1959)

One of my favorites from a legendary director. Full of humor (intentional and unintentional), action, and mystery. 

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Quentin Tarantino has long been one of my favorite directors. There isn't enough room in this list of 13 to truly pay him due homage. My thought here is to tip my hat to the first film of his I watched and recall how instantly drawn in I was. Tarantino has a way of pulling the viewer into mundane conversation but somehow hanging on every word. He also has a way of crafting scenes with tension thick enough to cut with a knife few others can match. Pulp Fiction has both qualities in spades which helps land it on this list.

Rocky (1976)

The movie I was named for. Beyond that though it's an underdog story with so many subtle moments that I find so genuine. The "franchise" has since gone on for 40+ years delivering hot garbage but this film is wonderful. Side note, something must've happened to Stallone after the early 80's because similar to the Rocky series, the first Rambo movie (First Blood) is actually a decent movie compared to the movies that followed.

Star Wars (1977)

This film is one of the first I really remember falling in love with as a child. I've probably watched this more than any other film. Still holds up wonderfully today and I'm sure I'll continue to watch, and enjoy this one for many more viewings.

Thanks so much to Rock for sharing his picks and the stories behind them. Would you like to be featured on 13 Films? Reach out and we’ll see if we can make it happen.

Cheers,
Matty C