1. A Face in the Crowd: Andy Griffith portrays a drifter that becomes a beloved media personality. In the end, he is exposed as something of a sociopath. This film was way ahead of its time in treating the power of the media and its abuses.
2. The Best Years of Our Lives: This film, Best Picture in 1946, follows several WW2 veterans as they attempt to reintegrate into civilian life. The process is not easy for them.
3. Dr Strangelove: "I never said we wouldn't get our hair mussed."
4. Starship Troopers: Loosely based on the Heinlein classic, the film depicts a future when humanity in a militaristic state is at war with aliens.
5. Goodfellas: Best mobster movie ever.
6. Persuasion: Mrs VF is Pride & Prejudice all the way, but for my money this flick is the ultimate Jane Austen fix. 
7. Outlaw Josie Wales: Classic Clint Eastwood.
8. The Day the Earth Stood Still: Klaatu barada nikto!
9. Seven Days in May: Burt Lancaster plots a military coup in the USA. I would probably root for the plotters these days.
10. Strictly Ballroom: An Australian gem of a comedy about competitive dancers.
There does not seem to be a pattern that I can discern, and I just can't say what it is about these movies that appeals to me. Perhaps the list reveals some deep psychological truth to which I have no access.
5 comments:
Strictly Ballroom rocks! Very, very funny movie, and quite charming.
And I thought I was the only person who liked Starship Troopers. It's on so many "10 Worst Sci-Fi" lists.
Starship Troopers was great. I can never figure out if the humans are on the right side in the war, and I originally expected some kind of plot twist that dealt with this. The movie is way more effective just letting you have the propaganda and leaving you wondering.
I agree with you and Wally about Strictly Ballroom. It is one of my favorites.
I like Starship Troopers also, though not as much. I rate Heinlein very high, but prefer The Moon is a Harsh Mistress and look forward to Tim Minear's script.
I like the other movies in your list too, some more than others, but they're good picks.
Eh, Dr. Strangelove should be #1... though I haven't seen the other 2.
I'm also back online. Go me.
It's good to have you back, Tim.
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