My Top 10 Films of All-Time

The dust has settled. The whole "Sight & Sound list" arguments have finished. One of the sites I contribute to, Flickering Myth, asked all their writers to submit ten films which we believed were the ten "best films of all time". I sent my ten and kept hold of them for this post...

One thing Sight and Sound included in the magazine was a very brief description as to why the critics/directors chose the films. Some, obviously, gave no context or reasoning. Merely ten films that they personally defined as the 'best' ten films of all time.

Here are my ten. They are in no particular order and therefore have no ranking. Ten is tough enough - choosing a specific top film is simply ludicrous. I didn't obsess over this either, instead, I pretty-much considered what first came to mind and swapped a couple when I had more than ten.

1) In The Mood For Love - I had to have a foreign-film. From the one's I know, I could've chosen Amelie or an Almodovar ... or Bergman, but this film was top of many "Films of the 00's" lists and I can understand that, whilst the others I struggle more with. Moody, personal and incredibly well-shot. The actors are shy and quiet, but the brief looks and moments are what hits you so hard. You know those passing glances.

2) Modern Times - Chaplin, equally, had to make an appearance. I love how he makes social-structures into a joke. I still wait for the 'machine' that helps me eat whilst working ...

3) Midnight Cowboy - I love the late 60's for many reasons. American film-making simply exploded into a new era. Midnight Cowboy is less mentioned but I believe it to be stronger than many.

4) Jurassic Park - Though a personal favourite, the special effects rarely reach this height. What other film has special effects that, without crazy 'remastering' still stands so strong. Even Lord of the Rings looks false - not this.

5) Signs - I love Shyamalan and I think history will support this. We shall see, but Signs was on my mind when I wrote this. A deeply personal film - set in the context of a different-type of Independence Day.

6) Pulp Fiction - New filmmakers since 1994 owe a debt to Tarantino. Still remains as slick as it ever was - and remains the best film of its type. Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Doug Liman, Guy Ritchie all owe something to Tarantino.

7) Citizen Kane - Technically genius. Perfect acting - and acting of such a difficult manner (from 20 to 70!). Socially relevant in 1941. Socially relevant today. Innovative narration.

8) Vertigo - I worry that this is too obvious, but I stand by it. I don't think Hitchcock has been as ambiguous as he is here. Though about obsession - we become obsessed through Jimmy Stewart. Herrman's haunting score. It reaches such profound heights - and deserves its No 1 spot.

9) Annie Hall - So brutally honest and true. No one is as effacing. Most filmmakers claim to make films 'for themselves', Allen is clearly doing this, but his voice is so unique and pessimistic. This film is a brilliant example of comedy at its best. John Hughes, Ricky Gervais, the-guy-who-made-The-Wonder-Years... anything whereby the fourth-wall is trashed for the sake of a good monologue.

10) The Godfather - I originally preferred The Godfather Part II (Remember, this year is the first year they have been split up in the poll) but, the more I think about it, I realise that every single thing about The Godfather is perfect, whilst what is good about Part II is how when we are dealing with all the Cuban politics, you are excited about DeNiro's Don in little Italy whilst when all of that backstory dries up, "I know it was you..." happens and you#re back into the Pacino narrative. Godfather is perfect, start to finish.

Top 5 Good Things About 'The Lost World'

On my 12-hour return journey from Ireland, it got to a point whereby the music and podcasts on my ipod was simply not enough. I wanted to watch something, and I chose The Lost World: Jurassic Park. I managed to catch up with a little of 'Frankly, My Dear' (Scott and Whitney's podcast) and they noted how - and I'm parahrasing - "The Lost World is so bad that it puts in doubt whether Spielberg actually directed the film and, though people claim that it's only the San Diego bit which is bad, in fact, the whole thing is awful".

 

Personally, I was a huge fan of Jurassic Park and when the film was released in 1997 I watch it at the cinema twice and bought the VHS on the day of its release. I watched it regularly and I simply couldn't recall the film being 'that' bad. I recorded an episode of 'The Simon and Jo Film Show' whereby we discussed the trilogy - and I could see the major flaws too.

 

But there are good points. Points which bring me back to the film time and time again. Equally, it assures us of Spielberg's involvement and, though the flaws of the film are not in the final act alone, it does clarify that the film could've been brilliant.

 

1. Ian Malcolm Returns

 

The best character from Jurassic Park, lets be honest, was Dr Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum). After The Lost World, everybody jumped on the Alan Grant bandwagon. We wanted him to return and he did. In addition to this, he is the most 'normal' character of the bunch. His cynicism we relate to - his sarcasm when he mocks Nick (Vince Vaughn) and Eddie's (Richard Schiff) fascination, his horror at all the dumb-ass decisions others make. I never think he is a problem in this film - and he is the #1 reason I would rewatch the film.

 

2. Conversation between Malcolm and Hammond

 

This could stretch to include Malcolm's conversation with INGEN's new owner Peter Ludlow (Arliss Howard) too, prior to Malcolm meeting with Hammond. These two scenes show the state of the world post-Jurassic Park. We know about the cover-up of the deaths we saw on the island - and most importantly, Malcolm has been discredited for the sake of the organisation. A huge capitalist argument here. Then we see the return of John Hammond - clearly going a little bit crazy now.  What is better is how Malcolm is so adamant about not going - in fact, his first reaction is contacting everyone else and ensuring they're not going too. It is only because he doesn't want his girlfriend to die, does he go. I can understand that - and it truly sets up the film.

 

3. The Opening Sequence/Compsognathuses

 

Stan Winston and ILM prided themselves on the amount of dinosaurs they created for this film. It is clear this is primarily about a wide range of toys becoming manufactured for publicity - but only a few dinosaurs do I believe were really effective. The compy's specifically. Like the first film, this was a creature which, in production, was either CGI or a puppet (whereby the sticks were edited out). Almost like insects and rodents, these creatures really get under your skin. The opening sequence, despite the posh-British accents, has this as its highlight. This tiny child fighting against these lizard-like creatures jumping up and down truly is impressive. More impressive is when we see them later on - and their attack on Dieter (Peter Stormare). We see the mouth nibbling at his ears and wrapping around his nostrils - a brilliant sequence and a brilliant creature to add to the series.

 

4. The stampede of dinosaurs/Posthelwaite - "the dome-shaped... the ... the ... Friar Tuck!"

 

These final two points are more minor, but credit where credits due. The stampede sequence whereby we are introduced to the 'other' team is a kids dream come true. A wide range of dinosaurs charging through the land. I wish we could've seent the start of this stampede, but time is a constraint I imagine. The different dinosaurs - and Tembo (Posthelwaite) desperately trying to read the names, giving up, and referring to them as "Friar Tuck" or "Elvis". In addition to this, it really is sad to see the mistreatment of the creatures. I know its all CGI, but when "Elvis" falls down it simply seems cruel.

 

5. The importance of T-Rex/Long-Grass

 

Spielberg knew what we liked. We loved the T-Rex and the Raptors. Here we see two Tyrannosaur's and a short sequence with the raptors - the highlight is the long grass. Seeing the grass turn to shadow as the raptors home in on the group of people. At least we don't have a 'bigger' dinosaur or a 'scarier' threat. It is the same threat in a different context.

 

Yes, the character of Kelly is a huge problem (She is Malcolm's child? She is a gymnast?). It is clear that producers - and Spielberg himself - had to cram in as many 'toy' connections as possible and thus we have two 'baby' dinosuars (eugh) and lots of 'functional' cars. Then there is the San Diego finale. Huge flaws and it would struggle to be a good film at the best of times - but it is not without it's merits.

Incredible Soundtrack #10: Jurassic Park (Williams)

The music attached to a film creates the environment, I believe, moreso than the literal environment depicted through the visuals...

Anyone who has followed this site for any period of time will be well aware of my obsession with Jurassic Park. So it seems that it would be better to get the Incredible Soundtrack out the way sooner than later. Suffice to say that Jurassic Park was a soundtrack that, had it been easier to find, I would have hunted down a long time ago. Instead, I had to wait for the innovation that was Ebay to prompt me to hunt it down. I vividly recall having a difficult time finding the CD at any kind of reasonable price prior to this - as I simply wasn't prepared to spend over £10 on the CD. Luckily, Ebay provided the option for a very fair price.

This is one of those soundtracks whereby John Williams manages to have multiple melodies complemented by two - maybe three? - overarching themes that, on their own, stand high amongst William's greatest themes. I recall good-friend Rhys explain how the Jurassic Park  soundtrack was the last epic John Williams score. I think back to the films since 1993 - Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Catch Me If You Can, etc - and he may have a point. As good as those soundtracks are, they are not as iconic as Jurassic Park. Having said that, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's/Sorcerer's Stone was John Williams and, I think we can all hum 'Hedwig's Theme' to our hearts content.

4. Journey to the Island -  What is so impressive about this song is the wide and varied different melodies John Willaim's composed. We jump from an almost child-like excitement as the song begins to then move into the horn blasting out the definitive theme. Even following the main theme, we move into a lesser known melody that combines a little of the theme with a sprightly bounce that, again, recalls childhood wonder. And, then onto the fourth 'melody' as the fear begins to creep in and then evaporates as the brachiosaur is seen. The second iconic theme before returning to a more formal march, descending in the fear about what this could mean... Its a long track [And that was a long companion piece of writing!], but even without owning the soundtrack I could virtually hum this entire part of the sountrack because it always filled me with excitment as I 'entered' Jurassic Park.

8. My Friend, the Brachiosaur - The deeply unsettling beginning introduces one of the more romantic melodies in the film. The melody captures Alan Grants wonder and complete amazment at the dinosaurs. The same sequence shows Tim and Lex look, with wonder, at how fascinated he is with the brachiosaur. But again, the theme ends with the conflict between what is amazing and wonderful ... and what is dangerous and life-threatening. Beauty and Fear. It recalls Close Encounters of the Third Kind a little bit, but then, playfully, includes that childhood element again. What is stunning about this soundtrack is how clear Williams intentions are!



7. Welcome to Jurassic Park - The piano-riff begins the most memorable track as we begin from innocence and, almost fairy-tale-like, theme, it then builds into every other iconic theme from the incredible film: Jurassic Park.

Merry Christmas Everyone - Back in 1993...

I begged Mum for the Jeep. I absolutely begged but, alas, Mum tells me it was sold out. There was no chance. It was gone. "Santa" might be able ... but, we all know about the difficulties there.

Hopes were dashed, I flicked through the Argos catalogue... the dirty, brown-and-red jeep. Obviously that one hadn't sold out. Who on earth would want that crappy toy.

I wanted the bright green-and-yellow, Jungle Explorer. Missiles fired from the back (I don't recall these in the film) and a small-part that could break away from the front. Best friend Richard Fenn had the tyrannosaur - in the Primary School playground, we would be able to set-up the real Jurassic Park.

I had Alan Grant, multi-jointed whilst Graham - the Bangor Rep - had Dennis Nedry and a Dilophosaur...

But there, in my little present pile sat one box... one big box ... oh ... my ... go-o-o-o-od...

That was Christmas '93 in The Columb Family Household

Remember - you can always email The Simon and Jo Film Show directly using this email: simonandjoshow@gmail.com

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Jurassic Park Remake... Kind-of.

Right, though I haven't seen Be Kind, Rewind, the idea of 'sweding' movies is fantastic. I stumbled upon this 'Swede' version of Jurassic Park and I am pretty sure many folks would be interested in this ... I know I wish I found it earlier myself!

The Simon and Jo Film Show: 18/07/2010

This week on the Simon & Jo Film Show the dream is real. Simon has seen Inception and shares his opinions on the latest cerebral blockbuster from Christopher Nolan, without giving any plot details away. Truly he is skilled. There's plenty of new news to enjoy, including details of a couple of Hollywood marriages and the latest casting speculation from the land of Marvel where Hulk is once again surrounded by controversy. Jolly stuff.

As a special post birthday present to Simon Jo watched Jurassic Park. He offers a different perspective on the dino classic, as well as some choice words on Oscar winner Michael Clayton. They both have views on the new releases and London Box Office, as well as discussing the lengths Adrien Brody went to for the new Predators film. Crikey.

There's a shout out for She Blogged by Night, a fantastic blog currently featuring a timely Nolathon but spoiler alert. There are spoilers within.

The trailers they chat about are; It's Kind of a Funny Story & Due Date, Devil, Biutiful. The music this week is from Inception which Jo should have seen by next week. He's so behind the times!

Any feedback, aggressive or otherwise, can be sent here.

The Simon and Jo Film Show: 11/07/2010

This week, for our 40th show, we 'rip-apart' the Jurassic Park trilogy. It is Simon's birthday, hence he reviews his all-time favourite film and so, it is time for a celebration!

We then cover some feedback sent in - via simonandjoshow@gmail.com - and the London Box Office, the new releases and more news.

To finish, finally Simon watched My Blueberry Nights and In the Mood for Love and discusses the two films in the third part.

Links

Rachel from Rachel's Reel Reviews e-mailed in to tell us her opinions on our coverage of Mad Max, whilst Shannon the 'Movie Moxie' wished Simon a happy birthday and has her list of favourite films of 2010, which you can check out on her blog, titled 'Looking Back, Looking Forward'... !

Music

All the music is, pretty much, from the soundtrack to Jurassic Park and composed by John Williams - though we did use excerpts from The Lost World soundtrack and My Blueberry Nights soundtrack.

Trailers

Available on YouTube, the trailers we discuss are Chain Letter, Piranha 3-D and Little Fockers

Simon and Jo Revealed: Attenborough, Phone Boxes and much more

This weeks podcast came that little bit early and, due to this, you will be forced to wait a little over a week until the next one!

But Jo and I managed to film some small videos on different aspects of cinema - stuff to keep you entertained on these cold and lonely Easter nights ...

Simon and Jo on Prince Charles Cinema...



Simon and Jo on Premieres in Leicester Square...


Simon and Jo on Phoneboxes ...



Simon and Jo on Richard Attenborough ...

Simon and Jo's Favourite Films...

So, in the hope that we keep 'The Simon and Jo Film Show' fresh and new, we have two more videos to 'release' onto the unsuspecting public.

Both videos reveal Simon and Jo's favourite films respectively.

First up, Simon's pick: Jurassic Park -



Now Jo, with his favourite: Jerry Maguire -



Obviously, tell everyone about the show if you like it and - over time - we shall add a little video here and there as they don't take too long to upload and what not - considering we meet up to record everything on Sunday, it only takes a tiny bit of planning to whack out the video camera.

Nevertheless, there are loads of links on the right-side bar including the links to follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook ... I mean, most bloody social networking sites I have tried to squeeze us into.

Remember, we are now on Podomatic, so come Sunday, if you are missing the latest episode, thats one possible reason why. You may need to resubscribe!