The 37th Best Films
As we get closer to the actual top 100 total films on this list (37 x 3 is over 100!), I find room to fit movies that are not perennial favorites I return to a lot. Films that are, for one reason or another, not always recommendable. But sometimes those films from admired filmmakers still have something to say…
Pre-1973
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) Alfred Hitchcock
This Hitchcock is his only remake. Only! Most filmmakers never remake any of their films, so the fact Hitch did in this case is notable. In some ways the original is a better film, but here we see the development of the craft and Hitchcock’s skill. And, in spite of the way this film is more annoying than the original in some of its aspects, it is also more careful about trying to communicate things beyond the mere action-yarn of a plot. This is the tenth-best Hitchcock film according to this list.
1973-1998
The Big Lebowski (1998) Coen Brothers
The Dude is one of the more beloved characters the Coen’s have created. And it is the character that makes the film interesting and possibly worthwhile. Possibly, because there is a lot to overcome in this story. The characters have some of the worst potty-mouths of any Coen film. (And that is saying something!) There are flashes of nudity. There are shocking moments of violence. Despicable characters abound. And so much pointlessness. But then there is the idea of abiding… Fifth best Coen’s film?
Post-1998
Frankenweenie (2012) Tim Burton
I love Burton’s unique and consistent vision, even when it lets us down so often. Even his disappointments are enjoyable in so many ways. This story is not a disappointment, but it is a hard sell. Another “remake” in a way, Burton expanded one of his early, short films out to full length. It is not hard to see how a black-and-white love letter to Universal Horror being sold to children had a hard time succeeding. But there is a lot of heart here. Burton’s fifth highest film on this list.
Pre-1973
This Hitchcock is his only remake. Only! Most filmmakers never remake any of their films, so the fact Hitch did in this case is notable. In some ways the original is a better film, but here we see the development of the craft and Hitchcock’s skill. And, in spite of the way this film is more annoying than the original in some of its aspects, it is also more careful about trying to communicate things beyond the mere action-yarn of a plot. This is the tenth-best Hitchcock film according to this list.
1973-1998
The Dude is one of the more beloved characters the Coen’s have created. And it is the character that makes the film interesting and possibly worthwhile. Possibly, because there is a lot to overcome in this story. The characters have some of the worst potty-mouths of any Coen film. (And that is saying something!) There are flashes of nudity. There are shocking moments of violence. Despicable characters abound. And so much pointlessness. But then there is the idea of abiding… Fifth best Coen’s film?
Post-1998
I love Burton’s unique and consistent vision, even when it lets us down so often. Even his disappointments are enjoyable in so many ways. This story is not a disappointment, but it is a hard sell. Another “remake” in a way, Burton expanded one of his early, short films out to full length. It is not hard to see how a black-and-white love letter to Universal Horror being sold to children had a hard time succeeding. But there is a lot of heart here. Burton’s fifth highest film on this list.
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