Serious Films
Serious movies with a focus on general themes and modern society rather than plot or character development. However, this doesn't take away from how entertaining these movies could be, so don't be discouraged. Also the list is in no particular order and my ratings are highly subjective and sentimental so shouldn't be used as an indicator.
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- DirectorDavid LynchStarsIsabella RosselliniKyle MacLachlanDennis HopperThe discovery of a severed human ear found in a field leads a young man on an investigation related to a beautiful, mysterious nightclub singer and a group of psychopathic criminals who have kidnapped her child.One of Lynch's best works, this movie is both entertaining and surreal. Its a psychological movie with lots of Freudian motifs that discusses the vices and addictions of a deviance oriented society.
Recommended read after watching:
https://www.dons.net.au/~nevre/zach/litanal/bluevelvet.html - DirectorDarren AronofskyStarsSean GulletteMark MargolisBen ShenkmanA paranoid mathematician searches for a key number that will unlock the universal patterns found in nature.One of Aronofsky's best works even though it was his debut feature film and with a budget under 100k. Very good use of contrast, and amazing use of sound effects, this movie is short and captivating. Pi is a great character study of the "eccentric genius". Faith, Newyorker society, and obsession feature here and are woven into the narrator's identity.
Recommended read after watching:
http://moviemezzanine.com/the-darren-aronofsky-retrospective-pi/ - DirectorAdam ElliotStarsToni CollettePhilip Seymour HoffmanEric BanaIn 1976 Melbourne, a lonely 8-year-old girl strikes up a correspondence with an unlikely pen pal: a severely obese 44-year-old New Yorker with Asperger's syndrome.Dark witty animation that has interesting relationship dynamics and different (weird) characters. It certainly has a lot to say about mental illness and individualism, but its satirical narration keeps it moving and amusing. Easiest movie to watch on this list, without being too simple either.
Recommended read after watching:
https://birthmoviesdeath.com/2015/06/19/love-yourself-first-mental-illness-in-mary-and-max - DirectorDavid LynchStarsNaomi WattsLaura HarringJustin TherouxAfter a car wreck on Mulholland Drive renders a woman amnesiac, she and a Hollywood-hopeful search for clues and answers across Los Angeles in a twisting venture beyond dreams and reality.Another one of Lynch's surreal psychological thrillers, Mulholland Drive is certainly an interesting watch. It captures the passion and emotion of Hollywood through the eyes of an excited protagonist. Meanwhile it deconstructs the mystery genre, through constant time and narrative abstraction. It can feel a bit too artsy, and a bit too serious if your not in that mood.
Recommended read after watching:
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2002/jan/17/artsfeatures.davidlynch - DirectorPaul Thomas AndersonStarsJoaquin PhoenixPhilip Seymour HoffmanAmy AdamsA Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future - until he is tantalized by the Cause and its charismatic leader.Great cast and superb acting, The Master also has brilliant images and the scenes are clean and colorful. Its certainly one of PTA's more abstract and challenging films. The film is trying to capture a post-war veteran's clash with reality as he returns to his land, yearning for a new cause. Cults, charisma, conservatism and faith are all part of the deal here in this amazing period study.
Recommended read after watching:
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/richard-brody/the-astonishing-power-of-the-master - DirectorSatoshi KonStarsJunko IwaoRica MatsumotoShinpachi TsujiA pop singer gives up her career to become an actress, but she slowly goes insane when she starts being stalked by an obsessed fan and what seems to be a ghost of her past.As far as anime goes this Satoshi Kon debut is very valuable personally, especially as it directly influenced Aronofsky and a lot of his works. A very psychedelic thriller that constantly challenges the protagonist's innocence and identity. Lots of elements and lots of motifs that are used in a very experimental and radical fashion keep this movie fast paced and fresh. If watched I recommend the sub version not the dub.
Recommended read after watching:
https://peachsalmanac.com/perfect-blue-satoshi-kons-masterpiece/ - DirectorDarren AronofskyStarsJennifer LawrenceJavier BardemEd HarrisA couple's relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence.Probably Aronofsky's most controversial movie. Its certainly surreal, challenging, and open to multiple interpretations. As typical of Aronofsky the movie's slow starting pace is made up for by the extremely cathartic climax or "meltdown scene". Tension builds as the movie progresses and as the underlying theme makes itself clear. I am purposely being vague about a certain motif and theme as its just a lot more fun to find out on your own. Its not particularly a plot twist, its more of a theme twist.
Recommended read after watching:
https://collider.com/mother-movie-explained/#metaphor - DirectorRon FrickeStarsBalinese Tari Legong DancersNi Made Megahadi PratiwiPuti Sri Candra DewiFilmed over nearly five years in twenty-five countries on five continents, and shot on seventy-millimetre film, Samsara transports us to the varied worlds of sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial complexes, and natural wonders.Very abstract, no dialogue, this is more of a documentary or a stream of images than a conventional movie. Ron Fricke is an amazing cinematographer and this movie is simply brilliant. It has strong real scenes that delve into the idea of culture, community and tradition. From hedonism to mysticism this movie captures as much as it can about what its like to be human.
Recommended read after watching:
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/samsara-2012 - 19641h 35mPG8.4 (519K)97MetascoreDirectorStanley KubrickStarsPeter SellersGeorge C. ScottSterling HaydenAn unhinged American general orders a bombing attack on the Soviet Union, triggering a path to nuclear holocaust that a war room full of politicians and generals frantically tries to stop.Historical, dark, satirical and my favorite Stanley Kubrick movie. This work challenges the political ideals of authority and military in a witty confrontational manner. Its very fun and probably easiest one to watch in a group setting (compared to others on this list).
Recommended read after watching:
https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/almost-everything-in-dr-strangelove-was-true - DirectorRoman PolanskiStarsJack NicholsonFaye DunawayJohn HustonA private detective hired to expose an adulterer in 1930s Los Angeles finds himself caught up in a web of deceit, corruption, and murder.A strong classic Jack Nicholson noir detective mystery by Roman Polanski. Its a bit plot-centric and not really that deep but just a plain good movie that doesn't try to be artsy. The superb writing and dialogue and the overall vibe are iconic. I added it to this list for the sake of variety and who doesn't love Jack...