Culture
Jessica Jones’ Suggested At Home Viewing
By: Jessica Jones
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Since most of us will have an abundance of time on our hands for the foreseeable future, here’s a short list of some personal recommendations. These films are my top favorite go-to movies when I need a pick me up, or when I want to just enjoy some good old fashioned film. In each of these films, there’s a favorite scene that has stuck with me after watching, which I’ll include in each mini-review.
Almost Famous (2000)
If you’ve always wanted to experience the groupie life, or more appropriately, what being a ‘band-aid’ entails, Almost Famous allows you to live vivaciously through Kate Hudson’s enchanting character, Penny Lane, who tours around with the fictional band Stillwater. The film follows 15-year-old William as he sets out to be the best music journalist of his time as he gets an assignment writing for Rolling Stone. Inspired by the bands and music around him, Almost Famous is undoubtedly one of the best coming of age films told in a unique way. The film is surely stunning with time appropriate outfits and dialogue that feels honest and meaningful. Complete with a killer soundtrack, Almost Famous is certain to leave you feeling great after, and might just make you want to listen to “Tiny Dancer” on repeat.
Favorite part: The tour bus ‘Tiny Dancer’ scene.
American Grafitti (1973)
“Where were you in ‘62?” The famous tag line from George Lucas’s critically acclaimed film American Grafitti appropriately sets the tone for this comedy told from the perspective of high school students on the last night of summer, just before all their lives are about to drastically change. Inspired by his own adolescence, Lucas wanted to make a film that showed the simplicity yet intricacies of teenagers’ lives during a time where jiving to rock and roll and cruising in cars was a favorite pastime of early baby boomers. Not only is the storyline great, but the characters involved, the thoughtful way it was shot, and the timeless soundtrack make it a true work of art. In 1995, the United States Library of Congress deemed the film “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and it was chosen for the National Film Registry to be preserved. For a film that is seemingly so simple, the stories told in this single summer night feel monumental.
Favorite part: The sock-hop dance scene with Laurie and Steve.
Submarine (2010)
Yet another coming of age film, Submarine takes a different approach on the classic story, making the main character, Oliver Tate, a hopeless romantic who is determined to keep his parents failing marriage from completely falling apart while simultaneously keeping his newfound relationship with classmate Jordanna afloat. The film, which is told in a diary-like manner, is a bit dark-humored at times but meshes well with the overall gloomy setting of the film. Oliver’s polite meekness coupled with Jordanna’s bluntness makes them an unpredictably sweet couple, where their love is paired with a dreamy soundtrack written and performed by Arctic Monkey’s frontman Alex Turner. A little romantic, a little moody, and a whole lot of teenage angst makes this saccharine film one that you won’t forget.
Favorite part: The very last scene.
Virgin Suicides (1999)
This classic yet romantic teen drama focuses on the tragic lives of the beautiful Lisbon girls who live a sheltered life in the middle of the ’70s. Told through the eyes of the neighborhood boys who develop obsessions with the girls, they share their tragic yet beautiful story with the help of period-appropriate songs and stunning pictures of what life could be like for them. Although the premise of this film is a bit dark, the little bits of humor sprinkled throughout keep the film feeling light and at times, relatable. Virgin Suicides is Sofia Coppola’s debut feature film and was largely positively received by critics and fans alike. The film gives a glimpse into the secret lives that teens sometimes lead, and the implications, rewards, and risks that follow their decisions. This is one irresistible film that has me rewatching it at least once a year, albeit its devastating tone, and if it teaches you one thing, it’s that there is beauty and love within the pain and the hurt.
Favorite part: The music montage with the records playing over the phone.
Casablanca (1942)
What’s a top movie list without including at least one Bogart film? If you’ve never seen Casablanca, now is the perfect time to do so. While the storyline is captivating, I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite part of the film. The way that this movie was shot is some of the best work in cinema; the carefully framed scenes and thoughtful lighting helps to set the tone and move the story along in subtle yet effective ways. Casablanca is widely praised for this approach to movie making, not only did director Michael Curtiz create an interesting story, but he created a true work of art. Not many films can do this in such a humble, understated way. Casablanca is not boasting, and it does not scream “I am ART!” in your face; it’s gentle and precise. It’s a true love story that will never get old, containing some of cinema’s most memorable lines. Here’s looking at you, kid.
Favorite part: The ending scene on the runway.