When it comes to the classics, there is an ever-growing list of films that people will tell you are must watches. But, this can be quite overwhelming so I have taken it upon myself to select 7 films from Letterboxd’s list of ‘Movies everyone should watch at least once during their lifetime’. Here are the seven I think are the best introduction into the classics, and there are two by the same director.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Michael Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind follows Joel Barish, played by Jim Carrey, who is heartbroken that his girlfriend underwent a procedure to erase him from her memory – so he decides to do the same. However, when he watches his memories of her fade away, he realises that he’s made a mistake and still loves her, and it may be too late to correct his mistake.
Paris, Texas (1984)
With direction from Wim Wenders, Paris, Texas tells the story of a man who wanders out of the desert not knowing who his identity or who he is. When his brother finds him, he helps to put the pieces back together and pull his memory back of the life he led before he walked out on his family and disappeared four years earlier. Paris, Texas often tops people’s favourite film lists on Letterboxd.
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight, directed by Christopher Nolan is a cinematic masterpiece. The film raises the stakes of what Batman had been until then. It follows Batman, played by Christian Bale, as he sets out on a mission to put an end to the remaining criminal organisations causing trouble in Gotham, in particular the criminal mastermind known as the Joker, played by Heath Ledger, who gives an incredible perfomance as the Batman villain.
The Virgin Suicides (1999)
Sofia Coppola’s The Virgin Suicides is an iconic film that portrays loss and the female experience during the 1970s. It is centred on a group of male friends who become obsessed with five mysterious sisters who have been sheltered by their strict, religious parents. The coming of age film still resonates strongly today.
Psycho (1960)
1960’s Psycho from director Alfred Hitchcock tells the story of a larcenous real estate clerk as she goes on the lam with a wad of cash in hopes of starting a new life, but she ends up at the notorious Bates Motel, where manager Norman Bates is caring for his housebound mother.
Interstellar (2014)
Another from Christopher Nolan, Interstellar follows a group of astronauts as they are tasked with finding another planet that humans can live on as Earth becomes inhabitable. It is set in the future and stars Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway and Michael Caine.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Directed by Gus Van Sant, Good Will Hunting is absolutely a must watch. It tells the story of a young man with a genius level IQ, played by Matt Damon, who decides to work as a janitor instead of pursuing academic endeavours. When his talents are discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau, played by Robin Williams, the misguided youth decides to turn to Lambeau for help to reach his full potential in academia and life.