Movies, Lists and Old Friends

A question I often get asked is, "you must find it so hard to watch movies?" The implication being that I would be too busy analysing them from a writer's perspective to enjoy (I guess). Well, if a movie is working, if the magic of the storytelling has me in its grip then I can assure you, I'm not thinking turning points and the like. It's when a movie isn't working that the analytical side comes into play to try and figure out why.

Here are some movies I really, really like. 

TOP TEN MOVIES

1. The Godfather, Part 2

2. Requiem for a Dream

3. The Godfather

4. L.A. Confidential

5. Amadeus

6. Unforgiven

7. American Beauty

8. The Insider

9. Chicago

10. Field of Dreams

Some rules: none of this nonsense some lists use where they roll all three Lord of the Rings films into one entry or The Godfather trilogy etc. I’ve seen Top Ten lists with 15 films on them! Decide! It’s supposed to be difficult! Okay, one rule! :-)

TOP TEN FAVOURITE MOVIES

This is a little different to my Top Ten Films. These are the ones I watch over and over. Not necessarily the best but the ones I slip into the DVD player when I want to spend time with an old friend.

1. Crimson Tide

2. The Negotiator

3. Chicago

4. The Departed

5. Gladiator

6. The Contender

7. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

8. The Insider

9. Ocean’s 11

10. The Dark Knight

I am tempted to list my Guilty Pleasures (hello Starship Troopers and Top Gun amongst others) and Lesser Known Gems (The Sweet Hereafter and Searching for Bobby Fischer would be examples) but I might save that for another time.

What movies would make your list?