I assume most people who read this or write about movies on Substack are familiar with the app Letterboxd. It’s a place where you can go to rate and review movies. I see on here a lot people will post their top four’s as just a fun post. But I thought as I try to read and engage more on here with people I don’t know, and even for people who do know me, it would be cool to peel back the curtain on my top four and explain why. The top two on my list are my top two, and I feel like it will stay that way until the end of movies. The next two are my current two that round out the top four, but that could change depending on the day, but they are no less great films. So without further ado, here we go!
The Truman Show- Oh man, where to even start with The Truman Show? I love everything about this movie. For starters, every other writer out there should take notes, because this is how you write a complete and satisfying character arc. The movie is also infinitely re-watchable and gets better upon each viewing. You will notice more and more details that Peter Weir added into the film. The main plot of this media driven world that they built around Truman where every part of his life needs to be recorded, is pretty much what TikTok and social media has become. I think this is one of the more thought provoking and honest portrayals of how at least I view or question that of a relationship between man and God, specifically the idea of free will. Top notch acting all around, especially from Jim Carrey and Ed Harris in the final minutes of the film. Just an all around amazing movie and if I had a ballot for one of those sight and sound polls on what is the greatest film ever made, this would get my #1 slot.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off- This is by far the movie I have seen the most times in my life. I love coming of age films, and people (or whoever) really experiencing the world for the first time. “Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop to look around once in a while, you might miss it.” That right there can serve as both an explanation for the film and actual life advice to live your life by. Whoever the casting director was for this movie, take a bow sir or madam, every one of the main cast is cast to perfection. Also maybe the best use of Charlie Sheen ever, in any project. I think an underrated quality for a film, is to make your character relatable to the audience. I think this movie makes almost all of its characters relatable at the same time, you can find little parts of most the cast and identify with them. The movie also just makes you feel good, which is an underrated quality in a film, everyone talks about their comfort film/show being this or that, well this is mine.
Interstellar- This could also easily be Wall-E here in this spot, but on this day, Interstellar is the one that is in my top four. I haven’t forgotten in my first post that I did want to talk about outer space in some posts. I’m not sure when that is coming, I just don’t really feel confidence in my knowledge on it to write something worth reading, but it will come some day. That said, obviously I am a big space fan! Exploring parts of the unknown universe will always be fascinating to me. Plus I think Interstellar being as realistic as it is, having out of this world special effects, just adds so much to the quality of the film. The best score ever for a movie, every scene pushes you that much closer to the edge of your seat due to Hans Zimmer incredible score. Obviously, I like so many other am a Christopher Nolan fanboy, but this is his magnum opus that I would love to see him top for the sake of seeing something great, but just will be so damn hard to do so. But like I said, special shoutout to Wall-E because that movie is also phenomenal sci-fi film and tomorrow could swap out for Interstellar.
Before Sunrise- Another kind of cheat here, because I can’t talk about Before Sunrise and not just include the other two amazing films from the trilogy (Before Sunset and Before Midnight). Greatest trilogy ever made (come at me Star Wars fans), that has such respect to what came before it. There isn’t a single missed beat anywhere in Before Sunrise or really in the entire trilogy, just absolute perfection. The progression from film to film, more specifically Ethan Hawke’s and Julie Delpy’s characters is honestly so well done, and what makes this trilogy as great as it is. It feels honest, real, and like an incredibly accurate representation of the progression of a relationship. You really do love these two together, especially in the first movie, which has a great and ballsy ending. Then the second movie is so great and picks up right where it left off, and then by the third you are amazed by how great the film is, but also saddened by the reality of where they are at. I’m not sure if they will ever make a fourth film or not, they don’t need to, cuz like I said, perfect trilogy, but if they do, count me as someone who has bought their ticket for opening night!
If you are still reading to this point THANK YOU, and you are on my top four of people who read my posts! It really does mean the world. If you have a Letterboxd post a pic of your top four’s below, and if not, then just let me know what your top four(ish) films would be. Until next time!