I've been scouring my extensive DVD collection lately, attempting to figure out what makes a great movie. Certainly, films have the potential to entertain us. But a real filmmaker wants to do more than make us laugh or cry. True cinematic art is manifested in an engaging storyline, convincing acting and masterful directing that trancends the big screen, either affirming or transforming the way in which we see our world.
As a Christian, I view all films through my worldview, attempting to assign meaning to what I see and hear through the context of what I know to be true about God, life and the Universe. Since the very nature of God is a seed in each one of us, it is no surprise that His truths constantly surface in film, even when not intended by the filmmaker.
I have over 600 DVDs in my collection. The range of my tastes goes from screwball farce, such as Airplane!, to provoking drama, such as The Pianist. In the last week, I have viewed both Hello Dolly and Star Trek: Nemesis. Talk about two completely different experiences!
Out of my entire collection, what are the films that have "stayed with me", prompting me to go beyond the initial experience and ask deeper questions? What are the films that are so masterfully crafted that I can watch them again and again and again and again and again, enjoying them more with each viewing? What films do I desire to share with families and friends in hopes of opening doorways to dialogue which may help bridge the gap in our beliefs?
Initially, I thought I would select the ten best. However, as I go look through my collection, I realize it would be impossible to select only ten. So I am going to forsake the traditional "Top 10" list and expand the tally to twelve to fifteen titles. I'll be discussing each film in an upcoming entry. I hope you will find my viewpoints engaging and interesting. And I certainly hope you will put in your thoughtful two cents whether you agree or disagree.
Now, back to the DVD library to give more thought to this project.
It's Del.icio.us!
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November 17, 2003 06:07 PM
The one movie that both my husband and I watch over and over again is an old black and white (thankfully not colourized) war movie starring Jack Hawkins and a host of other wonderful stars. It is the Cruel Sea and it is a true depiction of life during WW11, both in the Royal Navy and the family coping with conditions "at home" and also the not knowing what these servicemen would come home to. This is our NUMBER ONE movie of all time. I don't know though if it is on DVD.
November 20, 2003 11:38 AM
I hope "High Noon" is your number 1.
November 22, 2003 01:48 AM
600 DVD's . . . I'm flabbergasted!!!!! I own 2 DVD's and they each came with a full box of Cheerios! Guess I'm just not that technologically advanced, hmmmm, where's my computer rodent? I mean . . . mouse, yeah that's it! Anyway,I have watched a DVD while visiting my wife's cousin in Atlantic Canada, "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" It was one of those comic musical offerings that left it's tunes stuck in your head for long-term replay purposes. Found myself walking the aisle at the plant where I work the nightshift singing, "go to sleep you little baby." Not an ideal nightwork nocturne when my goal is to maximize production!!!
January 20, 2005 04:42 AM
I was a 17 years old naafi canteen assistant aboard HMS Oribi on russian convoys. Hence the email address. I am trying to find a biog of Nicholas Montserrat who wrote "The Cruel Sea".
Is he still alive. Is there a Signed copy of the book for sale...
please help. ... --- ... ... --- ...
August 13, 2007 06:42 PM
Montserrat died in 1980. The original movie of The Cruel Sea is on DVD. I've ordered it from Netflix, since I just finished the book.