The Godfather – The greatest of all time?

The Godfather, is widely considered one of the Best Films of all time. For me, aged 10, it was my introduction to film. The introduction to classic cinema and I’ve watched it many times subsequently and with each time it gets better.

This film follows the New York mafia family in 1940’s America as they try to protect and build upon their empire whilst challenged by rival families. Full of violence, organised crime, family and suspense it keeps you on the edge of your seat. The film feels so real, with the production and costume design it adds to the intensity and enjoyment. Although many claim it’s too long, Francis Ford Coppola was forced to add an extra 50 minutes and yet, I can’t imagine it being as brilliant or intriguing without those extra minutes.

This film is filled with outstanding performances, Al Pacino plays the role of the son who is against everything the family stands for but throughout the film slowly finds himself going against everything he believed in and consequently joining their ways and eventually becoming the leader of the family after Don Corleone’s life comes to an end. Thoroughly deserving of his Oscar nomination. Marlon Brando playing the main role as Don Corleone in the film is at his very best and absolutely deserved his Academy Award for his performance. He gives a real sense of realism to the film and shows us the intelligence and pride in the mafia rather than the criminality and violence people stereotype the mafia with. John Cazale, who plays Fredo, gives the performance of a lifetime as he plays the runt of the family, lacking intelligence and bravery and will never live up to his father’s aspirations for him. He always lives in the shadow of his two brothers and is seen as inferior to them throughout, Cazale shows psychological realism as we see his struggle to come to terms with his inferiority. Robert Duvall plays Tom Hagen, the family’s lawyer and adopted son of Vito, he also plays a terrific role as he plays the calm, less violent and clever side of the mob life also picking him up an Oscar nomination. James Caan, plays Sonny, the hot head, the next in line to be head of the family, but his huge temper always causes trouble and gets him into dangerous situations. It’s another incredible performance and an unbelievable 3rd nomination in the Best Actor in a supporting role category at the Oscar’s.

The film which Francis Ford Coppola, adapted from Mario Puzo’s book is just incredibly well written.

This film portrays the Mafia in a way which we find ourselves sympathizing with the characters despite their criminal antics. Which is astonishing to see due to the severity of their crimes.

Many films such as Once Upon A Time in America, Casino and Goodfella’s have tried to replicate the outstanding way in which the mafia is portrayed in this masterpiece but to me, none of them (although absolutely amazing films) can match up to this.

The film is like a work of art. Although not even being nominated for an Academy Award in the cinematography. It’s one of the best shot films I’ve ever seen. Gordon Willis ( who later went on to win the Honorary Award ) uses brilliantly dark shots across the film but with an absolutely beautiful feel to the film. With the different shots across the film following from their Gangster lifestyle in America and the nights of crime, into the beautiful sun of Italy. It’s cinematography is often overlooked but, watch it again and admire it for what it is.

The soundtrack is just unforgettable. Nina Rota helps to make an astonishingly good soundtrack which is now so classic and recognisable.

Well for the Production Design, the Costume Design and the make up. Just watch for yourself and you’ll realise why the film feels so real and looks so good.

With unforgettable quotes and scenes, it’s a film that you will never forget.

With a mixture of outstanding acting, directing, writing, cinematography, production, costume design and music this is an all time classic. It’s flawless.

A truly unmissable film.

To answer the question, it’s very difficult to ever claim there’s a best film of all time, considering the different genre’s and time periods but this will always be one of the movies no one forgets.

What have Horror movies become?

Hollywood and cinema have quite blatantly developed and changed since the early 1930’s, when the original ‘Dracula’ and ‘Frankenstein’ movies first appeared on our screens. Now in most part, cinema has progressed hugely and it has been positive. However, can that be said for Horror films?

Given, that in the 1960’s through to the 1980’s Horror films, were undoubtably at their best, with films such as, ‘The Shining’, ‘Night of the living Dead’, ‘The Exorcist’ and of course the outstanding ‘Psycho’ and many more. Yet, the premise of a horror film has completely changed. It is no longer about a riveting story, made to keep you on the edge of your seat and quiver in fear. It seems to have become, an idea of how much violence can you create?

For instance the contemporary idea of a Horror Film, is ‘Saw’ or ‘The Human Centipede’. Although I believe the first Saw film, was actually a clever and good film, the sequels were just dreadful. The idea could’ve been brilliant, yet they decided to forget about the plot and just delve into the violence and really focus on that. It seems the meaning of a Horror Film has changed.  The Human Centipede is just a very strange and disturbing film, however not ‘scary’ as a Horror Film would imply.

I have a huge problem, with the ease of which a film can be produced and the relaxed censorship laws that have seemed to change. Not because I hate violence and find it to difficult to watch, but because it has ruined Horror as a genre. The best Horror films of all time, have the violent scenes done subtlely or the implied violence is completely off-screen and we are left to imagine it as we may. The censorship laws have allowed films to just focus on disturbing images rather than creating a good plot which will lead to an atmospheric and frightening film. A long with the censorship laws, the use of CGI, has allowed far more gruesome and disturbing scenes.

The ‘Blair Witch Project’ – is a very clever film. Given it was made in 1999, therefore not as contemporary as the films, I am pointing at but still is brilliant. The violence is subtle and it focuses on the emotions and fear of the characters making it far more scary than what seems to be a film about violence.

Horror has become a ruined Genre, and this can be observed by almost any current horror film. I completely advocate the use of violence in films and especially in Horror, but it has been taken far too far from the plot. ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ has huge amounts of violence but is still brilliant with the huge fixation on the characters and the plot not just on constant violent scenes.

One of the most Classic Horror’s ever made – ‘Nosferatu’ is a beautiful example of a film with no violence but with a very creepy and great atmosphere. It may not be frightening now but it’s still an impressive film for the time.

So overall, I am disappointed and saddened to see, the development of Horror as a genre and I hope that it can one day get back to its greatness as it was through the 60’s-90’s.

My opinion on the ‘IMDB Top 250 films’

As an early film lover, I decided to look on the internet to discover what films I should watch next to expand on my knowledge. IMDB, claim to have the top 250 films, which intrigued me as a place to begin. Over the years I have expanded and expanded my knowledge but it was always a place for me to look back on and choose films from. About a year ago, I completed the ever-changing list.

However, looking back on the audience ratings to determine how the films are chosen, it’s bitterly disappointing. Many astonishing works are just hugely underappreciated and it leads me to think that many of the people who rate the films, are very deluded in their thinking.

So, I would like to point to say that if you are an avid lover of film, IMDB’s Top 250 (rated by audiences, not critics or the website) is not the place to look. It’s very far from what I would consider the top 250 films, with some questionable choices and some utterly outstanding films not to be included.

No list will ever show you the right films for you, or what you should watch. Learn to love the actors you watch, the directors, the cinematographers and delve deeper into their films rather than looking down a list to see what’s good and what’s not.

However if you do insist on finding a list with a comprehensive overview of some astonishing films then the most complete list in which I have come across would be the ‘1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die’ However, although not on the same scale as IMDB’s list there are some questionable conclusions and some great films missing out. Although I would completely recommend it.

10 Must See Foreign Films

10 Brilliant Foreign Films, of different ages, of different genres. All remarkable in their own way.

1. Man Bites Dog (C’est arrivé près de chez vous): 1992, Director : Remy Belvaux

A film which is bound to cause controversy, in the same respect as that of Videodrome 1983 and Funny Games, 1997. However, you must understand the meaning of the film to truly enjoy it.  The film represents the idea ( much like Videodrome and Funny Games ) of the effects that films can have on it’s viewers and the violence in which we have become so used to and accept so easily. The main character is a psychopath, Ben, who goes round France following his daily life as a serial killer. We see the film crew who avidly enjoy to watch Ben’s killing, not only film for personal gain but begin to help with his crimes.

This film challenges your morals as you are forced to laugh at the farcicality of his persona and the way he carries out his crimes. It will make you laugh and repulse at the protagonist whilst really question how violent films have influenced the average viewer.

Yet if we move away from the underlying message of the film, it’s difficult not to appreciate the dark humour, which things film brings. With a low budget but a brilliant idea – this film is one you may enjoy for it’s humour or watch in repulse.

2. (Hotaru no haka) Grave of the Fireflies, 1988. Director : Isao Takahata

As an avid fan of Studio Ghibli’s hugely successful and astonishing animations it was difficult for me to choose just one. Although I am a big fan of Hayao Miyazaki’s most famous, Academy Award Winning Spirited Away and his endearing story in My Neighbour Totoro, this for me is the greatest film in the Studio Ghibli collection.  Unlike most of the Studio Ghibli films, this is directed by Isao Takahata, the lesser known of the two directors yet equally talented.

This film contrasts to the other Studio Ghibli films hugely as this is a very dark and sad story. Based in Japan, on the events of the second World War, we follow two siblings Seita and Setsuko, who struggle to survive in their poverty stricken town. They are left fending for themselves with very little to get by on.

I believe that this will one day go down as a classic war film. Not only for the sensational idea of using animation to tell the story of the devastating effects of the war but for also focusing on the perspective of the Japanese ( a very rare perspective to be depicted in War films, an exception being Tora! Tora! Tora! ) The use of animation leads to being able to create an astonishing effect that an ordinary film could not. This film is full of emotion and will stay with you for years.

3. (Das Cabinet des Dr.Caligari) – The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, 1920 : Robert Wiene

This has to be not only one of my favourite foreign films but simply one of my favourite ever films. A film produced during the period of German Expressionism (known for so many classic such as, Metropolis, The Blue Angel, The Last Laugh, Faust, etc.) Which happens to be my person favourite era of film making.

The film follows Frances retelling a story of Dr Caligari and his somnambulist Cesare, and his deadly predictions. This film is an outstanding Psychological Thriller and in my own opinion I believe one of the best plots ever created. If you’ve seen Martin Scorcese’s ‘Shutter Island’ and are a fan of silent films, you’ll love this.

With a quirky design, an imaginative story and a shocking twist, this is a film which will always go down as one of the greatest films produced during the German expressionism period.

4. (Le Notti Di Cabiria) – Nights of Cabiria, 1957. Director : Federico Fellini

Federico Fellini is undoubtably one of the greatest director’s of all time. I decided to choose only one of his films for this list, however I highly recommend watching others such as ( Eight and a half, La Strada and La Dolce Vita.) Although Nights of Cabiria is rarely classed as his greatest film, it’s an absolute beautiful film to watch.

It follows Maria, a young prostitute who is desperate to find love, yet wherever she goes, finds disappointment and heartbreak. You begin to sympathise with Maria and it’s easy to feel the psychological realism of her character and truly love her. The story, has many twists and turns and finishes the film off with an unforgettable end.

Picking up the Academy Award for: Best Foreign Language Film, whilst staring Giulieta Masina ( One of Fellini’s favourite actresses to use, as seen in White Sheik and La Strada ) is a work of art. It’s beautifully directed and acted. It’s a truly emotional and heartbreaking film.

5. La Haine 1995, Director : Mathieu Kassovitz

This film is a low budget masterpiece. Very underrated in my opinion as it is fast paced, funny and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Starring Vincent Cassel ( Black Swan ) in one of his earliest films, we see a brilliant performance accompanied by beautiful directing.

The film follows three teenage boys, who live in an under privileged town in France. After one of their friends is shot down by a policeman and is in hospital, the protagonist Vinz, finds a gun and swears that he will shoot a policeman if he dies. It’s fast paced, it’s full of drama and it’s very original.

A film that deserves far more accolades than it has. Truly magnificent.

6. (Cidade de Deus) – City of God, 2002. Director : Fernando Mierelles

City of God picked up the Best Foreign Film Academy Award and once you watch it, you’ll know why.

The film follows two brothers, who take very different paths in life in the slums of Brazil. One takes the path of crime and chooses a life as a drug dealer, the other, pursues a dream of being a photographer and to stay away from the dangers around him. It’s an incredible story which will keep you interested until the end.

One of the greatest contemporary Foreign Films, based on a true story. A truly irresistible film.

7. (Abres Los Ojos) – Open Your Eyes, 1997. Director : Alejandro Amenabar

Open Your Eyes was a film Tom Cruise loved so much, he bought the rights to re-make it instantly after watching it. (Vanilla Sky) I strongly advise to watch this before Vanilla Sky, although Vanilla Sky is a good film, comparatively it seems very poor.

Our protagonist Cesar finds the love of his life in a young, beautiful Sofia ( Penelope Cruz ), but when he is in a car accident everything changes. He tries to rebuild what he had, but his life will never be the same. It’s gripping, and jaw droppingly clever.

A psychological thriller which is hard to top. With brilliant acting and a great story it’s a beautiful film. Although the plot does become very convoluted, if you can follow it, it’s difficult not to love.

8. M – 1931. Director : Fritz Lang

Like Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria, this is also not renowned to be Fritz Lang’s masterpiece. However Lang is also an incredible director, with many great films, most famously his groundbreaking Sci Fi, ‘Metropolis’. However, I believe this is equally as good.

A hugely controversial film about a child murderer. The police can’t catch him, so instead the criminals set off in a manhunt. Pete Lorre, plays Hans Beckert, the serial killer. In an absolutely outstanding, yet unappreciated performance it adds to the eerie atmosphere in the film.

This film is one of those, which is quite close to flawless. The cinematography is incredible with the use of shadows of the disturbing character, the shots are used perfectly to set a very creepy atmosphere. The eerie music, is beautifully used to send shivers down your spine. The directing as always by Fritz Lang, is just phenomenal – whilst Pete Lorre, has the performance of his career to make this an all time classic.

9. Persona, 1966. Director : Ingmar Bergman

No foreign film list is complete, without the inclusion of an Ingmar Bergman film. He constantly divides opinions with his strange and unique films. Love him or hate him, he made his films his own. However, again I decided to choose not his most famous, The Seventh Seal, but his far less famous and less acclaimed ‘Persona’.

A nurse is made to look after a mute actress. However she soon finds that her persona is beginning to merge with that of her own. This film, can be difficult to follow and very peculiar at parts, however it’s a compelling and hugely intriguing story. The performances by the two actresses brings this film to life and really allows you to see the realism in these two characters.

I believe this is possibly Ingmar Bergman’s best film ever, maybe a controversial opinion but agree or not, this is a film to definitely watch it. Original and unique.

10. (La Vita e Bella) – Life is Beautiful, 1997 Director : Roberto Benigni

Many directors try to take on the role of the leading actor in many films and vise versa and 95% of the time, they fail miserably. But Roberto Benigni, pulls it off perfectly. He may not be the director, that the likes of Lang, Fellini and Bergman are, but he still made an oustanding and beautiful film here.

The film starts of with a young man Guido, enjoying life and going into every day with a fun sense of humour and a smile. When he and his son become victims of the holocaust, he tries to keep his sons spirits high and hide the truth of the terror they are facing. The acting is incredible, the story is heartbreaking, yet the humour still flows throughout.

Imagine a comedy during the holocaust? It’s impossible to comprehend. Yet Bengini pulls it off. The Drama and the Humour mix perfectly for an unforgettable film. The music was perfectly fitting. The acting incredible. But the story, was just amazing. Winner of 3 Academy Awards : Best Foreign Film, Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Original Score ( Whilst nominated for an additional 4 ) this film was very well acclaimed. Watch it and you’ll realise why. The writing along with the acting come together to make this a brilliant film.

So there it is, there’s 10 Great Foreign films you have to see.
(This is not a list of the 10 Greatest, there are many, many more equally good and possibly better, but I will do 10 more each month, next month I intend to focus on the works of Akira Kurosawa)