My Favourite Films of all time...

I have to admit at the outset that my wife and are film fanatics.
Kim and I would seldom prefer to do anything more extravagant than to load ourselves down with popcorn and ice cream on a Saturday night and see a really good film at our favourite Empire Cinema, at Tower Park in Poole. I hear the cries of 'get a life') but going to the cinema, visiting garden centres and watching our daughter,Katy,perform in her musical theatre group give us most of the pleasure we need in life.
Our tastes, though cosmopolitan, do not extend to horror or extremely violent films...
Our preferences range from 'Ice Age' to the 'Indiana Jones' films to Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey'.
Harrison Ford being one of our favourite actors and having starred in 4 of the top 10 grossing films ever made.
I find it laughable that a film like 'No Country for Old Men' which, though well acted had very little else to offer and was a deeply depressing story with not a single moment of light relief or upliftment, could conceivably win the Oscar for Best Film and Best Director. Surely Joe Wright's 'Atonement' though not our favourite film was a far more worthy contender for the Best Film title.
Anyway, the 2 winners of the John and Kim Nixon Bungalow Bill Best Film Awards are...

Pride and Prejudice 2005
I am surprised to say that I have see this film 6 times and never tire of it's near perfection in nearly every field, including the inspired casting,particularly Donald Sutherland,the photography with its long gliding camera work and complex long takes (the ball scene near the start).  It makes you believe in true love, the union of soul mates, happily-ever-after and all the other stuff a romantic comedy promises but so seldom delivers. I have no doubt that Jane Austen would be immensely proud of this truly wonderful film.
Keira Knightley's radiant performance and Joe Wright's spirited direction have contributed towards this being a truly wonderful film.

Love Actually 2003
This film could only have been made by a British studio. For one, this is an ensemble cast. Instead of relying on a single star attraction, the movie is carried along by a terrific cast, much like Sense and Sensibility, or Four Weddings and a Funeral. The acting from these theatre trained actors is sublime. From Emma Thompson's marital woes, Liam Neeson's relationship with his step-son, to Bill Nighy's fading rock star...
The cinematography is great and the storyline,though complex, is immensely rewarding.
Not only is this movie genuine and heartfelt, it shows the many forms love does take, from heartache, to grief, elation, disappointment, lasting friendships.
The "bit" about 9-11 is crucial. It is meant as the ultimate statement about our existence. It suggests that when the world appears to end, people do not lash out with hate. No one called from the towers saying "Hey, Joe, I have always hated you." People were sending messages of love.
The footage taken at Heathrow in the beginning and end was unscripted, the directors simply filmed dull normals greeting one another at the airport.
With a touch of cynicism, but a great deal of optimism, this is a terrific little movie, with an excellent cast and lovely stories which we found incredibly uplifting and enjoyable.  If for some reason you have not seen this unique film then I suggest you beg, borrow or steal it...tonight!

Funnily enough both of our chosen films are produced by Working Title, as of course is 'Atonement' British film making at its best. again, that chemistry and comedic timing are far more important than special effects or extravagant scenes.

I would be really interested to hear which are your favourite 2 films,and what made them so special for you?

Comments

[Marcia Perry]

I thought you estate agents were meant to be ruthless characters who would stop at nothing to employ any high pressure method of selling in order to close a sale.
By your choice of films it would appear that your feminine side is at risk of taking over.
Careful now or you might give up being an estate agent and become a hairdresser...