GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

In your opinion is there a perfect movie?

POSTED BY: LWAVES
UPDATED: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 05:57
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Thursday, September 24, 2009 7:56 AM

CHRISISALL


Quote:

Originally posted by Shinygoodguy:
To Eternal Sunshine? Quite a leap there Chris.......
How did you get from point A to Michel Gondry?

Inquiring minds want to know!

General crazieness is all.


The laughing Chrisisall

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Thursday, September 24, 2009 8:08 AM

STORYMARK


Basically, this has degraded into a "movies we like" thread, as at least half the films mentioned, while very good, could easily be picked apart for flaws that make them far from "perfect".

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Thursday, September 24, 2009 8:47 AM

BIGRICHARD


It has 'disintegrated' into a 'films we love' thread I think. And I guess, since film is all about personal opinion, that no film is perfect, and so this thread was always just a thread of "what films do you love?"

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Thursday, September 24, 2009 8:47 AM

SHINYGOODGUY


Guilty as charged (you don't see, but, right now, I'm raising my hand)

BIG GRIN, BiiiiiiiiiiiG GRIN......................

Ah, the power of the internet.


SGG

Tawabawho?

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Thursday, September 24, 2009 9:04 AM

SHINYGOODGUY


Sorry, Zz13, I completely blew right past your excellent contribution to this thread. I was going over everyone's picks and re-read your post and, I must say it, To Kill A Mockingbird has always been(along with Casablanca, The Miracle Worker, Roarin' 20's, My Man Godfrey and Mr. Roberts) one of my all-time fav classics.

I don’t think that there was one second in that movie that was wasted. Every moment either explained something, tells you something or expressed something. Even thought it was filmed in b/w the use of light was incredible!!

Agreed; story, direction, pacing, tone, music, lighting and of course - acting. Perfect. All told from a child's POV.

Tawabawho?

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Thursday, September 24, 2009 9:50 AM

SHINYGOODGUY


BigR has a point, to wit:

film is all about personal opinion, that no film is perfect, and so this thread was always just a thread of "what films do you love?"
----------------------------------------------------

Allow me to explain -

L Waves - excellent post asked:

But is there a movie that YOU consider perfect?
Irrespective of what other people may think. One that isn't too long or too short in length. One that is acted properly with the right script and right direction, music, photography etc.


Traveler submitted this choice for perfection -
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

The characters are real and the actors give some of the best performances I have ever witnessed. Even those with small roles do outstanding work. The plot is simple, but honest. No wasted scenes and they are designed to weave the story toward its inevitable end.

DeWrastler - became philosophical in suggesting -

No in that I kind of believe you can ever attain 100% perfection because someone should always come along and do it better. We should always strive to do better or we get no where. So a movie can be the best a person has to offer, but not perfect.

Yes in that it can be perfect in that it perfectly express the idea, emotion, opinion, etc. of the filmmaker. If they get across the message they want to convey to the viewer, then the movie attains its goal perfectly.


11th Hour - gave this definition

On the topic of perfection, there are movies I love where heart, brilliance or inspired, magical performances made up for other elements in the movie that were flawed. "Perfection' must always be weighed by how well that particular movie was executed to be it's "best self", whatever that is.

TheRealMe - begins to question perfection in film

I would have to say that "The Princess Bride" comes very close to perfect.

Frem - also thinks perfection in film is fleeting

I wouldn't say perfect, but man it's close enough to brush fingertips on it...

The Outlaw Josey Wales (good choice Frem)

PCCH7 - Ditto

well it depends.. Ím sure if yoúre analysing everything about a movie therés some faults and in that case then no, therés probably no perfect movie.


The Somnambulist - Sleepy gives us a close to perfect description of the perfect film. Why?, you may ask. Because that's how I see it - In my humble opinion.

A perfect film for me is one that when I watch it it takes me out of my reality and draws me in completely with the story it's telling....
__________________________________________________

Storymark made a keen observation though. I would have used the word 'evolved' instead of 'degrade' because, after all, this thread, as well as this site, is about OUR choices in film, tv and books.
We all love a good story (Firefly) and in exchanging our opinions it all comes down to one simple truth.

I submit to you the following:

The perfect woman: Summer Glau or Christina Hendricks.

SGG



Tawabawho?

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Thursday, September 24, 2009 11:35 AM

ZEEK


lol I liked the Episode I joke.

No I don't think there are any perfect movies. The best honor I could give a movie is that it can be watched over and over without losing its appeal. I wouldn't even rate very many movies in that category.

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Thursday, September 24, 2009 11:50 AM

CHRISISALL


Okay, no joke- I'm dropping what I FEEL.

Perfect movies, objectively:

Dr. Strangelove
The Road Home
Seven Samurai


The laughing Chrisisall

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Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:24 PM

CHRISISALL


Okay, I get serious & it kills the thread.

Teaches me, it does.


The laughing Chrisisall

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Thursday, September 24, 2009 3:02 PM

BIGRICHARD


When are you ever gonna learn CiA!
Gah!


Ok guys, reviving the thread.

And to be honest, I consider most of the films I've suggested to be 'perfect'ish.

I love Watchmen, for instance, but I have a few problems with that film, so I didn't mention that.
28 Days Later is another film I love, and Sunshine, but both of those have flawed final acts, in my opinion.

I honestly think that you can't get much more perfect than:

Pan's Labyrinth,
The Fountain,
Children of Men
Wall-E
The Dark Knight
In Bruges
Shaun of the Dead
Hot Fuzz
Toy Story.

And maybe a few others that people have mentioned (and I STILL haven't watched Seven Samurai, pretty sure I'm the worst film student ever!)


and Shiny, nice rundown! :)

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Thursday, September 24, 2009 8:50 PM

SHINYGOODGUY


Dude, you have not lived until you see The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

Perfect.


SGG

Tawabawho?

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Thursday, September 24, 2009 11:41 PM

JEWELSTAITEFAN


Like his wife, Alec Baldwin failed to fulfil his promise to leave the country in 2000. That blemish on the otherwise wonderful Hunt For Red October is the reason I didn't mention although it came to mind. Most enactments of 3-dimensional combat are difficult, in space the background references are rare or fluctuating. But HfRO did it well in underwater environment. Cast, story, cinematography, anybody think of another flaw with it?
No mention of Forrest Gump - what flaws has it?


I have asked what flaws are in the films I proposed, and I am interested in hearing about them. I wasn't just posting about favorite films, for many of mine are flawed. I suggested ones which seemed perfect in their way, even if they were not my favorite.

sgg reviews that somnambulist mentioned what I had assumed was known to be a key requirement: the suspension of disbelief. So key, that I had not thought to mention the obvious.

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Friday, September 25, 2009 5:04 AM

OPPYH


I'd like to add Somewhere in Time.

Nothing wrong with that one.

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Saturday, September 26, 2009 4:06 PM

BIGRICHARD


Thought a few people who mentioned Blade Runner might like this:

http://www.philipkdick.com/new_letters-laddcompany.html

A letter that PKD wrote after seeing a preview featurette.

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Sunday, September 27, 2009 12:16 AM

MEATPUPPET42



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Sunday, September 27, 2009 12:16 AM

MEATPUPPET42


Shaw shank redemption
the departed
road warrior
blood diamond
red october -best jack ryan actor

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Monday, September 28, 2009 8:55 AM

RUGBUG


Quote:

Originally posted by meatpuppet42:
Shaw shank redemption



Ah...finally. I can't believe this wasn't mentioned sooner.

***************
"The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw

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Monday, September 28, 2009 9:26 AM

CHRISISALL


I'd go for Hunt For Red October- I can't fault that movie for even a frame of film (Though Ford would have upped its perfection just a fraction IMO).
Somewhere In Time also.
And for what it was trying to achieve, Army Of Darkness. Yes. I said it. Hail to the King, baby.


The laughing Chrisisall

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Monday, September 28, 2009 1:17 PM

ZZETTA13


Quote:

Originally posted by Shinygoodguy:
Sorry, Zz13, I completely blew right past your excellent contribution to this thread. I was going over everyone's picks and re-read your post and, I must say it, To Kill A Mockingbird has always been(along with Casablanca, The Miracle Worker, Roarin' 20's, My Man Godfrey and Mr. Roberts) one of my all-time fav classics.

I don’t think that there was one second in that movie that was wasted. Every moment either explained something, tells you something or expressed something. Even thought it was filmed in b/w the use of light was incredible!!

Agreed; story, direction, pacing, tone, music, lighting and of course - acting. Perfect. All told from a child's POV.

Tawabawho?



That is quite alright ShinyGoodGuy. When a thread starts to get numerous posts I usually do the same thing ( not read every post) and yes you’ve name some other excellent movies. All fantastic!!

Anyway an addition to the my TKaM contribution and your fine list of movies I would like to also include Dr. Strangelove, which has been mentioned here by others. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before. GREAT movie!!

I’m sure there are plenty more that will come to mind after a while. Hopefully I’ll get one that will be in color….lol

Z

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Monday, September 28, 2009 7:07 PM

SHINYGOODGUY


Very shiny indeed, BigR.

He was sspot on about the sci-fi genre in film at the time. Now look where we are.

Thanks for posting.

SGG

Tawabawho?

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Monday, September 28, 2009 7:27 PM

JEWELSTAITEFAN


Quote:

Originally posted by chrisisall:
I'd go for Hunt For Red October- I can't fault that movie for even a frame of film (Though Ford would have upped its perfection just a fraction IMO).

The laughing Chrisisall


Although Ford is a far superior actor, the role is for a late 20's-early 30's vintage actor, and Harrison was far too old by the time of filming. A problem which Clancy mentioned more than once. Compromises ensued.

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Thursday, October 8, 2009 11:10 AM

HURRICANEDAWG


I agree with ZZETTA13's contribution. To Kill A Mockingbird is, in my opinion, the perfect film. I can't think of a single flaw. Everything was simply superb.

I'd also include Shawshank Redemption and The Godfather.

"Well, here I am."

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Thursday, October 8, 2009 1:46 PM

ZZETTA13


Quote:

Originally posted by HurricaneDawg:
I agree with ZZETTA13's contribution. To Kill A Mockingbird is, in my opinion, the perfect film. I can't think of a single flaw. Everything was simply superb.

I'd also include Shawshank Redemption and The Godfather.

"Well, here I am."



Welcome aboard HurricanDawg…..

I can already tell that you are a very incredibly smart browncoat!

Z

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Thursday, October 8, 2009 6:44 PM

HURRICANEDAWG


Quote:

Originally posted by zzetta13:
Quote:

Originally posted by HurricaneDawg:
I agree with ZZETTA13's contribution. To Kill A Mockingbird is, in my opinion, the perfect film. I can't think of a single flaw. Everything was simply superb.

I'd also include Shawshank Redemption and The Godfather.

"Well, here I am."



Welcome aboard HurricanDawg…..

I can already tell that you are a very incredibly smart browncoat!

Z



Thank you for the welcome, and I try to appear so from time to time.

------------------
"Well, here I am."

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Monday, October 12, 2009 8:48 PM

JEWELSTAITEFAN


Quote:

Originally posted by zzetta13:
Quote:

Originally posted by HurricaneDawg:
I agree with ZZETTA13's contribution. To Kill A Mockingbird is, in my opinion, the perfect film. I can't think of a single flaw. Everything was simply superb.

I'd also include Shawshank Redemption and The Godfather.

"Well, here I am."



Welcome aboard HurricanDawg…..

I can already tell that you are a very incredibly smart browncoat!

Z


The IQ of a browncoat can be gauged by determining how often said browncoat agrees with ZZetta13 - or at least sucks up.

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Tuesday, October 13, 2009 4:21 AM

ZZETTA13




Z

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Tuesday, October 13, 2009 5:57 AM

WEICHI


Probably not.

Two of my favorite movies have been listed by others - and I truly love both - but perfect?

Casablanca is fantastic, I hang on every memorable quote - but I am always jarred when Ilsa calls Sam "Boy" True to its time or not, it makes the film imperfect for me.

Fargo is fantastic, but I am always troubled by the scene with the Asian guy in the restaurant. While it is uncomfortably funny, it has nothing to do with the plot and seems a throw away stereotype nerdy Asian engineer shot. Not the stuff of perfection.

My candidates - and I fully expect someone to find their imperfections -

The Godfather
The Searchers
The Apartment
The Seven Samurai
Blue
Matewan
Hana Bi



See how I'm not hitting him, I think I've grown!

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