I honestly don't think I could sit through *The English Patient*, *Gandhi*, *Out of Africa*, *Redline*, *The Color Purple*, or *Patton* again right now—not without feeling a bit overwhelmed by the heavy lifting.
There was a time when television actually showcased true European masterpieces, but those days seem long gone. It’s honestly nauseating to see what passes for "top-tier" cinema these days. Most people, especially the younger generation, seem completely oblivious to actual artistry. When I look at an IMDb list and see nothing but junk like Harry Potter, The Matrix, X-Men, Batman, or Iron Man sitting there with high ratings, it’s genuinely appalling. I find it difficult to wrap my head around how anyone could consider these glorified video game adaptations superior to the genuine classics. Roughly 90% of what airs on TV is absolute garbage. I assume they just cycle through them because they're cheap to license. Personally, I prefer downloading the real gems from the internet—the stuff you won't find anywhere else—and actually enjoying some quality.
It takes roughly ten seconds to wash up while just standing there under the shower.
The moment they step under the spray, they turn the water on without even checking if it’s actually warm; the pressure is always perfect, though.
There is simply no way someone could make a typo while typing on a computer.
In movies, nobody ever gets bored. No one just "kills" time by watching TV, scrolling through a forum, reading books, or hanging out with friends. There is always some dramatic event that breaks the routine or triggers a massive life turning point.
By watching films, I’ve seen places I will likely never visit in person. I’ve realized what people are truly capable of, seen how fashion changed through different eras, and learned about various customs and human traits—all while sitting right here in front of a screen.
I have been reflecting lately on what kind of horror film might actually manage to unsettle me. To be clear, nothing involving gore, dismemberment, or cheap jump scares will suffice; those tactics simply fail to move me. Someone once mentioned the importance of atmosphere, and I find myself in complete agreement. Without it, there is nothing—and that applies far beyond the horror genre. It is also vital that the terror feels plausible, something that could realistically happen to anyone in everyday life. As for a specific direction... well, I am undecided. Personally, I find the subtle suggestion of something sinister to be far more chilling than the act itself. Or perhaps it is when a single, minute detail unfolds entirely without warning.
I should probably mention that, in my opinion, they really ought to see:
La Strada Tristana A Man and a Woman Keep some tissues handy (French) Seven Beauties (Italian, starring Giancarlo Giannini) That Obscure Object of Desire (Luis Buñuel)
If you have such a penchant for European cinema, then these masterpieces are essentially mandatory viewing (among many others, of course; these happen to be my personal favorites as well)🙂
Cinema Paradiso (Italian) Closely Controlled Trains (Czech) Yol (Turkish) Umberto D (Italian) Breaking the Waves (Danish/international coproduction) Journey of Hope (another coproduction, though Swiss-led) Malen (Italian) The Return (Russian)...and so on.
There is an abundance of brilliant European films out there. Honestly, your best bet is to stick to the works of top-tier European directors; you can't really go wrong, even if there are occasional misses along the way.
Robert De Niro’s performance is truly staggering. A transformation so profound he becomes virtually unrecognizable.🙏 He packed on at least 45 pounds for the role. It is quite possibly the greatest piece of acting ever captured on film, which easily cements the movie as a masterpiece.
rapidorca22 said:I've been hunting this one down for years. It was my old man's favorite. Honestly, the book is top-tier, and having McMurphy—that loud, reckless rebel—as the lead felt like he was written specifically for Jack. While I was reading, his whole vibe just fit every single scene and stunt that "madman" pulls off perfectly... makes sense why the movie and the acting are considered legendary. Really want to give it another watch. 🙂
How can you be looking for it for years? 🤷
Regarding Jack, there really are very few actors who possess that essential dose of "madness" he brings to the table. It is no wonder his performance in this film was so masterful, especially since it's one of the few to sweep five major Oscars. Entirely deserved.