This weeks nonsense is a bit different. Not my normal rant or kooky fun stories, but I had been asked by a friend about films I thought everyone should see. So look. I know everyone and their momma has a list of must see films. Great. Good for you. This is mine. Now you may agree or not and that’s fine, but like I said, this is just my list.

Why oh Producedby must we see them?

Simple. These are films that anyone who wants to have a real career in the industry can learn from. Storytelling. Structure. Characters and plot. Taking people on a journey worth going on. All of these are important and they matter. So if you are still here. These are the films I think everyone should see, but for sure anyone (see how cool it is that I used everyone and anyone in the same sentence) who think they have a future in film. I don’t give a rats cheesy arse if you hate anything on the list. Look beyond the actor you hate, or the story you never bought into and watch these for the brilliant little education they are. Now just say thank you and STFU.

Ok, the list.

1. Lawrence of Arabia- Every frame of this film a perfect photograph. Every moment in this story meant to bring you on a journey. This is why the world masterpiece was invented. If you have never seen it, please do. This is what every filmmaker should strive to do once in their life.

2. To Kill a Mockingbird - All I can say is less is more. A simple story told with characters as real as you and I. Yeah, I know its on every fucking list in the known universe, but honestly, this is what defines a classic. A story that has real human drama. Characters we can understand, and a hero, Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck) whom is going against the grain by doing the right thing. I think everyone should set the bar this high. Its just perfect. If you have not seen it, please, treat yourself to this.

3. Brick - A modern Film Noir. Its clever, but strong and it has a real story. Something lacking in a lot of films today. Top notch performances, I mean really top notch. I can say this, Joseph Gordon-Levitt owns this film. This kid really knows his craft and helps take us on the road less traveled. I bought into every second of this film. Its pure craftsmanship. Ya just gotta see it.

4. Night Of The Generals - Ok, this is one of those films I cant explain without giving up the twists. I will say its one of the most well crafted “war” films that’s not a war film, but a murder mystery. Look, Omar Sharif is a SS officer during WWII who is investigating a serial killer. This is a brilliant film that we just haven’t seen anything like it since. Nothing cheesy, this is solid story. Did I mention Omar Sharif as an SS officer working a serial murder during WWII? Yeah, he knows one thing. All of his suspects are German Generals. 5 of them. Just wow on this one.

5. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang - Why this one? Easy. Shane Black wrote and directed it. Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr are the leads. It’s a modern film noir with that Shane Black twist. You wanna know how to create GREAT characters? See this film. You wanna know how to make dialogue sound natural, but clever? Nobody does it better than Shane Black.

That’s five for this week, the last five are for next week. I aint joking people. See these films.

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”

Jay knows what counts when it comes to good entertainment. Tell him "Thank you" for the free lesson. Archives

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