This Is Me--2024 A to Z Theme

My A to Z Themes in the past have covered a range of topics and for 2024 the theme is a personal retrospective that I call "I Coulda Been" which is in reference to my job and career arc over my lifetime. I'll be looking at all sorts of occupations that I have done or could have done. Maybe you've done some of these too!

Monday, October 5, 2015

Who Is the Star of Me? and Top 25 Favorite Movies



         I'm linking to this post as my participation in The Listing Hop hosted by Bish Denham.  Since I'd already put together this list someone had suggested that I should participate in the blog hop so here it is again for those who missed the list the first time around.

         Scroll down for my list of my top 25 favorite films.






  The Question of the Month is hosted by Michael G D'Agostino from A Life Examined.  The first Monday of each month I'll be answering a question posed by Michael prior to event day.  Click on the link to his blog for more participants.   

      Here is this month's question:

 “Who would play you in a movie of your life?” 

       This is not a good question to ask me.  For one thing I don't keep up with many newer actors and that's obviously the crop from which I'd have to pick unless we were talking about actors from all time.   Even then I'm not sure who I'd think would play me well because I can't remember their names.  

        Since my life has been neither particularly heroic, tragic, or even all that romantic, I'd probably want to see my life as a comedy.  But who to choose?   Damn, I'd make a lousy casting director.  

          I guess I'll just go with that guy--you know, the funny guy who was in that funny movie--what was it called?   Aw, you know.   The funny movie with that uproariously funny actor what's-his-name.   Maybe I'll think of it later.   Or maybe you can tell me.

          Bad answer I suppose, but it's the best I've got.



One of the twin movie theaters at Casino Theat...
One of the twin movie theaters at Casino Theatre Entertainment Center, Mount Pocono, Pa. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 25 FAVORITE MOVIES EVER MADE?

      This question was asked at Stephen T McCarthy's blog and since we're on the subject of movies I thought that this would be a good time for me to post my list.  You too can join in with your own list by linking your post to Stephen's blog or by answering in the comment section of his post on the topic.

        Here are the rules in part:
Top 25 lists should be in TWO PARTSThe Top Ten, and The Next Fifteen. You don't need to order them as #1, #2, #3, etc. You can alphabetize them if you want (that's helpful), or you can just list them in any random order, so long as we can tell the Top Ten from The Next Fifteen (because 'Top 10' movies will receive 3 points, while 'The Next Fifteen' movies - in your Top 25 list - will receive 2 points).
And, according to our old rules, a person can list singly a movie from a series, or they can take the ENTIRE SERIES and list it in one spot. 


       For more details, again, visit Stephen T McCarthy's blog to get the complete story on this.  I'll be listing my films in no particular order other than what comes to my mind first.  This was more difficult than I expected.   My list today might vary next time I'd think about it, but this is a good overview of some films I tend to have enjoyed over the years and still enjoy watching.  Some of my listed films will be unlikely to show up on the bigger list of the generally most favorite films, but I've been told I have some odd taste in films.  That's okay because I know that I'm right.  My choices are all quality films.  For more information about each film in my list you can click on the title.

My Top Ten


Fellini's Roma (1972)--There is so much to this film and I find it to be a visual delight as well as an interesting social and historical commentary.   Since there is not much in the way of story or strict continuity to this film, I can watch it all in one sitting or just specific parts and always enjoy it.

Apocalypse Now (1979) --Not necessarily the best war movie ever made, but probably the best war allegory.   Those who dismiss the film as being "unrealistic" are missing the point I think.

The Wizard of Oz  (1939)--I've been enjoying this since I was a kid.  Some things never get old.

Night of the Living Dead (1968)--This is one of the eeriest scariest films I've seen.  A masterpiece of film making minimalism.   George Romero proved that you don't need a massive budget, big stars, and extreme effects to create a film with lasting impact.



Kiss Me Deadly (1955)--One of the best film noir films ever.  I've gotta have at least one film noir on this list and I can't think of one I like much more than this one.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966)--A wonderful surrealistic western with so much going on that it seems like three movies.   I guess that's why it has three titles.



Mulholland Drive  (2001)--It's weird and I like weird.

The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961)--An interesting film that might be more relevant now than when it was released.  One of those what-if films that might make you think a bit.  Also, more evidence that big effects and CGI don't necessarily make a great film.  A good film maker can do a lot with a small budget.

On the Beach (1959)--This one scared me when I was a kid, but also fascinated me to the extent that I never forgot it.  Now that I have the DVD I watch this at least once a year.  An outstanding film that has a lot of impact.  I get chills whenever I even just think of the closing scene of this film.


Intolerance (1916)--For a film made nearly 100 years ago this is pretty darn amazing.  I'll put this up against just about any film made in the past 10 or 20 years.  Yes, it's silent so that will be a turn off for a good many people.  Those with the patience and aesthetic appreciation of great film art will be rewarded by managing to hang in for over three hours to see this film through to its conclusion.





Next Fifteen 
(most of these could easily be fitted into my top 10)


8 1/2 (1963)--A great film about writing, film making, relationships, and inspiration.  It has all the elements that most modern movie goers hate--black and white, foreign language with subtitles, little in the way of action, puzzling story line at times, and so on.  This film stirs my emotions.  It does require some intellectual investment for those who are willing to spare the time and effort.

The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957)--A favorite since my childhood.  Now I see it in a much different more spiritual way and like it even better as an adult.  Yeah, black and white, low budget, limited special effects--modern audiences might want more, but for me this film is just about perfect as it is.

Evita (1996)--I am a big fan of musicals.  I enjoy the music in this one and I thought Madonna did an excellent job in the lead role.  It's a gorgeous cinematic experience.

Ed Wood (1994)--Fun and optimistic.  When you think of it, director Tim Burton achieved a rather incredible feat with this film:  He made us love and admire one of filmdom's greatest losers.



Dames (1934)--Since I tend to watch Busby Berkeley films repeatedly, I have to include one on my list and this is among his best. 

North By Northwest (1959)--A film by Hitchcock has to be on my list.  This one is among my favorites.

The Gay Divorcee (1934)--Fred Astaire is one of my all time favorites so it stands to reason that one of his films has to be on my list.  This film is a lot of fun.   "The Continental" dance number is a tour-de-force that makes this film of special appeal to me.

Never Give a Sucker an Even Break (1941)--W.C. Fields was one of comedy's geniuses and this film is proof of that.  This movie is as outlandish as they come as well as being surrealistically absurd.  Watching this film makes me think that this is where Fellini must have gotten inspiration for some of his films.  The car chase near the end is madcap fun.



Gladiator  (2000)--Epic film making in the 21st century.   Rousing entertainment in the old fashioned tradition.

The Ten Commandments   (1956)--I love the Biblical epic films, especially those of the 1950's. This is one of the best of them.

The Matrix Trilogy  (1999 & 2003)--Thoughtful science fiction.   Always worth revisiting for me.

Knowing (2009)--This one's a real guilty pleasure for me.  I'm a Nick Cage fan and I'm fascinated by apocalyptic films. This is among my favorites in the genre.  Besides my 2009 review on Amazon for this film spawned a conversation thread that has continued for six years now.


Mad Max Trilogy (1979, 1981, 1985)--The newest "Mad Max" movie was a disappointment for me.  It just goes to show that excess in film making does not necessarily make for better films.  The original trilogy is the best.  Filled with action, but allowing for decent character development and good story telling, these are films I watch with more frequency that the average film I've seen.



Pulp Fiction (1994)--Inspired in part by the film Kiss Me Deadly (see my top ten), Pulp Fiction provides a unique story telling film experience.  If it's on TV, I stop to watch.  Otherwise, I've got the DVD and the video so I can watch it whenever I want.

It's a Wonderful Life    (1946) --A Christmas tradition that never fails to bring me a smile and perhaps a tear.  A reaffirmation that even when things seem to be going to the crapper, ultimately life can be wonderful.

       So how about you?  Who would play you in a movie about your life?   Do any of your favorite films agree with those on my list?   Is there any such thing as a Federico Fellini fan in this blogging crowd?

         


109 comments:

  1. Pulp Fiction is one of my favorite movies. There are some quotes in there I just love to say…even though they are just terribly wrong to say. Some of my favorite movies that come to mind real quick: Shaun of the Dead, Snatch, Breakfast Club, Christmas Story

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    1. Elsie, Pulp Fiction is a quotable film for sure, but Tarantino is like this--he references so many older films and pop trends in his movies. Of your list I've only seen Christmas Story which I've see innumerable times--it almost made my list.

      Lee

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    2. Ack! I need to get out more! I've only seen 5 or 6 of these! Great idea for a list!!!

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  2. I thought the latest Mad Max the best of the lot by far.
    The Gay Divorcee - sadly, that title would have such a different meaning now.
    And I thought I had a hard time selecting someone to play me.

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    1. Alex, the recent Mad Max was impressive in many ways, but for me it suffered from excess.
      The revised meaning of the word "gay" has sadly twisted this movie title as well as others and messed up some really cool song lyrics. Modern audiences get a different inference when they hear "gay" and it's only supposed to mean happy and carefree. But I think that was done purposefully.

      Lee

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    2. Not cheating at all, but respect for my guest poster and expediency in sharing a list to a potentially wider audience.

      Lee

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  3. Mad Max films are great, the first matrix was awesome, other two were meh to me. Maybe they needed more of that funny guy in a funny film about funny things being funny?

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    1. Pat, the "funny guy" can a lot to a film even if the film is not supposed to be all that funny.

      Lee

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  4. Of your list I think only Wizard of Oz makes mine. I used to watch the Ten Commandments every Easter but I really only liked the part when Moses parts the Red Sea. That was a pretty cool special effect for the mid 50s. Not sure who'd play me in a movie. Natasha Lyonne came to mind first, only cause I think she could pull off both my punk rock and Deadhead days.

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    1. JoJo, I would find it difficult to believe that anyone wouldn't like Wizard of Oz. I'm not sure who Natasha Lyonne is but that's partly what I was talking about in my post. I just don't keep up with the players in films that much.

      Lee

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  5. I saw the Incredible Shrinking Man when I was 8 or 9 and it gave me nightmares, particularly when he's fighting the spider with a pin as a sword and me (back then) terrified of spiders. I thought if I got caught in a fog I'd start the shrink. When he was living in the dollhouse and the cat stalked him. Everything about that movie left a lasting impression and to this day I don't like horror movies.

    I didn't select anyone to play me either. :)

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    1. Bish, Incredible Shrinking Man really is a great film. I can see where it might scare the wits out of an 8 or 9 year old kid, but I don't consider it to be much of a "horror film".

      Like me, I guess you need a casting director to find the right actor to play you.

      Lee

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  6. Gladiator would definitely make my list, and possibly The Matrix (first one).

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    1. Tamara, I agree that the first of the Matrix series is the best, but I do like watching the entire series for greater context.

      Lee

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  7. There are so many hard parts to these questions! For instance, I am 63 - so do I find someone who could play my 63 yr. old self and others to play the younger me? For my 63 yr. old self - definitely Lily Tomlin. Or Diane Keaton. Or Ellen DeGeneres. For the younger me? Hmmm... another Ellen - Ellen Page. Or Emma Stone. After that, I'm out of ideas.
    As to fave movies - Women In Love, Gosford Park, Five Easy Pieces, War of the Buttons, Annie Hall, The Wizard of Oz, The Big Chill, Margaret's Museum, Juno. I could go on but really - it is so personal, isn't it? Glad we both love The Wizard of Oz - I think it is the meta-story.

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    1. Jan, Wizard of Oz has become an essential part of the American psyche. I think there is something in that film that touches all of us and so many of us grew up with the film.

      Lee

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  8. I prefer old movies and have watched tons of them, but some of the ones you listed I haven’t watched. And will. Mad Max is one of my favorites. I love the first one especially.

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    1. Teresa, there is something special about the older films. New ones have amazing effects, but often I think the effects get in the way of the story. That was my reaction to the newest Mad Max movie. The first two Mad Max films developed character more and took more care in the actual telling of stories.

      Lee

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  9. I like the original Mad Max though I don't know if it would make my favorites. I would definitely include The Good, the Bad and the Ugly if only for the musical score.

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    1. Susan GK, the music from GB&U is definitely iconic. Even people who haven't seen the film probably know the music.

      Lee

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  10. Lee, I love the Ten Commandments. Also, The Wizard of Oz. I mean, who couldn't love that movie? That's one time when I have to say the movie is better than the book. On my list, there would also have to be The Raiders of the Lost Ark, Rear Window (Alfred Hitchcock), Citizen Kane, Star Wars (any on the originals), Mad Max, It's a Wonderful Life, Shawshank Redemption, and any Godfather movie. LOVE THEM. I would love to watch Intolerance. I think our lists are similar in a lot of ways. I see you're a Hitchcock fan too. :-) And you have to add the movie Rocky because of the music.

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    1. Robyn, I could have filled the list with Hitchcock films--I've liked all of his films that I've seen so far and that's quite a few.

      It's a travesty I know, but I've never seen any of the Godfather series. I keep meaning to, but still haven't.

      Lee

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  11. Hi, Lee! A girl I dated in the late 60s following the release of the hit movie The Graduate informed me that I look and sound like Dustin Hoffman. She even nicknamed me "Dusty." Therefore, I'll go with Dustin Hoffman in the role of me.

    Several of your top movie picks match mine. I was living in York when Night of the Living Dead was released. I took my girlfriend to see it at a drive-in theater. It spooked me so badly that I kept checking my rear view mirror to make sure no flesh eaters were creeping up from behind. In the 80s I bought (and still own) the book The Zombies That Ate Pittsburgh: The Films of George A. Romero. Mulholland Dr and other David Lynch films are high on my list as are many other Naomi Watts films. N by NW is my favorite Hitchcock movie, eclipsing Psycho, The Birds and all his other classics.

    Thanks, Lee!

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    1. Shady, sounds like we both have pretty good taste. I also first saw Night of the Living Dead at a drive-in theater. I was very creeped out driving home that night. That film still haunts me.

      Lee

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  12. I recently bought The Incredible Shrinking Man but still have not seen it nor have I seen Intolerance which is on my list. Oh I am going to do this list as well. I made a rough draft already but so much more could be added. Who couldn't love The Ten Commandments and some of the campy language especially when Anne Baxter is talking to Charlton Heston. Love North by Northwest. Gladiator is superb! Glad you have love for the musicals as well. As for who would portray me in a movie...no clue!

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    1. Birgit, I look forward to seeing your list. Sounds like you and I are on the same page filmwise.

      Lee

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  13. Hi Lee - I'd join you in the awr-argh-awr as to who'd play me .. years ago perhaps Audrey Hepburn. But you'd need a juggling whizz-kid who'd beguile the kids ... lots happened in your life.

    The lists and the movies ... I see so many avant garde films- we have an outstanding film society here ... the chap who selects is excellent and so knowledgeable - we're very lucky. I do see some main stream movies .. but not many ...

    Cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary, I enjoy many of the mainstream movies, but they haven't reach my classic status yet.

      Lee

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  14. Lol that's cheating!!! You were supposed to pick an actor. ;)

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    1. Jax, and I asked you for help! Who would make a good me?

      Lee

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  15. The Wizard of Oz, Matrix trilogy, Titanic, and Avatar would be on my list. :)

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    1. Chrys, I need to watch Avatar again as I didn't care much for it the first time I saw it.

      Lee

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  16. While you may not have been all those things you mentioned, you've certainly had a fascinating life! Therefore, I nominate you for the role of the omnipotent and worldly Wizard in Wizard of Oz! To this day I still watch that movie whenever it is on TV and those dang flying monkeys still scare me half to death! :-)
    I've seen every western Eastwood ever did - more than once!

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    1. Diedre, actually I did play the Wizard on a few tours of the World of Fantasy Players' version of "Wizard of Oz". It was a fun show.

      Lee

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  17. I know who should play you!
    But, um, I can't remember his name, either.

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    1. Andrew, yeah, that darn guy whoever he is. You seem to have a similar lack of star recognition problem that I have.

      Lee

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  18. My life is not movie worthy - thank goodness! :)
    I don't know quite a few on your list, but I enjoy the ones I have seen!

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    1. Jemi, any life is movie quality if it has the right screenwriter and director.

      Lee

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  19. This was interesting reading, and you have a couple on your list I've never seen, so will add to my must-watch list. North by Northwest is definitely in my top ten!

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    1. Joyce, some people will think I've got some weird ones listed, but I think I have pretty good taste. Click on the titles for more info on the films to see if it sounds like your taste.

      Lee

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  20. My hubs thinks Diane Lane should play me in the movie version of my life, because he thinks we're similar in look and manner. I'm okay with that : )

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    1. Joyce, nothing wrong with Diane Lane as far as I can remember. I've seen her in some films and liked her.

      Lee

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  21. I've never heard of the majority of your flicks picked. Night of the Living Dead is great and so are the Mad Max movies (even the new one - I rather liked it). I don't think I could list that many films I like. It changes too much as I watch too many. The bad thing about Netflix haha

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    1. Madilyn, my list would likely changed too but probably not from seeing new movies.

      Lee

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  22. I'm not very movie-conversant, but I would have listed a good handful of the ones you listed on any list I made... and there is a smaller handful of yours I wouldn't mind getting around to watching. But I'm always telling myself I don't have the patience to sit through a whole film- especially the last couple of years.

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    1. CW, I don't mind watching at least a few movies each week. Heck, I could probably watch 2 or 3 each day, but then I wouldn't get much of anything done.

      Lee

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  23. Wow, when I saw the challenge I didn't think I could think of that many films, but then I saw your list and realized I'd seen most of them. Would have to give this some thought!

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    1. Yolanda, you ought to compile your own list. I didn't think I'd come up with enough good ones and then I ended up leaving off a lot that could have made my list.

      Lee

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  24. I'll vote Robin Williams to play you. Oh wait; he's dead!

    Many of these would be on my list too. Cool how awesome some of those old black and white movies are. Night of the Living Dead was one of the first that really scared me.

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    1. Dolorah, Robin Williams might have been a possibility. Sad that he's gone.

      I love black and white films old and new. People who won't watch them have missed out on some great ones.

      Lee

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  25. I am going to go with Fellini's Juliet of the Spirits.... just based on the wild vision it was. But ultimately, I love the journey of the woman from her mundane life to independence. So yes, there are Fellini fans in the blogging community. :)
    But I also agree with Gladiator -- it was just a powerful movie. Story. Character. Performance. Music - just everything in that film worked.
    Definitely Matrix movies because their innovation is still incredible to this day. Also, Keanu. *sigh*
    And it isn't Christmas until I watch It's A Wonderful Life.
    The only movie I will add is a Chaplin: City Lights. Fabulous. Romantic. Just.... gah!
    I would love to have Marion Cottilard play me -- but that's probably a reach. LOL

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    1. Rory, glad to hear from another Fellini fan. Somewhere I have a video copy of Juliet of the Spirits. Haven't seen it in a very long time so I'm due to watch it again.

      Not familiar with Marion Cottilard, but that's what I'm saying about my knowledge of actors.

      Lee

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  26. I haven't seen Intolerance, but I've seen Grffiths' prior film The Birth of a Nation. It's my one of my very few experiences with old cinema - the others being A Trip to the Moon, The Great Train Robbery and most of La Dolce Vita.

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    1. Michael, I've got Birth of a Nation on DVD and have watched it several times. It does come across as racist in many ways, but it also makes some good points and was very well done for its time. It's a great film.

      La Dolce Vita is a wonderful film though not my favorite by Fellini.

      Lee

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    2. Oh yeah definitely racist, but still a great piece of art. What other movies has Fellini done?

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    3. Besides the Fellini films on my list he has done many others having made films from I think the 1940's to the 90's. There's a bunch of them.

      Lee

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  27. What an incredible list. I need to save this. I'd love to watch some of your faves from early Hollywood, when storytelling sold the show, not just special effects. How would one get a hold of that movie from 1916?
    Play off the Page

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    1. Mary, Intolerance as well as other D.W. Griffith films are widely available in DVD and Blu-Ray editions. It's also available from Netflix as well as many other sources including possibly your local library. Also it has been shown on TCM and will undoubtedly be appearing there in the future.

      The film shouldn't be too difficult to find. If you have the patience for silent films it is fascinating to watch.

      Lee

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  28. Some great movies here. The Wizard of Oz always frightened me. To this day, I've never watched it all the way through to the end. I have probably seen all of it in bits and pieces, however.

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    1. Carol. I used to watch Oz every year when it was shown on TV. After it came out on video I watched it with my kids a number of times. My oldest daughter and my niece used to watch it every day for quite some time and act it out on their own. You must watch it from beginning to end someday. It's far less scary than many films of recent decades.

      Lee

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  29. How about if an actor from one of your favorite movies plays you?

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Janie, too bad most of them are dead or too old. I've got a lot of older movies on my list.

      Lee

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  30. Yeah, you definitely picked the easy way out on choosing someone to play you. Wish I'd done that. I like your movie list. There's only three I haven't seen.

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    1. Toinette, I'm impressed that you've seen all but 3 on my list! That's probably far more than most people.

      Lee

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  31. Lee, you have some good ones listed. Some of my favorites you've listed are The Wizard of Oz and It's A Wonderful Life would be two of my all-time favorites. I have seen North By Northwest and that's really a good flick. I may try to do this challenge. In fact, I started compiling my list. If I manage to get it pulled together then I'll definitely link up with Stephen, but if not then I'll certainly give both you guy credit for the fun. :D Have an awesome weekend!

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    1. Cathy, I hope you do join in with us. The more responses received means a more rounded list.

      Lee

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  32. I think the actor you were thinking of is Jim Carrey. Is that the one? I have no idea who I'd choose to play me in a film. I'm not very photogenic and certainly not good looking, so it would have to be some B-list actor who's only been in one or two films. Like you, I don't think I could even put a name to whom it might be.

    As for your lists, I think only one of those I've actually seen and enjoyed. Yes, I don't get out much, or in (to see netflix) perhaps I should put together my favourite lists. But I'm sure it'll be mostly sci fi and/or comedies.

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    1. Jeffrey, hope you do put together a film list. I'm surprised though that you've only seen one of the films on my list. Or is it that you've seen more of them and didn't enjoy them? I'll be interested to see what films you name.

      Jim Carrey is a good actor. I wasn't thinking of him, but I'd be flattered to have him play me.

      Lee

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    2. You are right, I have seen more than one of these films. I wasn't clear on my answer. I meant only one of the films have I seen AND enjoyed. In total, I counted 8 films I have actually seen, but wouldn't put them all in my list. Yes, I'm going to compile my list soon.

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    3. I thought that's what you were saying, but I didn't want to believe it. So now I'm wondering which 8 you've seen and which 1 you enjoyed.

      I look forward to reading your list.

      Lee

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  33. LEE, I'm late but... I'm here.

    First of all, thanks so much for submitting a list for inclusion in the third installment of my 25 FAVORITE MOVIES project. I appreciate you taking the time to think about this and putting a list together. I will make sure you see the final outcome... whenever that occurs. (Maybe the end of November-ish.)

    I've seen most of the movies on your list. A few of them I couldn't actually get all the way through, but some of them I really dig big-time.

    'The Wizard Of Oz' is truly a Classic, loved by folks across all generations and always does well in the "Collective Rating" of our project. I've seen it many, Many, MANY times (even own the DVD). Although it's never made my own TOP 25 list, it's one of the movies I've most often quoted from. (Ever seen me refer to "The wizards behind the curtain"? Ha! Yeah, I thought so.)

    I totally love the fact that you included a W.C. Fields movie on your list. W.C. is one of my heroes and I dig just about every one of his movies I've ever seen - and I've seen damn-near all of 'em.

    My Pa's TOP 25 MOVIES list includes a W.C. Fields movie, but it's 'THE BANK DICK', and he had it in his Top Ten.

    There is so much of my Pa in me. The older I got, the more I started to realize how much I was like my Pa, especially when it came to sense o' humor... and that includes our love of W.C. (and the crazy names he gave to the characters in his movies), our love of Roger Miller (who was truly the W.C. Fields of Country music!)

    Your list and mine has one movie in common:
    'IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE'
    Although it's not necessarily #1 on my list (definitely Top 10), I do think it's probably the greatest movie ever made (just the story structure alone is in-friggin'-credible!) and that film has always scored in the uppermost region of the uppermost region of our collective list. As dumb as most Americans be, they can still recognize a genuine, 100%, A-list "Classic" when they see it.

    Thanks again for submitting a list. Your contribution will be absolutely included in the final outcome.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    1. STMcC, I'm always a sucker for movie lists! Enjoyed doing the post.

      Lee

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    2. Ha! Me too. In fact, I'm a sucker for lists in general. I have never in my life been a smoker, but someone could ask me for a list of my favorite cigarettes and I'd come up with one:

      KOOL - Because I like the aqua color of the lettering.
      MARLBORO - Because I like cowboys.
      CAMEL - Because that's the brand John Milner smoked.
      etc., etc., etc...

      ~ D-FensDogG

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  34. I think that Steve Martin should play you. I think he looks a bit like you, he is funny, and I even think he can juggle. Musical, too.

    I'll suggest that Bradley Cooper play me, Jennifer Lawrence play FAE, and Clint Eastwood play McCarthy.

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    1. SB6, that's quite a line-up of quality actors. Steve Martin came to my mind as well mainly because he can juggle, but he is a bit old to play my younger self which would be the more interesting part of the story. I can always play the old me myself.

      But yes, Steve Martin is a good choice as well as one of my favorite actors.

      Lee

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    2. The Steve Martin suggestion was real, but the rest was just to be funny. Cooper and Lawrence were picked because they are so attractive and popular. Eastwood was picked because StMcC HATES him. HA!

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    3. Attractive and popular is good for box office draw. An actor that STMcC hates is good for contentious fun.

      Lee

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  35. Absolutely LOVE It's a Wonderful World. Watch it every Christmas and cry buckets. Most of your other faves would be on my Like list, not on my fave list. Mad Max Trilogy would make it on a long list. :)

    Shah X

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    1. Shah, I'm seeing a wide range of tastes on everyone's lists.

      Lee

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  36. Wow, Lee—what a list! You covered some of my own favorites (Oz, Roma—or anything by Fellini, really... Apocalypse Now, Hitchcock), and added several I've never seen. Intolerance sounds right up my alley; I will look for it. Thanks for all these introductions (and some reminders, too)!

    As to who should play you... Yeah, maybe Steve Martin? I'm really bad at stuff like this. I'd die of hunger and exposure as a casting director :D Best of all, I think, is that you should play yourself. No one could do it better :)
    Guilie @ Quiet Laughter

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    1. Guilie, I'm so glad to find another Fellini fan. So many people can't take his work. You've obviously got very good taste.

      If I played myself I'd need a lot of make up to make me look like I did in my younger days. I'd better soon fired if ever hired to be a casting director unless it was for a Fellini type film.

      Lee

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  37. It took me until North By Northwest to find a film on your list that I've seen. And I consider myself a movie fan. :)

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    1. MJ, I'm surprised you haven't seen at least Wizard of Oz or Apocalypse Now since those are pretty high profile films. You need to check out a few of the ones you don't know just to see what you think.

      Lee

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  38. I have no idea who'd play me, since I'm so out of the loop regarding modern moviestars. I'm familiar with some of the big names, but not their films, and couldn't even recognize most of them.

    The Wizard of Oz is such a magical film, one of those truly timeless, ageless classics that feels fresh and delightful in every generation, no matter how old you are. It definitely would be interesting to see how different the film might've been had they cast Shirley Temple as Dorothy and not just initially considered her.

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    1. Carrie-Anne, I have little knowledge or interest in the who's who scene of celebrities.

      A Wizard of Oz with Shirley Temple would definitely been interesting. Being younger than Judy Garland might have made the film more cutesy and maybe not as effective. I don't think Temple could have sang the songs as well as Garland did.

      Lee

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  39. Lee, I started this last week with my Tuesday post and hoped to continue this week, but I'm running short of time. I did manage as you know to link up with The Listing Hop with a different list from this one. Yours is very good. Some titles I know and others I don't, so that means you gave me some great new movie watching ideas. Have a spooktacular week!

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    1. Cathy, there are some films on my list that I've seen mentioned on others while other films are unique to my list from what I've seen so far.

      Lee

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  40. I forgot all about Pulp Fiction! Definitely a favorite. I might have to watch Knowing based on your description.

    Yvonne

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    1. Yvonne, Knowing is kind of divisive. Some people despise it while others love it. I think the spiritual message has something to do with that.

      Lee

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  41. Great list of movies, I've seen most of them, hate The Night of the Living Dead, but love The Phantom of the Opera, the musical. Did not see it on your list.
    Who would play me? The Grouch! LOL

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    1. Yolanda, blasphemy! Night of the Living Dead (the original black and white version) is a classic!

      I have not seen the film or stage version of Phantom, the musical, but I have the soundtrack on CD. I guess I should see it.

      Lee

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  42. Winona Ryder would play me in a movie of my life. Though I only say that because of how many people have told me I look like her. There are several movies on your list I've never seen, but overall a lot of movies I agree with.

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    1. Shannon, Winona has been in some good movies if my memory serves me correctly. I couldn't name any, but I know I've seen some.

      Lee

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  43. Wow! There's a lot of rich variety in your list! I love that. :)

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    1. Tyrean, I wanted to keep variety in the list which is why I tried to avoid making an all Fred Astaire or Alfred Hitchcock list or something like that which would have been easy for me to do.

      Lee

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  44. Metropolis is for me what Roma is for you. I think I might like Crimson Peak for the visuals alone.

    This Island Earth I liked better than The Day the Earth Caught Fire. On the Beach & North BY Northwest was always one of my favorite Hitchcock's, along with REAR WINDOW. :-) Thanks for visiting my own list and commenting.

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    1. Roland, I'm not familiar with Crimson Peak, but for me visuals are important--after all film is mostly a visual medium.
      I'll have to check out This Island Earth as I'm not sure that I've seen it.

      Lee

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  45. Interesting list, we actually agree on a few, but one thing we have in common is a love of the d B & W stuff.

    Glad I took the time to scan the comments because I'm both flattered and rolling on the floor with laughter at Shenoygan Boy 6's comment.

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    1. FAE, there is an ethereal dream quality to B&W which evokes memory and mind for me. I hope there will always be film makers who use B&W as I think it is an important means of expression that cannot be equally matched by color films. But I do like color films as well.

      Lee

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  46. Why are so many participants listing films? I though we're writers... Joking. I totally get it.

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    1. Katharina, Do most writers read? Actually I guess a good many of us who did the films were contributing also to Stephen T McCarthy's favorite film survey. Also I think many of us resort of the blogging philosophy of "when in doubt what to write about, write about movies."

      Lee

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  47. Riveting top 25 you've got here. I watched North by Northwest recently in blu ray and it blew my socks off. So many great hooks, twists and turns kept me tuned in to the end.

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    1. Spaceguy, Hitchcock at his finest and there are at least 10 other Hitchcock films tied with this one. North by Northwest is a visual feast.

      Lee

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  48. I would have a hard time picking my top 10/25 movies...maybe if I made a top 10 for each genre, lol. The first Matrix movie would probably make my overall top 10 and The Wizard of Oz would be in the top 25.

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    1. Elizabeth, I can't see why anyone wouldn't like The Wizard of Oz. It's got so much going for it for young and old.

      Lee

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  49. Such a fabulous list, Arlee! I haven't seen some of these and I am saving this list. I adore musicals too. Oh, I feel quite stoked! :)

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    1. Vidya, thank you and I hope you enjoy any of these that you watch.

      Lee

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