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| The Star-Child into which Dr. Bowman is transformed, looking at Earth. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
The films that I'll be listing in my April postings will not necessarily be films that I'd call my favorite films, but they will be favorites in the genres I'll be naming. The A to Z genres are very specific micro genres as opposed to the broader genres like action, romance, or comedy.
Another one of my favorite film sub-genres is the open ended movie. This is the head scratcher "what-was-that?" film that either leaves the viewer frustrated or gets them discussing and pondering the film long after they've seen it. The ending may be considered to be ambiguous, confusing, or not an ending at all. Many people don't like this movie genre because they want a clear cut and dried ending. If a movie sticks in my head and makes me start wondering what it all meant then I'm kind of pleased.
Here are some of my favorites in the Open-ended genre:
Here are some of my favorites in the Open-ended genre:
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) -- With one of the trippiest endings of any movie, this film is greatness throughout. Breathtaking visuals culminate in a spaced-out enigma. Whoa, heavy man! That was far out!
The Tenant (1976) --This psychological thriller by Roman Polanski is not all that difficult to figure out, but it's a bit of a mind-bender. Very weird and creepy.
Limbo (1999) -- I saw this one in a theater and at the end I heard people cursing they were so angry about the ending. I, on the other hand, thought about it for days. How did it end? Eventually I realized the brilliance of the ending in what my interpretation was. It's a well-acted ensemble piece by talented writer-director John Sayles. I think this is an excellent work of film art with one of my favorite movie endings.
A Serious Man (2009) -- This Oscar nominated film by the Coen Brothers is a thoughtful excursion into weirdness. There are some contemplative issues addressed in the film. It has one of those "okay" endings, and by that I mean you stroke your chin and say "Ooo-kaaay, now what does this mean?". I like the image at the end of the movie.
Take Shelter (2011) -- This is one of those films that taken as a whole could have more than one interpretation. The question of the film is was the story what we thought it was during the movie or does the ending make it a different story? I suppose the interpretation is what you want it to be so you'll have to watch it to make your own decision.
Life of Pi (2012)-- This is a film of breath-taking beauty. Most of you have probably seen this already. If you haven't, you should. Like the previously mentioned film there is more than one way to interpret this film and that is the crux of the meaning of the story itself. In the end, the viewer is left to decide. This is a very fine film.
Which of these have you seen? Can you think of some open-ended films that are your favorites? Do you like a film with a puzzling ending or do you prefer a clear ending?
Which of these have you seen? Can you think of some open-ended films that are your favorites? Do you like a film with a puzzling ending or do you prefer a clear ending?
