If I had a few words to generally describe myself with, ‘film geek’ comes to mind. Whether it’s a laugh-out-loud comedy, a juicy thriller or light hearted comedy drama, I’m there for it. Like any Netflix subscriber, I’ve watched a decent amount of films in my time. However, the films that have had the largest impact on my life have come from my dad. His favourite films have now become mine, and I’m eternally glad for having watched them. So, without any further ado…
Trainspotting (1996)
Dir: Danny Boyle
Surprisingly, this film isn’t about trains, nor does it reference the hobby of spotting them. Initially, I was sceptical when my dad turned to me and announced watching Boyle’s masterpiece would be the best thing I’d do that year. Why would I want to watch a film about four heroin addicted men and a psychopath stuck in the middle of Scotland in an area so dull, the characters actually brightened the place up a bit? Truthfully, I watched this film twice that day.
It was everything I hoped it would be and more, and since that rainy February afternoon two years ago, Trainspotting has stayed with me. It’s morally questionable, socially unacceptable and everything in between. It’s humourous in all the wrong ways, dastardly in pursuit of exposing the characters for everything they really are – relentless, driven and broken.
Trainspotting became my number one film that day, reinforcing the notion that no matter how bad things get, there’s always one thing you can choose. Life.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Dir: Quentin Tarantino
Again, another film recommended to me by my dad. Nice one, pops. Pulp Fiction had an effect on me the minute the credits started rolling at the end of the film. Why? Because it’s absolutely sodding brilliant. The film helped push my viewing boundaries. Presented in a non-chronological sequence, the film delves in and out of the lives of each character, highlighting their wrongdoings and mishaps.
What I love about this film is the presentation, the characters, and the theatrical nature. I’d never come across the neo-noir genre before, nor had I watched a film that devoted time to monologues, dance scenes or talk about foot massages. Since watching this film, I’ve only learned to appreciate it more.
It’s had a significant impact upon my life, enabling me to think more openly and want to watch more films of the same genre. Oh, and always remember – be cool, honeybunny.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1987)
Dir: John Hughes
If this film taught me anything, it is to simply live life, have fun and surround yourself with good people. A lesson that I believe everyone should be taught. I loved, and still do love, everything this film stands for. It presents us with a flavour of teenage life, the ups and downs of friendship, turbulent personal issues and above all, what it means to take a day off to go and have some fun.
A sucker for comedy, I was instantly captivated by this film. Quick wit, charm, and believable one-liners are what earns this film a place on my list.
I’ve told countless folk to watch this film, for obvious reasons. I believe we could all do with hearing the wise words of Ferris Bueller from time to time.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Dir: John Hughes
This is an example of a film I’d heard of long before I actually ended up watching it. One of those ‘I definitely need to watch this film, but I haven’t got round to it yet’. The day I watched it, something changed. It sounds awfully cliché, soppy even. I finished the film and had to sit back for a moment and replay everything I had just watched.
Again, an underlying message had been provided. Instead of ‘choose life’, it was to learn to spend more time being yourself than impressing others. We’re all different, unusual, weird and fantastic in our own ways. Why not embrace it? Hughes’ undeniably brilliant comedy makes this one of my favourite films, whilst delivering a solid life lesson. It’s also helped me through times in my life when I haven’t felt too shiny, or just needed a pick-me-up.
The exploration of friendship emotional stability has always struck a chord with me, making The Breakfast Club one of my favourite films of all time.
The Beach (2000)
Dir: Danny Boyle
Why does The Beach make its way onto this list? Other than getting to look at Leonardo DiCaprio for two hours, there are quite a few. I’m extremely partial to adventure films, and Boyle’s take on tropical island paradise is no exception.
Like many others, a gripping storyline mixed with stunning camera angles and landscapes is enough to have me on the edge of my seat. I also fell in love with the beauty of the location, Koh Phi Phi, Thailand. For me, The Beach opened my eyes to a genre of film I previously hadn’t give much thought to.
It has earned a place in my top five, due to its perfect balance of adventure and drama. Similar to the other films mentioned on this list, The Beach explores the meaning behind letting go, having fun and staying true to yourself; and if that means time spent with Leonardo DiCaprio…then it’s good enough for me.
Honourable Mentions: Withnail and I (1987), Goodfellas (1990) & Forrest Gump (1994)
Words by Paige Bradshaw