Which old film would you want to be part of? I have a small number – mainly classics. Read on!
I’m not talking about changing the plot or the outcome but being part of the society created.
Before you answer, I’ve concluded that mine are not the same as the ones I’d watch time and again. These include Shine, Ryan’s Daughter, The Matrix and The Piano Player and any of the Three Colours Kieslowski trilogy. I’m told I have a liking for ‘depressing and grim films’ that no one wants to watch with me. That seems be true.
Thinking about being part of a great film is about meeting the well-created characters in it, wanting to be friends with them, sit and share histories and perspective in the free moments when they’re not influencing the drama.
Without further ado here goes – in no particular order.
It’s a Wonderful Life. How a dead man saved a living one. Everyone’s so nice!
- The Philadelphia Story. ‘How the mighty have fallen’ (or risen in emotional intelligence.) It’s Ruth Hussey (Elizabeth Imbrie) I’d want to chat to, I think she could teach me a lot. How does she exercise patience and tolerance of Macaulay Connor’s heady infatuation with Tracy Lord?
- White Christmas. Unthreatening, well-meaning, co-operative people. Even the officer with a warrant for the girls’ arrest doesn’t get his way.
I Know Were I’m Going. Oh yes! One woman’s life plans changed by bad weather. Dame Wendy Hilller represents any one of us determined to see a thing through however silly that idea is.
- Loch Ness. Mythological monsters enticing clever people to risk it all and believe what they see. Hurt people, open to change. And little Isabel! I’d want to scramble about on the beach with her collecting pebbles and shells!
- I Know Were I’m Going. Oh yes! One woman’s life plans changed by bad weather. Dame Wendy Hilller represents any one of us determined to see a thing through however much of a bad idea it is.
- It’s a Wonderful Life. How a dead man saved a living one. Everyone’s so nice! From Violet (a little lost) to old Mr. Gower. And anyone with unkind plans (I’m thinking of the swimming pool scene) is scuppered.
- The Parent Trap (1961). Power to the children! Even with a manipulative woman hoping to get her way.
- Roman Holiday. Many later films have taken this as their inspiration – none have the same innocent charm. Acted modestly, the idea of the constraints a life of privilege has is depicted superbly here.
- On the Town. The colour and simple romance make me believe in its optimism. 24-hour shore leave, boys find girls, boy loses girl, boy is reunited with girl.
- Shrek – any one of them. OK it’s animation but again even the evil ones get their just deserts – and we all think that should happen in life. Vanity and power are successfully either swallowed or extinguished in a bubble. The ordinary recognise their flaws and accept the flaws of others. (Is this a pattern in what I like?)
- How to Murder you Wife. Hard to choose between this and The Great Race for Jack Lemmon’s shining performance. Maybe they can share the nomination.
Do any of these agree with yours?
Now, what to watch…