So we’ve started a blog. For those who are interested in following, you can expect ramblings about films we love, hate, and everything in between. However, we’d also like to introduce you to who we are–as fellow cinephiles–and there’s nothing better than a few classic Top 5 Films lists.
Mark’s Top 5 Films of All Time
Mark's No.1 Film - Easy Rider
1. Easy Rider – This film had a profound effect on me the first time I saw it, and has never gone away. Easy Rider was one of the first films I watched in a close analytical way and fell in love with the counter-culture issues it raised. It is a brilliant example of putting that rebellion on screen and has, in my opinion, the greatest soundtrack in cinema history.
2. The Exorcist – The greatest horror film of them all. As a Catholic myself, the subject matter instantly appealed. The battle between good and evil is almost as old as time itself, and no film deals with the extremities of this situation better.
3. Citizen Kane – Frequently finds itself on film lists across the world, and rightly so. An undeniable classic of Golden Era Hollywood. Orson Welles’ incredible achievement, at just 26, in directing, writing, producing and starring in this complex film is a feat that will likely never be matched.
4. The Godfather Part II – The stronger of The Godfather films, Part II is enriched by the dual story of young Vito’s rise to power as well as Michael’s current battle with his own demons. The sheer narrative depth allows for viewings over and over again.
5. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre – Tobe Hooper’s seminal horror classic is untouchable when it comes to pure, unreserved cinematic terror. A film to endure, rather than enjoy. A film had never been seen like it in 1974, and has not been seen since.
Jeggi’s Top 5 Films of All Time
Jeggi's Numero Uno- Two-Lane Blacktop
1. Two-Lane Blacktop – I remember showing this one to my car buddies back home and they were disappointed because it wasn’t the WHAM, BAM, VROOM, BOOM, car flick that they expected. Instead, it was an existential road film that explored machismo. the male obsession with power symbols, and commercialism more than any ad and ass infused Fast and Furious ever could.
2. A bout de souffle (Breathless) – Godard’s classic. I think I was most blown away by the fact that this guy (Jean Paul Belmondo) was a cop killer and didn’t care. I think this is one of the most romantic films of all time and it was set to such a grim reality for the protagonist. Although you were dragged in by the lovely chemistry between Jean Seberg and Belmondo, there was always that crime that he couldn’t quite escape. It’s really a tragic film. Despite this, Belmondo is cool and I’m in love with Seberg every time I watch this one.
3. Grand Prix – The opening scene in Monaco changed my life.
4. A Hard Day’s Night – The fact that my favourite band of all time made one of the best comedies of all time pretty much clinched this one for me. Obviously, the soundtrack is great but there are so many great moments from the film that you really could separate this one from The Beatles and still appreciate it for how good a film it is. Not grotty.
5. Annie Hall – I think I wouldn’t mind meeting a girl that I fall in love with, separate from, kill spiders in the wee hours of the morning for, and chase to Hollywood if she’s anything like Annie Hall. I think one of the most romantic moments in film history is Alvy bravely driving through Los Angeles–and failing–all for his love of Annie Hall. This is Woody Allen’s classic and it’s on my list because it’s truly that good.
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoy the blog. Feel free to join the conversation at any time and comment on our writing.
–Jeggi and Mark
Why Mr. Pink? 