While I’m no true student of film, I watch a lot of movies. I read about them, about how they were made. As a still photographer, I look at how cinematographers use visual elements as part of the filmmaking process. As a writer, I look at how screenwriters employ words and create a rhythm of dialogue. Many films get multiple viewings to see what I missed previously. That’s not to say that I don’t just sit down and watch a movie to be entertained. I do that all the time. But really watching and studying the intricacies of a film is enjoyable to me. I’m also not a movie critic, and I’m not trying to compile a list of greatest films. These are not reviews, and some of the commentary includes spoilers. Some are classics and some are not. But they are the films that are my personal favorites, and I attempt to explain why they are on my list. I also have a section on my favorite filmmakers, and why I enjoy their works.
THE MOVIES
Like with my favorite music, my favorite movies cover a wide range, and don’t necessarily represent the all-time greats. But they do have particular meaning to me. I lean to sci-fi, comedies, smart thrillers, quirky art films, intelligent animation and even monster movies. That’s not to say there aren’t some classics on the list. I love movies from the “Golden Age.” I anticipate adding a few more recent movies to this group from a new crop of talented filmmakers.
