Sleeping With The Movies: 8 Must-Watch Instead Of The Oscars
Certain movies are meant to be watched on repeat. Those we continually learn from, find a new aspect, or reanalyze and adjust the degree of connection with the characters. Or never tire of the particular entertainment that one film provides. Some are fun, others heartbreaking, while few remain the instigator of life’s nagging questions. Before we rest our heads down on our Casper pillows to forget or reanalyze the day, while we await another tomorrow, movies help us with our thoughts and consternations- sometimes inadvertently.
We at The BkDwn Magazine watch the following movies like lullabies.
Mon Oncle (1958)
The brilliance of Jacques Tati never fades. The architecture is charming, the fashion ultra mod, and Monsieur Hulot is the symbol of forgiveness. The next day brings a better appreciation for architecture… and one’s surroundings. Saying ‘sorry’ for every clueless bump will fade. Oncle won an Oscar for best foreign language film at the 31st presentation.
Monsieur Hulot attempts to make coffee in Mon Oncle.
Hud (1963)
An all-time favorite. Martin Ritt’s directing keeps this story relevant. The book will flabbergast anyone with ethics, but placing handsome Paul Newman as composite characters eases the pain of human loathsomeness. You’ll wake up wanting to be a better person and, then, call your grandpa. It received 7 Oscar nominations, including wins for Patricia Neal as Best Actress and James Wong for cinematography.
Handsome Paul Newman made despicable Hud an icon in this adaptation of Horseman, Pass by.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
A nightly watch like the 10 o’clock news. This film facilitates the reevaluation of motivations and goals. It won 4 out of the 8 Academy Awards nominations, including best pic and best director. Not a surprise for the Coen’s. Anton Chigurh won without ‘putting it up his whole life’.
Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men is as real as they get.
The Red Balloon (1956)
The epitome of French style. A kid finds a friend. Mean kids steal and destroy that friend. Kid gets more friends. Any Academy nods are irrelevant for this lose one, win a ton story. This is a lifetime watch and will add a hop to your step in the AM.
Everyone needs a friend in The Red Balloon.
Rear Window (1954)
Grace Kelly and Jimmy Stewart in Greenwich Village any time. Minding one’s business may be more instinctive the next day. It did not win any of the 4 Oscar nominations it received.
The style in Rear Window is as impeccable as the story.
Whiplash (2014)
Another hit by La La Land director Damien Chazelle. The stress of the student-mentor relationship is taken to a demoralizing level of abuse. PhD candidates may want to watch this the night prior to saying yes to the best lab. The mean drum teacher won an Academy Award for his support.
Whiplash confronts ambition and mentorship.
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
A new favorite on its way to becoming a classic. Life goals and friendship mash and clash in cozy Irish sweaters. Reprioritization of work-life balance eases in the new day. It is nominated for 8 Oscars in 2023.
The Banshees of Inisherin provide an opportunity to reevaluate life goals and friendships.
Elvis (2022)
We prejudged this as a prosaic rehash due to a pretty boy lead and well-known story. Or so we thought. Baz Luhrmann certainly doesn’t Australia this non-stop, engrossing musical. This work is a reminder of the greatness of Elvis Presley. We guarantee Burning Love will be added to your workout playlist. It is nominated for 8 Oscars in 2023.
Elvis Presley sang Trouble in King Creole and Austin Butler sang it in Elvis.