This week we talked to film fanatic, Ricky Hartman about his #Top10 films, but we allowed him to have a #Top11 and we were not sorry when we found out what that eleventh film was! Ricky currently resides in Ontario, California and was a film buff even at the young age of four. He believes that the reason he became so interested in film is for the same reason many people do and that is because it is an escape. He is lucky enough to have set up an encompassing home theatre in every place he has lived and bought his own projector in 2008 to escape the disrespectful members of cinema audiences today. He's planning on upgrading to a 4k model as soon as prices come down, or Uwe Boll makes a good film....whatever comes first
Here's what Ricky had to say....
When I was approached with an opportunity to provide my own personal #Top10 along with a short summary of each, I knew the first two would be easy. It was arriving on the other eight which proved to be a challenge. But ultimately the task didn't take nearly as long as I feared it might, as in this instance I'm permitted to share a list of my personal favourites, rather than a top 10 of all time within their respected fields. Since we all have our own tastes and preferences, one persons Citizen Kane or Gone with the Wind may very well be another person’s The Room or Troll 2.
The point of film is to entertain and provide enjoyment and meaning, and ultimately an escape...so naturally taste is subjective. At least we can all take comfort in the fact that at no point does an Adam Sandler film appear anywhere on this list, though if someone were to include Hotel Transylvania on their list, I suppose at least that choice would warrant a pass.
1. Amadeus (1984)
Wolfgang. Amadeus. Mozart. This film swept the 57th Academy Awards, and with good reason. It's a perfect film. So perfect in fact that to explain why it is perfect seems almost superfluous to me, given my familiarity and relationship with this film over the course of the last 20 years. But given that not everyone on earth has experienced this masterpiece of cinema from the era of hairspray and neon, I shall try.
All films have flaws. Even perfect films. Perhaps that notion in itself is an oxymoron, but allow me fortuity and I'll elaborate henceforth. Amadeus is both a celebration of all we can be, and all that we are. Suffice to say, talent and acclaim and those who can't quite measure up yet still want recognition of their own, be it both deserved and undeserved. This is the story of a man of whom music comes to him as naturally as a fish or Michael Phelps takes to water. It is also a story of envy and sinister intent, filled with stunning performances from an ensemble cast, whimsical costumes, elaborate set pieces, perfect pacing, and a score that is both joyful and haunting, all of which originally and legitimately composed by the films central figure. How many films protagonists are directly responsible for its own score?
An unnecessary directors cut has been released in recent years. If you have yet to view this film, I suggest you seek out the original theatrical cut. In lieu of your first viewing, I envy you, as it's an experience you only get to have but once.
2. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)
When Anne Rice learned that Tom Cruise was cast as Lestat, she publically shared a few choice words. When she finally saw the film long after it was out of theaters, at home on VHS no less, she ate those words.
Interview with the Vampire was put to page and film well before vampires sparkled and hung out at their local high school and seduced teenagers because they were bored. It is a film that both sticks with tradition surrounding the lore, yet successfully romanticizes them at the same time. Prior to Interview, vampires were thought of as monsters right alongside of Frankenstein and The Wolf Man. Bela Lugosi brought class to the role, but for the most part vampires were never viewed as something that could be beautiful until Rice’s vision came into the foray. Interview is a film that lives in a very real world. A world that every kid who discovered Hot Topic back in 1997 wishes they could visit. It's a place where not only do vampires exist, but if given the opportunity you had a chance to accept the dark gift, chances are you would accept. I know I would. I'd sure miss Chinese food and pizza though. But that's a small price to pay for immortality.
3. Rocky (1976)
This is a film that is near and dear to me, as it's the first instalment of my absolute favourite series and I'm a fan of a great many films that come in groups of three and then some! It has within it an unrivalled authenticity for me. A feeling of depth and sincerity that few films come close to matching. When an actor disappears entirely within their role, that's when you know you're watching great cinema.
Before I first introduced this film to my girlfriend, she wasn't particularly interested in giving it a chance. She had never been terribly familiar with Stallone, nor was she a fan of boxing or sports in general. Neither am I, for that matter. But when I told her it was just as much of a chick flick as it was about boxing, she was sceptical yet curious. At its heart, which Rocky has in spades, it's actually not really even about boxing either. Sure, it's definitely a central element and a focal point within Rocky's story, but the story is more about Rocky himself. When he has a chance to fight the current heavyweight champion of the world, his goal is to go the distance. To stand toe to toe with greatness in hopes of proving to himself that he too is capable of greatness. It doesn't matter if he wins, and he's absolutely sincere in his conviction. This is a film I will never tire of. It's the only film I know of that features a sequel that picks up right where the first left off, so when I find myself feeling a Rocky mood coming on, it's not uncommon for me to revisit the first two films back to back.
According to AFI, Raging Bull is the superior offering. I can't stand Raging Bull. I detest that film. If I'm going to choose between an arrogant wife beating jerk or a mush headed softie, you'll excuse me for going with the mush head with heart.
The point of film is to entertain and provide enjoyment and meaning, and ultimately an escape...so naturally taste is subjective. At least we can all take comfort in the fact that at no point does an Adam Sandler film appear anywhere on this list, though if someone were to include Hotel Transylvania on their list, I suppose at least that choice would warrant a pass.
1. Amadeus (1984)
Wolfgang. Amadeus. Mozart. This film swept the 57th Academy Awards, and with good reason. It's a perfect film. So perfect in fact that to explain why it is perfect seems almost superfluous to me, given my familiarity and relationship with this film over the course of the last 20 years. But given that not everyone on earth has experienced this masterpiece of cinema from the era of hairspray and neon, I shall try.
All films have flaws. Even perfect films. Perhaps that notion in itself is an oxymoron, but allow me fortuity and I'll elaborate henceforth. Amadeus is both a celebration of all we can be, and all that we are. Suffice to say, talent and acclaim and those who can't quite measure up yet still want recognition of their own, be it both deserved and undeserved. This is the story of a man of whom music comes to him as naturally as a fish or Michael Phelps takes to water. It is also a story of envy and sinister intent, filled with stunning performances from an ensemble cast, whimsical costumes, elaborate set pieces, perfect pacing, and a score that is both joyful and haunting, all of which originally and legitimately composed by the films central figure. How many films protagonists are directly responsible for its own score?
An unnecessary directors cut has been released in recent years. If you have yet to view this film, I suggest you seek out the original theatrical cut. In lieu of your first viewing, I envy you, as it's an experience you only get to have but once.
2. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)
Interview with the Vampire was put to page and film well before vampires sparkled and hung out at their local high school and seduced teenagers because they were bored. It is a film that both sticks with tradition surrounding the lore, yet successfully romanticizes them at the same time. Prior to Interview, vampires were thought of as monsters right alongside of Frankenstein and The Wolf Man. Bela Lugosi brought class to the role, but for the most part vampires were never viewed as something that could be beautiful until Rice’s vision came into the foray. Interview is a film that lives in a very real world. A world that every kid who discovered Hot Topic back in 1997 wishes they could visit. It's a place where not only do vampires exist, but if given the opportunity you had a chance to accept the dark gift, chances are you would accept. I know I would. I'd sure miss Chinese food and pizza though. But that's a small price to pay for immortality.
3. Rocky (1976)
This is a film that is near and dear to me, as it's the first instalment of my absolute favourite series and I'm a fan of a great many films that come in groups of three and then some! It has within it an unrivalled authenticity for me. A feeling of depth and sincerity that few films come close to matching. When an actor disappears entirely within their role, that's when you know you're watching great cinema.
Before I first introduced this film to my girlfriend, she wasn't particularly interested in giving it a chance. She had never been terribly familiar with Stallone, nor was she a fan of boxing or sports in general. Neither am I, for that matter. But when I told her it was just as much of a chick flick as it was about boxing, she was sceptical yet curious. At its heart, which Rocky has in spades, it's actually not really even about boxing either. Sure, it's definitely a central element and a focal point within Rocky's story, but the story is more about Rocky himself. When he has a chance to fight the current heavyweight champion of the world, his goal is to go the distance. To stand toe to toe with greatness in hopes of proving to himself that he too is capable of greatness. It doesn't matter if he wins, and he's absolutely sincere in his conviction. This is a film I will never tire of. It's the only film I know of that features a sequel that picks up right where the first left off, so when I find myself feeling a Rocky mood coming on, it's not uncommon for me to revisit the first two films back to back.
According to AFI, Raging Bull is the superior offering. I can't stand Raging Bull. I detest that film. If I'm going to choose between an arrogant wife beating jerk or a mush headed softie, you'll excuse me for going with the mush head with heart.
4. Ghostbusters (1984)
Childhood, thy name is Ghostbusters. This was one of the very first films my family owned on VHS and I played that tape into the ground. I was immediately smitten by Venkman, Spengler, Stantz and Zeddemore. Even at the age of seven, I knew this was a smart film. The humour was subtle and ever present, but it was so much more than a comedy. It was fantasy, science fiction, horror, drama, and comedy all rolled into one. Can a film take itself seriously yet not take itself seriously at all at the same time? Ghostbusters did and it did so effortlessly. It's a bona fide classic and will remain so over time, all the more so in lieu of the gender swapping remake no one ever asked for or wanted. That film was dead on arrival, while the film that inspired it will remain a classic for decades to come.
5. Contact (1997)
Contact is the smartest film on this list, and not because it's firmly based on science. Contact is science meets science fiction. It answers the question (for those in the film) surrounding whether or not we're alone in the universe and does so with more respect than frankly we deserve. We get our answer, which is the equivalent of a toddler hoping the time has come to take the training wheels off their bike only to be told they're not quite ready, but to keep on peddling. Carl Sagan passed away in 1996, less than a single year before his vision came to the silver screen. Had he lived to see Contact, he would have found a Kindred spirit in Ellie.
6. Glory (1989)
I was born in 1979. The concept of slavery and racial segregation has been an absurdity to me throughout the entire course of my life and although slavery has been abolished here in the US and has been condemned worldwide, racial segregation (both intentional and otherwise) remains wide spread throughout the world. It would seem that for some people, division is the norm. Self segregation is very much real and represents one of our many failings, but for some people the fight against segregation and racial inequality is worth fighting and dying for. And that's exactly what the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry did.
Glory tells the story of a white Captain who is bestowed upon him an unwanted promotion to the rank of Colonel as the Emancipation Proclamation came into law. Born into wealth and privilege, the films protagonist has no ego among the regiment of former slaves he commands. Before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat for a white man, thousands of brave black men and women took a rightful stand against inequality. This is but one story of many, in a film laced with sheer integrity.
7. Highlander (1986)
8. The Terminator (1984)
Those without a love for action or science fiction have unjustly reduced this film as citing it as an offering featuring nothing but dated special effects and largely only remembering it as the film that launched Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career into super stardom that features his most classic catch phrase. But just as Arnold vows to be back, so will I and countless others for many repeat viewings in the years to come. In either case, in a 100 years, who's gonna care?
If I were to describe The Last of the Mohicans with a single adjective, it would be authentic. None of the characters portrayed here feel any less than sincere. The tension is palpable, and the emotion is genuine. When you place this films score over these performances, you're left with nothing short of period piece that commands your respect.
10. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
As a writer, I don't particularly like Stephen King. I consider his work vastly overrated, but life carries with it a great many exceptions and this is one of them. This is one of the films that made me appreciate finer cinema and the importance of character development. I saw and still see a lot of myself in Andy Dufresne. Those who know me well would understand where I'm coming from. I've always been able to make the best of a bad situation and figure out a way to come out ahead or on top. It's in my nature to make that happen, and I've always had a knack for doing so. I figure life is hard enough in its own right, so you better have the right approach to get through the dips, twists, and turns, as best you can.
The idea of Morgan Freeman narrating everything has become an inside joke at this point, but it all started here. And if ever there was a man who could find a way to smuggle Rita Hayworth into Shawshank Prison, Red was the man who could make it happen. I revisit this film at least once a year and will likely continue to do so in the years to come, God willing.
11. Hook (1991)
As of composing this list, I'm 37 years old. I'm also very much a big kid at heart, with absolutely no intention to ever grow up in a traditional sense as dictated by societal norms. Suffice to say, I'm an adult when I have to be, but when I am it's just an act. The rest of the time I can be myself, which more importantly means being true to myself. And that side of me believes in Neverland.
I used to view this film with sheer joy. It is now bittersweet. In Hook we find Williams at his most playful. Whatever demons this man kept at bay were not present here. Perhaps this was filmed well before his battle with depression was at hand. In spite of Williams personal struggles, this film is the celebration of a master at the top of his craft. When combined with a stellar cast, cheerful score and Spielberg at the helm, it's pretty hard to miss.
Run home, Jack. Run home.
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