In your opinion is there a perfect movie?

POSTED BY: lwaves
UPDATED: Sunday, June 30, 2024 09:08
VIEWED: 12545
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LWAVES

Friday, September 18, 2009 10:55 PM

Because tastes differ so much there can never be a perfect movie. There will always be something that someone doesn't like, either an actor, the genre, cheesy lines, whatever it may be.
But is there a movie that YOU consider perfect?
Irrespective of what other people may think. One that isn't too long or too short in length. One that is acted properly with the right script and right direction, music, photography etc.
Do you consider Serenity to be perfect?
Or even are there any that you consider almost perfect, with maybe just a small bit that just doesn't sit right.

I was asked this question today and haven't yet come up with an answer so I thought I'd throw it open to the fans and see what you come up with.

"I don't believe in suicide, but if you'd like to try it it might cheer me up to watch."

ZZETTA13

Friday, September 18, 2009 11:18 PM

A hard question LW….but a good one. Of course I have not seen every movie ever made but I have seen many and it may seem a little ironic but one movie that I would say that easily fits into the list as one of the most perfect films ever made, “To Kill a Mockingbird”. I don’t think that there was one second in that movie that was wasted. Every moment either explained something, tells you something or expressed something. Even thought it was filmed in b/w the use of light was incredible!!

One of my all time favorites.

Z

TRAVELER

Friday, September 18, 2009 11:54 PM

Films, just like any stories, are made for different reasons. So I will give you one of my all time favorites.

The characters are real and the actors give some of the best performances I have ever witnessed. Even those with small roles do outstanding work. The plot is simple, but honest. No wasted scenes and they are designed to weave the story toward its inevitable end.

It is called "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn".
I have yet to anything match this story of a families struggles and victories. No heros or villians. Just common people who find their own path through life.

http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=28764731
Traveler

NCBROWNCOAT

Saturday, September 19, 2009 12:00 AM

Casablanca comes as close to perfection as possible.

http://fireflyfaninnc.livejournal.com/

ECGORDON

Saturday, September 19, 2009 2:48 AM

My favorite film of all time, Dr. Strangelove.

KWICKO

Saturday, September 19, 2009 3:08 AM

Jaws.

Citizen Kane.

Blade Runner.

Alien.

Caddyshack.

Animal House.

All perfect.

Mike

Old friend charity
Cruel twisted smile
And the smile signals emptiness
For me
Starless and Bible black

CHRISISALL

Saturday, September 19, 2009 3:17 AM

Serenity is perfect.

Also, Superman: The Movie.

Blade Runner & Aliens.

The Crow.

Passage To India.

The Road Home.

Iron Man comes close.

The laughing Chrisisall

DEWRASTLER

Saturday, September 19, 2009 3:18 AM

Yes and no.

No in that I kind of believe you can ever attain 100% perfection because someone should always come along and do it better. We should always strive to do better or we get no where. So a movie can be the best a person has to offer, but not perfect.

Yes in that it can be perfect in that it perfectly express the idea, emotion, opinion, etc. of the filmmaker. If they get across the message they want to convey to the viewer, then the movie attains its goal perfectly.

________________________________
People who don't care about anything will never understand the people who do

11THHOUR

Saturday, September 19, 2009 3:28 AM

On the topic of perfection, there are movies I love where heart, brilliance or inspired, magical performances made up for other elements in the movie that were flawed. "Perfection' must always be weighed by how well that particular movie was executed to be it's "best self", whatever that is. Movies like Galaxy Quest or Ruthless People are comedies which with no pretense to "high brow", but they are excellently crafted and realized. Perfection can apply to movies which aim for being a masterpiece, and for a really good, intelligently made comedy.

Of my top favorite movies, the one that seems to come closest to perfection in all the main categories of cast, direction, script, music and is consistently wonderful from start to finish is L.A. Confidential. I can watch that move over and over again.

I also agree that some of the other films mentioned were artistic, visionary, perfection like Blade Runner and Alien... Ridley rocks.

11th

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THEREALME

Saturday, September 19, 2009 4:59 AM

For what it was meant to be...

I would have to say that "The Princess Bride" comes very close to perfect.

NEWOLDBROWNCOAT

Saturday, September 19, 2009 6:10 AM

Already mentioned:
Casablanca
The Princess Bride
Dr. Strangelove
Galaxy Quest

I would add:
2001
The Magnificent Seven
Stagecoach

SINGATE

Saturday, September 19, 2009 7:12 AM

The Godfather

I would include part 2 as well but have always liked the original just a hair more.

_________________________________________________

We live on a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was not meant that we should voyage far.

DMAANLILEILTT

Saturday, September 19, 2009 8:04 AM

i'd say that out of the ones mentioned:

Casablanca is far from perfect.

Aliens is better then Alien.

Citizen Kane is one of the most overrated movies of all time.

And Superman had one of the dumbest plot points ever. (Flying around the earth really fast to go back in time)

if i was going to say any movie is perfect i would say that Return of the Jedi, Die Hard 1, 3 and 4; Monty Phython's Life of Brian and Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid would have to be the ones. The Mad Max movies come close.

FREMDFIRMA

Saturday, September 19, 2009 8:48 AM

I wouldn't say perfect, but man it's close enough to brush fingertips on it...

The Outlaw Josey Wales

Epic full-circle journey with just a little bit of everything, tragedy, comedy, personal growth and maturity, flawed people dealing with hardship, the obligatory lead flyin and a couple times when it surprisingly don't.

All rolled into a beautifully told story of a man re-finding his humanity in the most unexpected ways and places.

Just remember to duck when he starts lookin for a place to spit.

-F

FREEBROWNCOAT

Saturday, September 19, 2009 3:26 PM

2001 A Space Oddysey. What can I say. Perfection in all ways.

Serenity. Well, yeah.

Dr Strangelove. Madness in sanity.

Star Wars Ep 1. It is far from perfect but an absolute hoot to watch. The audio for the podrace is truly the best work ever done.

Unforgiven. Depth of human soul.

Seven Samurai. How much better can it get?

Ben Hur. So rich this one.

U 571. Command. Accomplish your mission.

What would Mal say?

PCCH7

Saturday, September 19, 2009 11:49 PM

well it depends.. I´m sure if you´re analysing everything about a movie there´s some faults and in that case then no, there´s probably no perfect movie. But if it´s a good movie, one usually let´s it slide.. Serenity is a perfect movie for me, it has interesting visuals, it envokes feelings, funny moments and good performances. It gives me everything I want.

There´s also

Blade Runner
LOTR
Collateral
Spiderman 2

more recently

District 9
Inglorious Basterds
The Hurt Locker

movies from different genres that I consider "perfect"

oh and I have to say that Die Hard 4 is one of the most imperfect movies I´ve seen. Just god awful and cheesy

"Summer Glau can simply walk into Mordor.."

CHRISISALL

Sunday, September 20, 2009 3:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Fremdfirma:
The Outlaw Josey Wales

Epic full-circle journey with just a little bit of everything, tragedy, comedy, personal growth and maturity, flawed people dealing with hardship, the obligatory lead flyin and a couple times when it surprisingly don't.

All rolled into a beautifully told story of a man re-finding his humanity in the most unexpected ways and places.

*Bangs Frem on the head*

You just described "Serenity!"

The laughing Chrisisall

KWICKO

Sunday, September 20, 2009 3:08 AM

Sorry, but for me at least, Serenity has two GLARING flaws. Care to guess what I'm talking about?

Josey Wales. Perfection.

2001. Ditto.

Dr. Strangelove. Yup. I always thought the use of Vera Lynn's "We'll Meet Again" over the closing credits as the nuclear bombs go off was meant comedically, ironically. I just found out there's a deeper meaning in its use - her recording of the song was released the same week that the Germans invaded Poland, lighting of the second world war in earnest. So as the movie ends, mankind is doomed, and once again the world is plunged into global war. Perfect use of the perfect song.

There's a subtle perfection in The Deer Hunter and Apocalypse Now, but I find Full Metal Jacket even better - better use of cinematography, color, and symmetry as well.

Having ANY Die Hard movie on a list of anything other than "Worst Movies to Ever Turn a Profit" is just ree-donkulous.

Mike

Old friend charity
Cruel twisted smile
And the smile signals emptiness
For me
Starless and Bible black

THESOMNAMBULIST

Sunday, September 20, 2009 3:29 AM

Perfect for me does not equate to a well crafted film with brilliant acting or great cinematography etc etc. Those are just oscar credentials which to my mind generate too much self indulgence from the film makers whom demand repeat viewings as to their genius or auteurism...

A perfect film for me is one that when I watch it it takes me out of my reality and draws me in completely with the story it's telling, swirling me around in a wonderment that no other medium or art form can create other than cinema. It's when those flickering images mesmerize me so much that after it's done and dusted I almost have to blink myself back into reality. That for me is perfection.

And for this there are two films that come to mind.

Jaws and Serenity.

CHRISISALL

Sunday, September 20, 2009 4:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheSomnambulist:

Jaws and Serenity.

Both flicks make me forget myself, and envelope me in the story.
Good call, Som.

The laughing Chrisisall

SHINYGOODGUY

Sunday, September 20, 2009 8:24 AM

Really good question LW.

To wit:

"Beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them." David Hume, 1742.
---------------------------------------------------

First to begin; Serenity is far from perfect, but I love it just the same.

It is story, a director's vision communicated with sight, sound and savvy.

Casablanca: "Of all the gin joints in all the towns, in all the world - she walks into mine." Great line says it all. Bogey at his best.

Unforgiven: "Helluva thing, killing a man. You take away all he's got, and all he's ever gonna have."

2001: It's all about the story. Everything music, pacing, cinematography, plot, acting, director's vision - brilliant.

Room Service: Marx Brothers - "Jumping Butterballs!"

The Empire Strikes Back: Best Damn Sequel ever.
(Honorable mention goes to T2).

Mister Roberts: Jack Lemon as Ensign Pulver, classic.

Aliens: The 2d Best damn sequel ever.

The Green Mile.

That's my short list.

SGG

Tawabawho?

MEATPUPPET42

Sunday, September 20, 2009 9:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheRealMe:
For what it was meant to be...

I would have to say that "The Princess Bride" comes very close to perfect.

Thats inconceivable!
My picks
Das Boot
Blood diamond
The Departed

I love it. It's like wiping you ass with silk.

NEWOLDBROWNCOAT

Sunday, September 20, 2009 11:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by meatpuppet42:
Quote:
Originally posted by TheRealMe:
For what it was meant to be...

I would have to say that "The Princess Bride" comes very close to perfect.

Thats inconceivable!

"You keep using that word. I don't think it means what you think it means."

BIGRICHARD

Sunday, September 20, 2009 2:06 PM

I'd like to add:

Wall-E
Children of Men
Pan's Labyrinth
The Fountain
The Dark Knight
In Bruges
The Wrestler
Hellboy 2
Hot Fuzz
Shaun of the Dead

All films are personal choices, and I personally think each of these films is close to perfect.

NCBROWNCOAT

Sunday, September 20, 2009 3:19 PM

What can I say. I love almost all of the movies mentioned. It's all in personal preference and it's a good topic for us to while away the time until Serenity 2 hits the theaters.

http://fireflyfaninnc.livejournal.com/

OPPYH

Sunday, September 20, 2009 4:01 PM

I have a few movies I consider perfect:

-Nosferatu(1979)

-Housekeeping(1988) Still no frikkin dvd release

-Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Spielberg's masterpiece.

-Planet of the Apes(1968). Just a clever, well written, well acted sci-fi movie that entertains throughout. And still to this day the best "shock ending" in the history of film.

KWICKO

Sunday, September 20, 2009 4:20 PM

I'm trying to approach this from a perspective of "Would I buy it on BluRay if I already own it on DVD?"

So from that vantage point, I'll have to disqualify a few of my own picks: Casablanca and Citizen Kane. Why? Because I don't think BluRay will do them any greater service than DVD already does.

But I'll have to add a few - which I am absolutely dedicated to adding to my (as of now nonexistent) BluRay collection:

2001: A Space Odyssey. It needs BluRay just as much as it needs to be seen in 70mm. :)

Jaws.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope.

Serenity (While it has its flaws, it's still a perfect movie for taking me away from all this. And it's the first movie I watched on my last 3 DVD players, so we have a theme going which I don't want to break. Serenity is my good luck charm. )

I'm sure there will be others.

Mike

Old friend charity
Cruel twisted smile
And the smile signals emptiness
For me
Starless and Bible black

ECGORDON

Sunday, September 20, 2009 5:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by OPPYH:
Housekeeping(1988) Still no frikkin dvd release

If you're talking about the Bill Forsyth film with Christine Lahti then I wholeheartedly agree, and would add another Forsyth gem also lacking a dvd release - Comfort and Joy.

I mentioned only Dr. Strangelove in my first post in this thread, mainly because it is my favorite and the film I've seem more times than any other. There are several others I could have mentioned, a few that have been listed by others - 2001: A Space Odyssey, Citizen Kane (not overrated imo), The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Kurosawa's Ran, No Country for Old Men.

Then there's one I just finished watching, which my brother had been recommending for several years. If you can stand to shed a few tears while at the same time being inspired by great writing and acting, then you should check out Life as a House, with Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott Thomas, Mary Steenburgen, Jamey Sheridan, Jena Malone, Ian Somerhalder, and Scott Bakula. You will also be surprised to find that Hayden Christensen can actually act.

OPPYH

Sunday, September 20, 2009 6:48 PM

"Housekeeping(1988) Still no frikkin dvd "

Quote:
Originally posted by ecgordon:
If you're talking about the Bill Forsyth film with Christine Lahti then I wholeheartedly agree, and would add another Forsyth gem also lacking a dvd release - Comfort and Joy.

Yes, that's the one. I would really like a Bill Forsyth box set on dvd containing most of his films, as they are pretty much doomed to exist only on VHS.

Quote:
I mentioned only Dr. Strangelove in my first post in this thread, mainly because it is my favorite and the film I've seem more times than any other. There are several others I could have mentioned, a few that have been listed by others - 2001: A Space Odyssey, Citizen Kane (not overrated imo), The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Kurosawa's Ran, No Country for Old Men.

I loved No Country for Old Men.

RALLEM

Sunday, September 20, 2009 10:44 PM

I would have to say for "perfect movie," the closest I've ever experienced would have to be Godfathers 1 and 2. I have to watch Casablanca again someday, since hte last time I watched it I was young and impatient.

http://www.swyzzlestyx.com/index.html

SHINYGOODGUY

Monday, September 21, 2009 7:46 AM

Damn, I forgot The Departed.

Thanks for the reminder Meat.

SGG

Tawabawho?

SHINYGOODGUY

Monday, September 21, 2009 7:57 AM

Agreed,

Pan's Labyrinth, a wonderful fable-like story by Guillermo Del Toro

Wall-E, another strong and good fable in the tradition of the old Disney movies.

The Dark Knight, great mix of action and pathos, a near masterpiece. It's needs more time.

The Wrestler, a story of a complicated life told simply. Rourke was masterful. REW was poignant in her 15 minutes on screen which was pivotal in the movie.

Adding these to my list.

SGG

Tawabawho?

BIGRICHARD

Monday, September 21, 2009 8:24 AM

Glad you agree, sgg.

Have to agree about ERW, her scene was brilliant, and Rourke was probably his best when he was acting with her.

Dark Knight is one that some people often disagree with, but I love it. And I seriously think that Ledger's Joker was one of the greatest villains of all time.

My screenwriting teacher for this semester said "If I could use only two films to teach you screenwriting, they would be Fargo...and Toy Story."

I'd add those two. I love them both.

Maybe add Fight Club as well? and Seven?
I love Fincher...

Also, you've all just reminded me that I have yet to watch Unforgiven. Must get onto that!

SHINYGOODGUY

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 6:42 AM

The Dark Knight is now one of my all-time favs (I have the Blu-Ray version and it's excellent). I get that there are some who have issues with TDK, but when was the last time you went to see a superhero/action flick and came out thinking.

Ledger was pure joy and genius in his portrayal of the Joker. His perf reminded me somewhat of Malcolm McDowell's perf in Clockwork Orange (except of course Heath was head and shoulders beyond brilliant). In that flick you both loved and hated his character, just like in TDK. Both Ledger and Nolan re-created a character we all thought we knew and gave us something completely new and different without changing the relationship between the 2 main characters - in a word Brilliant!

I've said it to anyone who'll listen, it all starts with a good story. But it ends with a good storyteller. Fargo, Toy Story fits that to a T.
Fargo is supremely crafted, and TS is only surpassed by Wall-E. That's a good idea to study those scripts to learn the basic ingredients to a solid story.

Fight Club, Seven couldn't be more different but excellent films with strong perfs from Brad Pitt. He's not just a pretty boy flexing his pecs, the man can act. Have you seen Inglorius Basterds? Go see it, you will not be disappointed.

Finally, David Fincher has an impressive list of films he's directed: FC, Seven, Alien 3 (which I have yet to see, but now that I know he's involved I will rent), Panic Room (did not know), Zodiac (yes I did), and of course Ben Button.

Did you know that among the planned projects he's got in the works is Heavy Metal? If he's involved it should be awesome.

SGG

Tawabawho?

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 8:08 AM

Perfection is in the perception of the beholder.
However, I cannot think of any flaws in Galaxy Quest. Nor A Little Princess (92ish, with Liesel Matthews). Hero (93ish, Chevy Chase, Dustin Hoffman). Highlander. Terminator 2. Aliens.

edit: After reading the other entries, I see mine are not first.
I can almost agree with L.A Confidential, except Kim Basinger has refused to honor her promise to leave the country if we elected Bush, so that irks me still.
Other close candidates: Dangerous Beauty (for cinematography and scenery at least), 12 Monkeys, Road Warrior, Fargo, Pay it Forward. I don't recall flaws with The Thing (1982). What flaw would Twilight have? Gladiator? Amadeus?

The others mentioned I cannot agree with.
I'm afraid Serenity was just too heavily edited, too much cut out. Now the Pilot Serenity, if considered a film, that would be perfect.

BIGRICHARD

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 9:11 AM

Have seen Basterds, thought it was pretty good, but had some flaws. The final act was excellent though. And yeah, Pitt was great. He just does some dud films, like a lot of actors. Pitt in 12 Monkeys is outstanding, along with Fight Club and Seven.

Fincher has disowned Alien 3 I believe, saying that the studio messed with his vision too much. So don't expect too much (although I do own it, haven't watched yet, but will just to see what it's like), as apparently it's fairly bad. Panic Room is a great little thriller. Zodiac is good, although not as good as FC/Seven. Ben Button I loved.

THESOMNAMBULIST

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 11:08 AM

I forgot to mention.

Edward Scissorhands. For me it was perfect.

RIPWASH

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 5:06 PM

What I was gonna say at when reading the beginning of this thread was already said by the time I reached the end.

Perfection is in the eye of the beholder. What some consider masterpieces, others would consider a complete waste of time. There have been many a time when the wife and I have rented Oscar winning "best" films and have been so sorely disappointed or bored, that we simply no longer trust the illustrious academy to tell us what is good or bad any more. And if last year's practically complete and utter overlooking of TDK was not a blaring indication of their bias, I don't know what is.

I'll give you another example. When I was in college a local, small theater put on an annual 24-hour sci-fi movie marathon. It was a fun affair where they would let you bring almost anything in with you and you could taunt the bad films (MST3K style) and enjoy the good ones, eat, drink, be merry. That sort of thing. Well one year, right around 2 a.m., the owner came out and announced the next film would be 2001 and asked people to be quiet and respectful for this one, singular movie. So I hunkered down . . . for a nap. I can not stand that movie. It's too long and it bores me to tears. And that's what makes it far from perfect to me. I understand that there are folk that think it's a near-perfection masterpiece, but I just don't see it. Sorry.

Now, that being said, here is a list of movies that I think are just about as good as they come and I know others may disagree, but then again that's the point :
The Princess Bride
The Godfather (1 and 2)
Galaxy Quest
The Dark Knight
Amadeus
Toy Story
The Iron Giant
A Beautiful Mind
Serenity (of course )
The Green Mile
Braveheart

Dangit . . . I'm not at home, so I don't have my collection in front of me. There are many more. I'll have to add later. I know when I get home I'll slap my forehead at several of them. That and my computer/internet connection is on the fritz so I can not add until Thursday when I get back to work. I shall have to write 'em all down. Or print off my Coolector list.

*********************************************

"It's okay! I'm a leaf on the wind!!!"
"What does that mean?!?!?!"

STORYMARK

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 11:58 PM

For me:
Raideros of the Lost Ark.

But as others have pointed out, it's all in the eye of the beholder. For instance, I'm a HUGE Batman freak, and dearly love TDK, yet think it has many flaws.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 6:11 AM

posting broken again?

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 6:15 AM

Huh, maybe eworking again.

I hould not have forgotten Braveherat, but avoided in cinema due to the modern hair braids.

Also can't recall flaws witrh The Man Who Knew Too Little (Bill Murray), even tho Galaxy Quest did benifit for the template. For those not aware, TMWKTL was to 007 as Galaxy Quest was to Star Trek.

SHINYGOODGUY

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 8:41 PM

What I love about this post is that everyone gets to talk about their fav film(s). SHINY!

You just reminded me about a truly solid film, A Little Princess, directed by Alfonso Cuaron. As I said before, it begins with a good story, and this film has a story within the story - great.

Hero was definitely interesting, as was the first Highlander. T2 gets big ups as does my other fav sci-fi classic Aliens (Get away from her, you bitch! - classic movie moment/line).

Another one that you brought to my mind, which I have in my collection, Gladiator. A great story with very minor/minuscule flaws. RW is a good one as well.

Serenity is a sentimental choice, because I love Firefly so much. H-wood has a way of completely distorting art for the love of money.

SGG

Tawabawho?

RALLEM

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 9:05 PM

Has anyone here seen "The Man who Knew Too Little," starring Bill Muray? I am not a big Bill Muray fan, but he did good in this movie.

http://www.swyzzlestyx.com/index.html

CHRISISALL

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 9:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheSomnambulist:
I forgot to mention.

Edward Scissorhands. For me it was perfect.

Yes, it was.
That makes me think of Benny & Joon, and THAT makes me think of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

The laughing Chrisisall

THESOMNAMBULIST

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 10:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by chrisisall:
Quote:
Originally posted by TheSomnambulist:
I forgot to mention.

Edward Scissorhands. For me it was perfect.

Yes, it was.
That makes me think of Benny & Joon, and THAT makes me think of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

That makes me think of Be Kind Rewind..

Then there's Big Trouble in Little China and TRON...

KPO

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 11:06 PM

Quote:
You just reminded me about a truly solid film, A Little Princess, directed by Alfonso Cuaron.

And you just reminded me :) A very nice film.

'The man who knew too little' is an interesting choice, saw that recently - wouldn't put it as perfect myself... but something else Bill Murray, what about 'Groundhog Day'? Just about the perfect Romcom in my book...(excellent premise, solid script, not over-sentimental, Bill Murray perfectly cast, Andie McDowell actually not that bad...)?

I can't cite 'Serenity' as a perfect film though I do love it (partly by association). But if permitted I will describe the Serenity pilot episode of firefly as damn near to perfection, not sure it's necessarily the best most funny/poignant/exhilirating episode, but I'm always in awe (as a writer) of the way it introduces the universe: each of the nine main characters, their current situation and individual histories, and the two main forces that threaten them - all compacted into one gripping double episode that basically sets up the whole series - there was a lot of skill and *art* in this, that's all I can say.

Heads should roll

KPO

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 11:35 PM

Quote:
Toy Story

Ah, and possibly even better 'The Incredibles'.

Heads should roll

CHRISISALL

Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheSomnambulist:
Then there's Big Trouble in Little China

THAT makes me think of Army Of Darkness, the film George Lucas wished he could make!!!

Hail to the king, baby!

The laughing Chrisisall

SHINYGOODGUY

Thursday, September 24, 2009 7:30 AM

From the boy with the Scissorhands (perfect indeed)

Yes, it was.
That makes me think of Benny & Joon, and THAT makes me think of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

To Eternal Sunshine? Quite a leap there Chris.......
How did you get from point A to Michel Gondry?

Inquiring minds want to know!

BTW Benny & Joon my sister's fav (mine too).

SGG

Tawabawho?

SHINYGOODGUY

Thursday, September 24, 2009 7:33 AM

I can't cite 'Serenity' as a perfect film though I do love it (partly by association). But if permitted I will describe the Serenity pilot episode of firefly as damn near to perfection, not sure it's necessarily the best most funny/poignant/exhilirating episode, but I'm always in awe (as a writer) of the way it introduces the universe: each of the nine main characters, their current situation and individual histories, and the two main forces that threaten them - all compacted into one gripping double episode that basically sets up the whole series - there was a lot of skill and *art* in this, that's all I can say.

Agreed, with 2 enthusiastic thumbs up!

SGG

Tawabawho?

CHRISISALL

Thursday, September 24, 2009 5:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Shinygoodguy:
To Eternal Sunshine? Quite a leap there Chris.......
How did you get from point A to Michel Gondry?

Inquiring minds want to know!

General crazieness is all.

The laughing Chrisisall

STORYMARK

Thursday, September 24, 2009 6:08 PM

Basically, this has degraded into a "movies we like" thread, as at least half the films mentioned, while very good, could easily be picked apart for flaws that make them far from "perfect".

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

BIGRICHARD

Thursday, September 24, 2009 6:47 PM

It has 'disintegrated' into a 'films we love' thread I think. And I guess, since film is all about personal opinion, that no film is perfect, and so this thread was always just a thread of "what films do you love?"

SHINYGOODGUY

Thursday, September 24, 2009 6:47 PM

Guilty as charged (you don't see, but, right now, I'm raising my hand)

BIG GRIN, BiiiiiiiiiiiG GRIN......................

Ah, the power of the internet.

SGG

Tawabawho?

SHINYGOODGUY

Thursday, September 24, 2009 7:04 PM

Sorry, Zz13, I completely blew right past your excellent contribution to this thread. I was going over everyone's picks and re-read your post and, I must say it, To Kill A Mockingbird has always been(along with Casablanca, The Miracle Worker, Roarin' 20's, My Man Godfrey and Mr. Roberts) one of my all-time fav classics.

I don’t think that there was one second in that movie that was wasted. Every moment either explained something, tells you something or expressed something. Even thought it was filmed in b/w the use of light was incredible!!

Agreed; story, direction, pacing, tone, music, lighting and of course - acting. Perfect. All told from a child's POV.

Tawabawho?

SHINYGOODGUY

Thursday, September 24, 2009 7:50 PM

BigR has a point, to wit:

film is all about personal opinion, that no film is perfect, and so this thread was always just a thread of "what films do you love?"
----------------------------------------------------

Allow me to explain -

L Waves - excellent post asked:

But is there a movie that YOU consider perfect?
Irrespective of what other people may think. One that isn't too long or too short in length. One that is acted properly with the right script and right direction, music, photography etc.

Traveler submitted this choice for perfection -
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

The characters are real and the actors give some of the best performances I have ever witnessed. Even those with small roles do outstanding work. The plot is simple, but honest. No wasted scenes and they are designed to weave the story toward its inevitable end.

DeWrastler - became philosophical in suggesting -

No in that I kind of believe you can ever attain 100% perfection because someone should always come along and do it better. We should always strive to do better or we get no where. So a movie can be the best a person has to offer, but not perfect.

Yes in that it can be perfect in that it perfectly express the idea, emotion, opinion, etc. of the filmmaker. If they get across the message they want to convey to the viewer, then the movie attains its goal perfectly.

11th Hour - gave this definition

On the topic of perfection, there are movies I love where heart, brilliance or inspired, magical performances made up for other elements in the movie that were flawed. "Perfection' must always be weighed by how well that particular movie was executed to be it's "best self", whatever that is.

TheRealMe - begins to question perfection in film

I would have to say that "The Princess Bride" comes very close to perfect.

Frem - also thinks perfection in film is fleeting

I wouldn't say perfect, but man it's close enough to brush fingertips on it...

The Outlaw Josey Wales (good choice Frem)

PCCH7 - Ditto

well it depends.. Ím sure if yoúre analysing everything about a movie therés some faults and in that case then no, therés probably no perfect movie.

The Somnambulist - Sleepy gives us a close to perfect description of the perfect film. Why?, you may ask. Because that's how I see it - In my humble opinion.

A perfect film for me is one that when I watch it it takes me out of my reality and draws me in completely with the story it's telling....
__________________________________________________

Storymark made a keen observation though. I would have used the word 'evolved' instead of 'degrade' because, after all, this thread, as well as this site, is about OUR choices in film, tv and books.
We all love a good story (Firefly) and in exchanging our opinions it all comes down to one simple truth.

I submit to you the following:

The perfect woman: Summer Glau or Christina Hendricks.

SGG

Tawabawho?

ZEEK

Thursday, September 24, 2009 9:35 PM

lol I liked the Episode I joke.

No I don't think there are any perfect movies. The best honor I could give a movie is that it can be watched over and over without losing its appeal. I wouldn't even rate very many movies in that category.

CHRISISALL

Thursday, September 24, 2009 9:50 PM

Okay, no joke- I'm dropping what I FEEL.

Perfect movies, objectively:

Dr. Strangelove
The Road Home
Seven Samurai

The laughing Chrisisall

CHRISISALL

Friday, September 25, 2009 12:24 AM

Okay, I get serious & it kills the thread.

Teaches me, it does.

The laughing Chrisisall

BIGRICHARD

Friday, September 25, 2009 1:02 AM

When are you ever gonna learn CiA!
Gah!

Ok guys, reviving the thread.

And to be honest, I consider most of the films I've suggested to be 'perfect'ish.

I love Watchmen, for instance, but I have a few problems with that film, so I didn't mention that.
28 Days Later is another film I love, and Sunshine, but both of those have flawed final acts, in my opinion.

I honestly think that you can't get much more perfect than:

Pan's Labyrinth,
The Fountain,
Children of Men
Wall-E
The Dark Knight
In Bruges
Shaun of the Dead
Hot Fuzz
Toy Story.

And maybe a few others that people have mentioned (and I STILL haven't watched Seven Samurai, pretty sure I'm the worst film student ever!)

and Shiny, nice rundown! :)

SHINYGOODGUY

Friday, September 25, 2009 6:50 AM

Dude, you have not lived until you see The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

Perfect.

SGG

Tawabawho?

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Friday, September 25, 2009 9:41 AM

Like his wife, Alec Baldwin failed to fulfil his promise to leave the country in 2000. That blemish on the otherwise wonderful Hunt For Red October is the reason I didn't mention although it came to mind. Most enactments of 3-dimensional combat are difficult, in space the background references are rare or fluctuating. But HfRO did it well in underwater environment. Cast, story, cinematography, anybody think of another flaw with it?
No mention of Forrest Gump - what flaws has it?

I have asked what flaws are in the films I proposed, and I am interested in hearing about them. I wasn't just posting about favorite films, for many of mine are flawed. I suggested ones which seemed perfect in their way, even if they were not my favorite.

sgg reviews that somnambulist mentioned what I had assumed was known to be a key requirement: the suspension of disbelief. So key, that I had not thought to mention the obvious.

OPPYH

Friday, September 25, 2009 3:04 PM

I'd like to add Somewhere in Time.

Nothing wrong with that one.

BIGRICHARD

Sunday, September 27, 2009 2:06 AM

Thought a few people who mentioned Blade Runner might like this:

http://www.philipkdick.com/new_letters-laddcompany.html

A letter that PKD wrote after seeing a preview featurette.

MEATPUPPET42

Sunday, September 27, 2009 10:16 AM

MEATPUPPET42

Sunday, September 27, 2009 10:16 AM

Shaw shank redemption
the departed
road warrior
blood diamond
red october -best jack ryan actor

RUGBUG

Monday, September 28, 2009 6:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by meatpuppet42:
Shaw shank redemption

Ah...finally. I can't believe this wasn't mentioned sooner.

***************
"The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw

CHRISISALL

Monday, September 28, 2009 7:26 PM

I'd go for Hunt For Red October- I can't fault that movie for even a frame of film (Though Ford would have upped its perfection just a fraction IMO).
Somewhere In Time also.
And for what it was trying to achieve, Army Of Darkness. Yes. I said it. Hail to the King, baby.

The laughing Chrisisall

ZZETTA13

Monday, September 28, 2009 11:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Shinygoodguy:
Sorry, Zz13, I completely blew right past your excellent contribution to this thread. I was going over everyone's picks and re-read your post and, I must say it, To Kill A Mockingbird has always been(along with Casablanca, The Miracle Worker, Roarin' 20's, My Man Godfrey and Mr. Roberts) one of my all-time fav classics.

I don’t think that there was one second in that movie that was wasted. Every moment either explained something, tells you something or expressed something. Even thought it was filmed in b/w the use of light was incredible!!

Agreed; story, direction, pacing, tone, music, lighting and of course - acting. Perfect. All told from a child's POV.

Tawabawho?

That is quite alright ShinyGoodGuy. When a thread starts to get numerous posts I usually do the same thing ( not read every post) and yes you’ve name some other excellent movies. All fantastic!!

Anyway an addition to the my TKaM contribution and your fine list of movies I would like to also include Dr. Strangelove, which has been mentioned here by others. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before. GREAT movie!!

I’m sure there are plenty more that will come to mind after a while. Hopefully I’ll get one that will be in color….lol

Z

SHINYGOODGUY

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 5:07 AM

Very shiny indeed, BigR.

He was sspot on about the sci-fi genre in film at the time. Now look where we are.

Thanks for posting.

SGG

Tawabawho?

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 5:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by chrisisall:
I'd go for Hunt For Red October- I can't fault that movie for even a frame of film (Though Ford would have upped its perfection just a fraction IMO).

The laughing Chrisisall

Although Ford is a far superior actor, the role is for a late 20's-early 30's vintage actor, and Harrison was far too old by the time of filming. A problem which Clancy mentioned more than once. Compromises ensued.

HURRICANEDAWG

Thursday, October 8, 2009 9:10 PM

I agree with ZZETTA13's contribution. To Kill A Mockingbird is, in my opinion, the perfect film. I can't think of a single flaw. Everything was simply superb.

I'd also include Shawshank Redemption and The Godfather.

"Well, here I am."

ZZETTA13

Thursday, October 8, 2009 11:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by HurricaneDawg:
I agree with ZZETTA13's contribution. To Kill A Mockingbird is, in my opinion, the perfect film. I can't think of a single flaw. Everything was simply superb.

I'd also include Shawshank Redemption and The Godfather.

"Well, here I am."

Welcome aboard HurricanDawg…..

I can already tell that you are a very incredibly smart browncoat!

Z

HURRICANEDAWG

Friday, October 9, 2009 4:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by zzetta13:
Quote:
Originally posted by HurricaneDawg:
I agree with ZZETTA13's contribution. To Kill A Mockingbird is, in my opinion, the perfect film. I can't think of a single flaw. Everything was simply superb.

I'd also include Shawshank Redemption and The Godfather.

"Well, here I am."

Welcome aboard HurricanDawg…..

I can already tell that you are a very incredibly smart browncoat!

Z

Thank you for the welcome, and I try to appear so from time to time.

------------------
"Well, here I am."

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 6:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by zzetta13:
Quote:
Originally posted by HurricaneDawg:
I agree with ZZETTA13's contribution. To Kill A Mockingbird is, in my opinion, the perfect film. I can't think of a single flaw. Everything was simply superb.

I'd also include Shawshank Redemption and The Godfather.

"Well, here I am."

Welcome aboard HurricanDawg…..

I can already tell that you are a very incredibly smart browncoat!

Z

The IQ of a browncoat can be gauged by determining how often said browncoat agrees with ZZetta13 - or at least sucks up.

ZZETTA13

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 2:21 PM

Z

WEICHI

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 3:57 PM

Probably not.

Two of my favorite movies have been listed by others - and I truly love both - but perfect?

Casablanca is fantastic, I hang on every memorable quote - but I am always jarred when Ilsa calls Sam "Boy" True to its time or not, it makes the film imperfect for me.

Fargo is fantastic, but I am always troubled by the scene with the Asian guy in the restaurant. While it is uncomfortably funny, it has nothing to do with the plot and seems a throw away stereotype nerdy Asian engineer shot. Not the stuff of perfection.

My candidates - and I fully expect someone to find their imperfections -

The Godfather
The Searchers
The Apartment
The Seven Samurai
Blue
Matewan
Hana Bi

See how I'm not hitting him, I think I've grown!

JAYNEZTOWN

Sunday, June 16, 2024 9:21 PM

not my opinion

https://movieweb.com/movies-that-are-considered-to-be-basically-perfec
t/

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 5:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by jewelstaitefan:
Perfection is in the perception of the beholder.
However, I cannot think of any flaws in Galaxy Quest. Nor A Little Princess (92ish, with Liesel Matthews). Hero (93ish, Chevy Chase, Dustin Hoffman). Highlander. Terminator 2. Aliens.

edit: After reading the other entries, I see mine are not first.
I can almost agree with L.A Confidential, except Kim Basinger has refused to honor her promise to leave the country if we elected Bush, so that irks me still.
Other close candidates: Dangerous Beauty (for cinematography and scenery at least), 12 Monkeys, Road Warrior, Fargo, Pay it Forward. I don't recall flaws with The Thing (1982). What flaw would Twilight have? Gladiator? Amadeus?

The others mentioned I cannot agree with.
I'm afraid Serenity was just too heavily edited, too much cut out. Now the Pilot Serenity, if considered a film, that would be perfect.

Quote:
Originally posted by jewelstaitefan:
Huh, maybe eworking again.

I hould not have forgotten Braveherat, but avoided in cinema due to the modern hair braids.

Also can't recall flaws witrh The Man Who Knew Too Little (Bill Murray), even tho Galaxy Quest did benifit for the template. For those not aware, TMWKTL was to 007 as Galaxy Quest was to Star Trek.

Wow. i made some really good picks.

But, at the time of this necroposting, years have passed and some films should really be added to this list.
A few:
Inception
Edge Of Tomorrow
Wind River
Arrival
Free Guy
Sound Of Freedom
Alita: Battle Angel
Rogue One

ANONYMOUSE

Friday, June 28, 2024 3:57 AM

I agree about Planet Of The Apes. One I'm surprised not to see which is almost perfect is The Empire Strikes Back - if they'd included a bit about Boba Fett figuring out where the Falcon went and telling the Empire, it would have been perfect.

Incidentally, I don't agree with George Lucas - they should be watched in the order they were made, IMO. Otherwise the revelation which made millions of fans jump up and cry "Say WHAT?!" loses all its immense impact.

"People tend to confuse the words 'new' and 'improved'."

- Phil Coulson, Level 7 S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent

Windows 11, anyone?

JEWELSTAITEFAN

Sunday, June 30, 2024 1:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by JEWELSTAITEFAN:
Quote:
Originally posted by jewelstaitefan:
Perfection is in the perception of the beholder.
However, I cannot think of any flaws in Galaxy Quest. Nor A Little Princess (92ish, with Liesel Matthews). Hero (93ish, Chevy Chase, Dustin Hoffman). Highlander. Terminator 2. Aliens.

edit: After reading the other entries, I see mine are not first.
I can almost agree with L.A Confidential, except Kim Basinger has refused to honor her promise to leave the country if we elected Bush, so that irks me still.
Other close candidates: Dangerous Beauty (for cinematography and scenery at least), 12 Monkeys, Road Warrior, Fargo, Pay it Forward. I don't recall flaws with The Thing (1982). What flaw would Twilight have? Gladiator? Amadeus?

The others mentioned I cannot agree with.
I'm afraid Serenity was just too heavily edited, too much cut out. Now the Pilot Serenity, if considered a film, that would be perfect.

Quote:
Originally posted by jewelstaitefan:
Huh, maybe eworking again.

I hould not have forgotten Braveherat, but avoided in cinema due to the modern hair braids.

Also can't recall flaws witrh The Man Who Knew Too Little (Bill Murray), even tho Galaxy Quest did benifit for the template. For those not aware, TMWKTL was to 007 as Galaxy Quest was to Star Trek.
Wow. i made some really good picks.

But, at the time of this necroposting, years have passed and some films should really be added to this list.
A few:
Inception
Edge Of Tomorrow
Wind River
Arrival
Free Guy
Sound Of Freedom
Alita: Battle Angel
Rogue One

Also:
American Sniper
Colossal
Oblivion
Secretariat

6IXSTRINGJACK

Sunday, June 30, 2024 9:08 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Anonymouse:
I agree about Planet Of The Apes. One I'm surprised not to see which is almost perfect is The Empire Strikes Back - if they'd included a bit about Boba Fett figuring out where the Falcon went and telling the Empire, it would have been perfect.

Haven't seen the OG trilogy in forever, but now that you mention it, that would pretty much make it one of the perfect movies.

Quote:
Incidentally, I don't agree with George Lucas - they should be watched in the order they were made, IMO. Otherwise the revelation which made millions of fans jump up and cry "Say WHAT?!" loses all its immense impact.

Agreed.

I wish I had been old enough to see that in the theaters when it came out. Me and my brothers were pretty damned excited to see it about a thousand times after I figured out how to program the VCR and I got all 3 movies taped off of cable TV though.

I would argue one further though... that somebody new to Star Wars shouldn't even watch Episodes 1 through 3... ever.

The 3 movies were Star Wars.

In my opinion, everything commercial that has come out since in nearly any medium from the early 2000's to today has only served to dilute the original experience. And that for me includes the Prequel trilogy just as much as it does anything that Disney has put out and even the (hopefully) end of the slippery-slope horseshit they're putting out as we speak.

Video games or comics that were directly based off of characters and stories from the 3 Star Wars movies were fine. I'd only tell people to play the games that couldn't tell a story because the technology was so limiting up through the time where they stuck to the original script and didn't start telling their own stories in the games... which would be right about the late 90's and before the prequel trilogy was released.

And that's about it....

I've seen a few Star Wars properties since the original trilogy, including 2 of the 3 prequel movies. But honestly, I wish I never had.

I was perfectly fine with my own imagination coming up with all the ideas about what happened after the Ewok celebration or before Luke was born.

It was a story. It was finished. While it may not have been perfect, it was still one of the best ever told.

It should have been left just as it was.

My apologies if I come off argumentative here. I tend to ramble.

--------------------------------------------------

Trump will be fine.
He will also be your next President.