Summer Of Cinema
This summer I have rediscovered the beauty of independent films. I love big budget movies like Blade Runner, Pulp Fiction, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, but there is this indescribable essence of indie flicks that always give me a lovely, warm feeling. These movies may have limited resources, mostly unknown actors, and no special effects…but they make up for it with their unique plot lines and witty dialogue. These movies each have their own beautiful aesthetic and I admire all of them for their attention to each and every detail. I hope you watch all of these films and enjoy them as much as I have.
Dear Lemon Lima (2009) dir. Suzi Yoonessi
“Vanessa gets a dose of reality when Philip, her one true love, ends their relationship, again. The quirky teen enrolls in his school to win him back, but ends up making matters worse. Downgraded to social outcast, Vanessa struggles to reclaim Phillip's affection. Luckily, when Vanessa is declared a captain for the school's Snowstorm Survivor competition, she assembles a team of likeminded misfits to prove they deserve to compete and hopefully win her love's heart again.”
This movie has really found a place in my heart because of how much I relate to it. Vanessa loves to write in her diary, change her hair color, and fight for whale preservation. She lives in Alaska and actually has some native blood (that she sometimes tries to ignore). She is an outcast and nothing really goes her way but she still has a sense of humor and along the road of humiliation she meets a group of teens who are equally as unlucky as her. They have fun experiences together and overall the movie is made beautifully. I recommend this film to everyone and I would give it 9 out of 10 bunnies.
Daydream Nation (2006) dir. Michael Goldbach
“A city girl who moves to a small town and becomes entangled in a love triangle between her high school teacher and a stoner classmate.”
This film is absolutely incredible…It encompasses every dream that you have about high school, while at the same time… maintains a haze of realness that is all too familiar. For me…reality and fantasy sometimes blur into one beautiful confusion. I am constantly looking at people…and thinking of how I can be them, what do they think of me, and what is wrong with me. Always self-policing and denying myself the beauty of a full and complete life. I see a girl on the street that looks mysterious or interesting. Most would just see a girl, but I see a future…my future. It’s quite unhealthy, but I have an obsession with creating mini-lives for myself. I imagine myself in their shoes and it allows me to escape the mundane, trials and tribulations of the average American teenager and for a moment…I feel like I can be anyone I want to be.
This masterpiece is about how it feels to want to change yourself. Along with the feeling of envy, but mostly aspiration. Sometimes I wish I could just live in a film and forget about all my worldly problems. This movie did that for me…this movie made me feel something. It is truly worth a watch. I would recommend this film to anyone who may feel lost in this world and especially to those still stuck in the suburbs. I would give this glorious piece of cinema, 10 out of 10 cupcakes.
God Help the Girl (2014) dir. Stuart Murdoch
“As Eve begins writing songs as a way to sort through some emotional problems, she meets James and Cassie, two musicians each at crossroads of their own.”
This is such an adorable movie…I don’t have much words. It has kind of a sad undertone but on the whole side this movie is about breaking free from your chains and letting go. It’s about trying new things and being yourself. The main characters in this movie, Eve, James, and Cassie, make the greatest band together. Eve writes the songs and does lead vocal, James plays guitar, and Cassie sings back-up vocal. They are also accompanied by a group of various musicians in their area who make Eve’s songs come to life. This movie is full of rad 60’s photography, catchy tunes, and adorable outfits. Also the plot and cinematography of this movie are so beautiful and unique. I would recommend this film to anyone who loves bands like The Beatles, The Monkees, or The Byrds. Also, I would give it 9 out of 10 demo tapes.
Ginger & Rosa (2012) dir. Sally Potter
“A look at the lives of two teenage girls – inseparable friends Ginger and Rosa – growing up in 1960s London as the Cuban Missile Crisis looms, and the pivotal event that comes to redefine their relationship”
While I write this… I am listening to the movie’s theme song called “Take Five” by Dave Brubeck (which appears several times in this film). This song makes me feel so many emotions and truly reflects the plot of this movie quite well. Ginger and Rosa are two teenage girls misunderstood by their peers and by society. Ginger cares an awful lot about the future of the planet and often goes to meetings held by young people who are against the use nuclear warfare. This movie has an amazing (and I mean amazing) soundtrack, plus the cinematography is flawless. This film really shows off Elle Fanning’s range of ability in acting and I see a bright future for her. Her crimson locks shine as luminous as her personality. This film is a lovely period piece and gives me the urge to go to a café and write poetry for hours. Like Ginger, I too participate in activism and I can relate so much to her character. This movie is utterly brilliant and it deserves to be seen by more people. I would recommend this movie to anyone who is a fan of 20th century history and really all of my fellow mod-60’s admirers. Also I would give this film 10 out of 10 peace signs.
Lost in Translation (2003) dir. Sofia Coppola
“A faded movie star and a neglected young woman form an unlikely bond after crossing paths in Tokyo.”
This movie is such a lovely little gem. It beautifully executes the enormous confusion and happiness that surrounds being lost. At times, being lost is scary and lonely… but this move shows us that even when you don’t know where you’re going…you can make the most of the moments that are still, when you aren’t going anywhere at all. This film explains what it means to be lost emotionally, physically, and existentially. The main characters in this movie, Bob and Charlotte, are stuck in Japan due to extenuating circumstances and happen to stumble upon each other and have an unlikely friendship. In this film their relationship is short, but they have everlasting effects on one another. This movie really touched me and I enjoyed the beautiful art direction. Also, Bill Murray is just plan adorable (as usual). Sofia Coppola did a fantastic job and I am always a fan of her work (I would recommend the Bling Ring, it is a great film). All in all, I think this movie is a good way to end my summer movie playlist. I really enjoyed this one in particular and would recommend it to everyone, mainly because I believe almost anyone can relate to it. Also, I would give it 9.7 out of 10 sushi rolls.
I really hope that you all enjoy these films as much as I have. These are the kinds of movies that inspire me to be a director when I grow up. All I want to do with my life is help people and make movies...and I feel that they are intertwined and will go together nicely. Movies can touch people from all around the world and can help bring joy to millions. I hope that with the school year nearing in…you will be able to relax a few more times and enjoy these beautiful pieces of cinema during your last month of summer.
