Committed to Celluloid – Desert Island Films

Fernando from Committed to Celluloid has kindly submitted his Desert Island Films. Read on for his choices and reasons, and be sure to check out his site.

************************************************************************************************* Desert Island Films is about choosing 8 films you would take if you were going to be stranded on a desert island and explaining your choices. They don’t necessarily have to be your favourites, just 8 films, no more or no less! You are also permitted to take one book and one luxury item which must be inanimate and of no use in escaping the island or allowing communication from outside. *************************************************************************************************

I had a harder time than I expected figuring out just which eight movies I’d take with me. I found it odd that I didn’t pick anything by Chris Nolan or David Fincher, two of my absolute favorite filmmakers. I love their work but for some reason, I know I can do without their movies after my plane crashes (that’s how I end up in the island, à la Lost). My eight Desert Island Films, in no particular order, are:

Volver – I’m not entirely sure what my favorite movie is. In my teen years, when I was really into Tarantino and David Fincher and the sort of dark, violent worlds they create, it was Fight Club. But now, as I’ve grown as a person and as a cinephile, I can say it probably is this little gem by Pedro Almódovar (although sometimes I go for my next pick; I guess it’s a question of mood). Yes, the main theme is death which, I guess, is something you don’t want to be reminded of in a desert island but, at its core, it’s a warm, deeply touching and darkly hilarious story about family and maternal love. Also, surprisingly, it has insane replay value (at least for me).

Kill Bill Vol. I – I flip-flop between this one and Volver when people ask me what my favorite movie is (I guess they’re tied). Kill Bill Vol. I holds a special place in my heart, though, as it was the one that changed my views on film forever. Quentin Tarantino made me see what could happen if there was pure talent behind and in front of the camera. I watched it religiously when I was around 13 years old and still check it out every now and then. How couldn’t I? It marks the beginning of my life as a film buff.

Ratatouille – When I like some movies, I tend to really like them. Also, I’m very picky when it comes to animated films and I had low expectations for Ratatouille (how could a story about a rat in a kitchen possibly work?) so I was surprised when I ended up loving it. Seriously, I watched it at the theater like 4 times! It’s the best Pixar movie yet, a delicious (pun intended) comedy with great music, an endearing lead character, strong voice work and gorgeous animation. I can’t praise it enough. It is pure gold.

Midnight in Paris – The newest addition to my favorite movie list, Midnight in Paris came out just last year. This one could really put me in a good mood whenever I’d get the desert island blues. It’s warm, light (but not hollow), funny and so damn nice to look at. The cast is very impressive and besides, how could I leave Woody out? I need a bit of his genius writing to remind me of better times (when I wasn’t stranded in the middle of nowhere).

The Godfather – All my choices are dear to me but they’re also flawed in some way. This one isn’t. I’d need a perfect film with me to remind me that while some things may malfunction (like the plane I was on), perfection does exist and it was achieved by Francis Ford Coppola in 1972.

The Big Lebowski – Volver has a heavy dose of drama and Midnight in Paris relies heavily on its fantasy aspect. I need an all-out comedy. And the best one out there is, of course, the Coen Brothers’ The Big Lebowski. I could laugh freely from beginning to end without anybody judging me. Also, it’d be good for my body. I’m very lazy, so I could get my ab exercises from watching the funniest movie ever. It’d make me crave a White Russian, though.

Pulp Fiction – The second Tarantino flick on the list. I tried to pick one but why should I? I can’t leave Pulp Fiction behind. I’ve only seen it twice in my lifetime but I can definitely see myself watching it many, many more times (especially if I have nothing else to do). The writing is just incredible and Samuel Jackson was born to play Jules Winnfield. Everything about it (except for the Bruce Willis storyline) screams awesome.

Harvey – I’m packing this one in case I need a good cry (if being alone on an island isn’t  reason enough). Also, because I should have a black-and-white movie with me. But mainly because it features the best performance from my favorite actor, Jimmy Stewart.

Book – Anthony Bourdain is one of my favorite people. He has a very unique sense of humor, a fantastic way with words and he bridges the gap between two fascinating worlds: food and literature. His No Reservations is one of the best shows in TV right now (or ever), but since there won’t be a TV at the island (obviously), I’ll get my Bourdain fix with his amazing memoir, Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook. The teen in me wants to take the super exciting Catching Fire (by Suzanne Collins), though.

Luxury item – Music is as important a presence in my life as movies so, easy choice. I’d take my iPod. The battery would die very soon, though : ( I’ll have so much free time on my hands, that I’ll be able to device a solar charger out of things I find on the island 😉

************************************************************************************************* Thanks again to Fernando for taking the time to join the prestigious Head In A Vice ”castaway” list. If you would like to submit your choices and add your name to this list, please drop me an email to – tysoncarter@hotmail.co.uk *************************************************************************************************

Posted by Tysoncarter182 on August 26, 2012

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