Monica – Desert Island Films

Monica from Munky See Munky Do has kindly submitted her Desert Island Films. Read on for her choices and reasons, and be sure to check out her site.

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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 novelty item which must be inanimate and of no use in escaping the island or allowing communication from outside.

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Monica – Desert Island Films

Labyrinth (1986)

I’ve always been a kid inside. No films have influenced me more than those of Jim Henson. I feel it would be a disgrace to his memory if I did not take at least one of his films with me on a deserted island. My reasoning for choosing ‘Labyrinth’ is because of its light heartedness and great soundtrack. The characters are likeable and fun and I feel that this film would put any depressed cast away in a good mood. The songs have that pure 80’s finesse thanks to David Bowie. I also would find it hard to see myself travelling anywhere without Hogwart…Higgle…IT’S HOGGLE!

500 Days of Summer (2009)

I find films that parody my life in some way to be fulfilling. They radiate a feeling of understanding and therefore unlock a special favor in the cockles of my heart. ‘500 Days of Summer’ is one of those films. It’s not for that reason alone that I would want this film by my side. Levitt’s character reminds me so much of my husband and it would be like I was taking a little piece of him with me. I love the actors but also I love the underlying story of the importance of fate. It’s something that I strongly believe in. Not only would this be a clear indication of a segment of my life, but also it would allow me to hold onto something that is very important to me.

Drive (2011)

So I’ve already blogged about how much I loved this film. There are just too many elements that would make this a prime choice for an extended stay on an island. The music for one thing is a nice transition into an almost meditative state of mind. The actors are excellent and the subject matter is simple but effective. There is no way I would be able to survive without a Gosling film and I think that ‘Drive’ is definitely the way I would want to see him personified. It’s the closest to how I feel he would be in real life. Someone who is a loner but would fight through hell and back again for the people he cares about. This along with Levitt’s hopeless romantic attitude is my husband split in two. Since he wouldn’t be with me, seeing who he is and how he feels is the only way I could really cope without him.

The Running Man (1987)

Good old fashioned Arnold film! I love the guy and the films that go along with him. It was tough to pull out one that is my favorite but I must say, I quote ‘Running Man’ more often then not so it was almost a no brainer. This film would not only satisfy my hunger for some Schwarzenegger humor but also give me a little piece of sci-fi action as well. A futuristic trip down ‘Plain Zero’ lane would be the perfect thing to brighten up my day. I’m sure I would feel like ‘…taking my fist and ramming it into a person’s stomach and tearing out their spine’ after months and months of inhabiting a deserted island. It would be a great frustration relief and a good way for me to punch a few holes in the sand.

Rambo (2008)

I am truly a bloodthirsty girl at heart. Mindless days of counting tree’s and sand grains would drive anyone up a wall. What better way to release those disease ridden thoughts of dread? Watching ‘Rambo’ would be the perfect way for me to let my hatred for living is vented in a loud but non-threatening way. I would just imagine myself in Stallone’s position, knifing and ripping off the heads of numerous infidels, Nazis, Goblins or whatever crazy enemy my imagination can muster up in my time of desperation. If I’m going to survive a long and lonesome stay on an island, I need a film like this to make sure I don’t accidently go over the edge. It would instill my instinct to survive by making believe that I was the one causing all the bloodshed and pain to the enemy…that being the island itself.

Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

Pure magic and imagination are the key elements for me bringing this film along with me on my journey. This is my favorite Miyazaki film and probably the one story I wish I could have lived through. The characters are humanistic but fantastical in their qualities. The story is full of every element you could want; war, acceptance, love, greed, and stupidity…the list goes on. I couldn’t see myself being stranded for who knows how long without taking some Miyazaki with me. His creations have created so much more than just a new place to see. It becomes a place you would want to do so much more in. This film would help keep my imagination in working order because that is one thing I would never want to live without.

The Wrestler (2008)

Aronofsky is probably my favorite director to date. It was hard to decide which of his films I would want to whisk away with me, but in the long run it would hands down by ‘The Wrestler.’ Not only would it fill the Aronofsky void but it would also cleanse the palate of my pro wrestling affixation. I have been a fan of pro wrestling for most of my life and I wouldn’t be able to stay me without some close lines and dives from the top rope. This film was also presented in a way that made it feel less like a motion picture and more like a documentary of The Ram’s life. It would keep the realism aspect of the sport alive in my soul while keeping true to an Aronofsky masterpiece.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

These 4 crime fighting turtles had the most impact on me as a kid. I wanted to BE a ninja turtle. I had all the toys, clothes and watched the cartoon religiously. Although ‘Secret of the Ooze’ is my favorite of the turtle films, the first one follows the original comic book (which I had as well although I colored all the b&w pages with crayons). It’s the closest translation of the original story and therefore holds a more important meaning to me. This film probably wasn’t the most kid friendly, but I liked that they aimed it towards the fans and not towards children. It had the best cast by far, especially Casey Jones and The Shredder. Couldn’t see myself going anywhere without taking a piece of my childhood with me.

Book – The Outsiders Novel (1967)

The book I would bring would hands down be ‘The Outsiders.’ I love the film but the book as all the nitty gritty details that the film is missing. I must have read this book 100 times and watched the film just as much. I know the first page of the book by heart and would not mind memorizing a few more pages. So knowing that I would never grow tired of reading this book over and over again was a clear indication that this would be the only book I should bring.

Luxury Item – Henry the Bear

I feel like this is self-explanatory.

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Thanks again to Monica 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

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Posted by Tysoncarter182 on January 15, 2013

https://headinavice.wordpress.com/2013/01/15/monica-desert-island-films/