Desert Island Films: Film Guide Dublin

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

Desert Island Films: Dean from Film Guide Dublin

The Puffy Chair (2005)

Being stranded alone on a desert Island would probably leave you desperate for human contact. I’ve yet to watch a film that pulls you into its time and place quite like The Puffy Chair does. Everything about this film is in the moment; it is wonderfully ad-libbed and has a rawness that’s hard to match. It places you in the room as the quiet guy who doesn’t say very much, but observes everything.

Taxi Driver (1976)

Meh, maybe people aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Who needs people anyway? Travis Bickle has a pretty cynical view on the world. Being stuck on a Desert Island would probably make you think likewise at times, so why not bask in the thought with Scorsese’s psychological masterpiece.

 The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1966)

I could be on this Island for a long time, so I better include an epic. Sergio Leone’s 1966 spaghetti western starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach is a thrilling tale about the adventures of three men pitted against each other in a race to claim hidden treasure. Set amongst the backdrop of the civil war, this film features some of the best directing you’re ever likely to see.

 Rear Window (1954)

This film is surely one of the greatest pieces of pure cinema ever made; it’s a how-to guide on visual story telling. Hitchcock pans his camera around and gives his audience the kind of information that would -in the hands of some directors- be delivered in the form of pages upon pages of tedious dialogue. An essential piece of filmmaking.

 Hoop Dreams (1994)

Documentarian Steve James tells the story of two inner city Chicago boys who dream of becoming professional basketball players. Stunning, heartfelt and inspirational, this documentary is a must see. There are lessons to be learnt here.

Double Indemnity (1944)

Billy Wilder, need I say more ? Well maybe just this : “shut up, baby.”

Moon (2009)

If Sci-Fi is not normally your thing, give this film a try – you might surprise yourself. It addresses isolation and the fragility of the human mind and spirit. A bit like this Island, actually.

The Matador (2005)

This list is full of pretty serious movies; I better include a comedy or I might crack up. This film by Richard Shepard includes Pierce Brosnan (fresh from his stint as James Bond, no less) delivering the line: “I’m as serious as an erection problem.” Does it get funnier than that ?

Book: 

Double Indemnity by James M. Cain. Yeah, I know I’m bringing the movie and the book, but reading this terrific novel with that 1940’s – style speech running through your head is irresistible.

Luxury Item:

My guitar. As they say here in Ireland – let the music keep your spirits high.

So there you have it, my desert island films. I’d like to thank Tyson for the opportunity to share my picks on his fine website. Guys like him make this movie blogging thing worthwhile.

Dean

Thanks again to Dean 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 April 14, 2013

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