12 Films to make you think

One of the hardest questions in life people ask besides “where do you want to eat?” is, “what is your favorite movie?” I typically respond, The Big Lebowski because I really love it, quote it often and it never gets old to me. But the film doesn’t necessarily make me question my character or worldview. After viewing well over 70 provoking films with friends (see https://medium.com/@faxbrannan/movie-monday-947c619463 for context), I decided to challenge myself and see if I could narrow it down into a nice syllabus of only 12 films. I am not a film critic or a film student so the criteria for this list is that the film makes you think and can foster a potentially good discussion with friends.

The following list is fluid for me, and there were definitely films I wanted to include or sub out. There are critical themes worth exploring which are absent from this list. Other films like Clockwork Orange comes to mind, not only in its themes of freewill and evil, but Kubrick’s decision to keep difficult scenes from cutting away. Films like Flight or TV shows like Breaking Bad where the viewer is manipulated to root for a morally fallen character is always intriguing to me and worth discussing as well. Then there are films like Braveheart which explore positive themes just as valuable: courage, bravery, sacrifice, freedom and truth. Agree or disagree, these are the 12 films I would choose as of today and I am pretty sure this list will look different in a year. I also gave a very brief description of themes to consider or discuss without giving away any plot. (Yes, I am aware that most are from the 90’s).

American Beauty

I love the discussion about happiness and how American Culture defines happiness and discussing the paradox that America is the land of opportunity and happiness, yet also the source of some of the most unhappiness.

American History X

This should be “required reading.” Beautifully shot, brutally honest and the viewer is invited into the issues of identity, race, racism where so many times a film can close off the conversation in its presentation.

City of God

There is a contingent of people who say they dislike subtitled films. This is a great opportunity for those people to not “knock it until they try it.” There is a lot to discuss thematically, but there are great discussions to be had about social injustice, poverty, hope, privilege and power.

Donnie Darko

This is a film which will cause discussion to jump the week. There is a lot to discuss. From a philosophical point of view you have themes like time travel, but there are plenty of existential themes about death, meaning, sacrifice all wrapped up in a coming of age context.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

There is often the thought many people express after a break up of a long period questioning whether they wasted their time. The film is wonderfully crafted and gets the viewer to consider the value of our past and memories.

Fargo

Other than I believe a Coen Brothers film is required, this film is a great discussion on human nature and stereotypes.

Fight Club

There are plenty of themes to discuss and consider. It is almost wise to write them down as they present themselves. You can keep it specific and discuss themes of societal expectations like materialism and their influence, or get really deep into a discussion on existentialism and nihilism.

Good Will Hunting

A great film stirring up age old questions of what is love and what is truth? The film through various characters and circumstances ask these questions to the viewer in many shades and contexts.

Into the Wild

This film is filled with existential questions and should create a lively discussion on pride, forgiveness, wisdom and our decisions.

Magnolia

This is the longest film in the bunch, but wonderfully shot and written. Thematically, issues such as the role Fathers play in our lives, forgiveness, identity, and fate are rich in the film and if you can stay after viewing. Realistically it may need to be broken up between viewing and discussion.

Requiem for a Dream

This film brings out the elephant in the room when it comes to issues of our contemporary culture, specifically addiction, drugs, sex, and the self. It is incredibly heavy and leaves an indelible mark.

Swingers

With so many dramatic films on the list, it is wise to have some humor in the mix. Unfortunately most philosophical films are not rooted in comedy. And if it is, the humor is incredibly dark. The film still raises great questions about relationships, life changes, friends, confidence and patience.

May this list get you to reflect and think what sort of syllabus you would put together. I am sure there are absolute treasures I have forgotten, so feel free to share your recommendations.