81. Less Than Zero
It could be because my all-time favorite actor is phenomenal in it, it could be because their story is all too familiar (minus the rich lifestyle) and that two characters feel so much like parts of my own life, or it could be that it came out when I was the same age as the characters, oh, and there is the soundtrack, too. All of that, and something else that is harder to pin point, are why I love this movie so much. Julian still shatters my heart.
Trailer
Hazy Shade of Winter :: The Bangles
Going Back to Cali :: LL Cool J
Christmas in Hollis :: Run-DMC
‘Lil Devil :: The Cult
Life Fades Away :: Roy Orbison
82. White Christmas
The second holiday movie in this installment (well Less Than Zero does take place during the holidays), this one is by far my favorite Christmas movie. My oldest daughter and I watched it one year somewhat randomly, we were hooked from the first time watching, and it soon became a holiday tradition for us to watch it, usually whilst we wrap presents or trim the tree. I adore Danny Kaye in this.
Movie clip
Sisters :: Vera Ellen and Rosemary Clooney
Sisters (revisited) :: Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby
I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas :: Bing Crosby
83. Unbreakable
I am not typically a fan of M. Night Shyamalan films, mainly because they quickly became formulaic and contrived, to me, with the “bam” surprise ending and somewhat flat characterizations. None of that came to play, for me, within the film Unbreakable. Perhaps it is my love of comic books, flawed heroes, as well as stories of Father’s who give a damn, but I do love this Shyamalan film – a lot.
Movie Clip
I’ve Been Tired :: Pixies
Midnight Rider :: Greg Allman
84. Bonnie & Clyde
Love on the road and on the run, charisma and wreckless (and fatal) abandon, and both wit and heart, underlying the violence, are all the pieces of why I love this movie. I am ever drawn to Faye Dunaway’s portrayal of Bonnie. The film also reminds me of the year a boyfriend and I went all out for a Halloween party, dressing up like Bonnie and Clyde, circa this cinematic portrayal.
Movie clip
Deep Night :: Rudy Vallee
The Gold Diggers’ Song (We’re in the Money) :: Ginger Rogers
85. The Greatest
A story more about the love of family than the love of lovers, this movie is heartbreaking and life-affirming all at once. There is a scene towards that start of the film, with the family in a limo riding to the grave side, that is so uncomfortable and vulnerable that you almost have to turn away, yet you don’t because it is so human, raw and real. The ending is my most favorite part, where everyone tells stories of who Bennett was to them – be it son, brother, friend, lover – and it is in this telling that really defines who they are, and also acts as the ultimate bonding and acceptance of Rose, and the unconditional bond and acceptance of family.
Trailer
Lovin’ Arms :: The Wood Brothers
Neutral Ground :: Sea Wolf
Life Fades Away plays on the Muzak station at my work somewhat often and it’s always embarressing for me to try not to cry when I hear it. I can’t not think of Julian’s character and the credits rolling.
I would be exactly the same – looking up the video to include in the post had me tearing up – it will always be Julian and the final credits to me.