A Filmful of Summer
Films that inspired me, shocked me, broke me, blew me away, and left a sweet aftertaste
You might not have known this about me, but I’m studying a Master’s degree in Cinema from one of the most renowned film institutes here in Tehran. Cinema has been an inseparable part of my life for the longest time, and here I thought of sharing a curated list of films I’ve watched over the course of summer and found exceptional in one way or the other.
Identity (2003): Identity, a 90-minute film I began watching seeking a small dose of dopamine, exceeded my expectations in numerous ways. The psychological depth aside, I was amazed at the incredible performances, especially those of John Cusack and Amanda Peet. “I saw you in an orange grove.” has yet to leave my mind, if ever.
Election (1999): A timely film, as the name suggests, the story of which happens in a high school, surprisingly, yet achieves more depth than many political films that have tried their hands at displaying the darker sides of people vying for power and status. A young Reese Witherspoon plays an overachiever, fiery high schooler and Matthew Broderick, whom you may know as the protagonist of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) plays a seemingly cool, well-liked teacher.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992): Mr. Coppola, the godfather of cinema, is the master of color and aesthetics, especially when it comes to red, to which The Godfather Trilogy can attest. Even though I have always been vocal about my dislike for the famous novel, I must say the movie adaptations have never failed to amaze me. This version of Dracula is particularly captivating in its aesthetics and sensual erotica, and the actors Gary Oldman, Winona Rider, and Anthony Hopkins each present a masterclass of acting. (Keanu Reeves plays a vital role in the film, but he is not a good actor, sorry!)
Inside Out 2 (2024): Honestly, the first episode of the franchise fell a bit flat for me, and I was not a fan. The second one, however, blew me away. The fascinating plays with the concepts of Stream of Consciousness and Brainstorm aside, I couldn’t stop thinking how positively impactful this movie can be for people who have not had a particularly healthy relationship with their emotions and how this whole experience can encourage them to express their feelings and befriend what’s been detrimentally dormant for many years, probably since their adolescence.
Longlegs (2024): “What could have been?” is the aftertaste you’re left with after finishing this horror piece. A great story with multidimensional characters is left without proper execution and development. The eponymous character, played by Nicholas Cage, is rife with potential yet doesn’t at all satisfy the thirst for the audience’s encounter with the villain. In a nutshell—and I have been saying this a few times already—what could have been fantastic is only interesting. Nonetheless, I’d still recommend watching Longlegs for its sheer aesthetic elements and scenes of somber fear.
Thelma (2024): Thelma is a feel-good movie about an old woman who embarks upon a hero’s journey. It’s a classic plot with comic bits and pieces seamlessly woven together; a comfortable and safe option to watch with family. Consider this a more colorful, less critically rich version of Nebraska.
Matilda (1996): When my little sister asked me to watch Matilda with her, which she had seen herself innumerable times, I didn’t expect to be blown away by the unforgettable decoupage and colorful rhythm as much as I did. The cinematic execution is exemplary, and the whole production rekindled my interest in what’s considered to be children’s cinema. (a few weeks later, I watched the recent, musical piece and didn’t enjoy it as much; albeit it was a good movie).
Lost Illusion (2021): Based on Balzac’s literary masterpiece of the same name, this film takes us back to 19th-century France’s print culture and depicts the power dynamics and hierarchies amidst the literati, publishing tycoons, and persons of status. The narrative is captivating, and I believe this film should be of the utmost interest to the Substack community here.
Elevator to the Gallows (1958): A French classic from Louis Malle, Elevator to the Gallows is a 90-minute slow-paced thriller from the bounteous era of La Nouvelle Vague. Its black-and-white aesthetic is masterful, and the reveals leave you relishing in your comprehension of cinema as the seventh art; with all its possibilities of integration.
Anomalisa (2015): This stop-motion picture broke my heart. What can I say, but that Charlie Kaufman did it again! (Anomalisa is one of those films I feel guilty about recommending, afraid of its potential grave impact.)
I Saw the TV Glow (2024): By far, the best horror film of 2024. An amalgam of Lynchian surrealism, intriguing color palette, and psychological depth, this artful piece takes you down the spiral of an individual trying to find their place in the world and within their body. ISTTG is an experience that leaves an existential aftertaste for a long while.
Hit Man (2023): You may best know Richard Linklater from The Before Trilogy. In this action comedy, which is a stigmatized genre for many cinephiles, Mr. Linklater offers a fast-paced narrative about a philosophy professor tangled up in a job as a—you guessed it—hitman that transforms him and his sense of self. What stayed with me long after the watch itself was the philosophical outlook on self-creation rather than self-discovery; a concept I find fascinating and have spent a large portion of my life studying and implementing.
Femme (2023): Another brilliant British experience. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I find the contemporary British drama heartwrenching in a distinctly profound way. Femme is about a black drag artist in London named Jules who’s beaten up one night by a young, tattooed white male who feels his masculinity is threatened by her.
Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse (2023): The worst thing about Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse is that it ended without closure, and now we have to wait who knows how long for the next installment! There is so much technical mastery, emotional depth, and narrative creativity that one cannot help but be spellbound by the tiniest increment of the cinematic experience. Dear gods-I-don't-believe-in, let it be less than the five years it took from the first to the second installment!
Questions for You
Have you watched any of these films?
Which movie disappointed you? For me Maxxxine, for sure!
Which one has left a mark?
What films have you enjoyed during the summer? I look forward to your recommendations.
What is your most anticipated watch in the days to come? I believe the new Joker sequel will make a lot of lists; secret time: I wasn’t so fond of the first one, even though the magnificence of Joaquin Phoenix as Joker is undeniable.
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Damn, that Dracular shot is shocking. Going to have to watch that now!