how about tonight?

It's time to sit back and unwind a little bit. Think of this like you're in grade school, and your teacher would roll out the TV cart or projector on Friday for a movie and even though there was a lesson to be learned or maybe even homework, it was still cool because you didn't have to do anything else but watch the movie.

We had a cinephile friend of ours, Chris Weeks, put together a list of movies that they find cinematically great. And as you watch these movies, try to take notes on the choices that are made that give the film a certain style and moments that visually stun or move you. We hope that this list provides you with memorable imagery that expands your imagination.

Obviously, you don't have to watch all of them but you should. And even if you have seen a film on the list, some films you will never be able to process fully unless you watch it again. You may need to do some research or watch other films then watch it again. Or you may need to grow older and watch it again.

All we're saying is we trust Chris with this. Every single film he listed are all equally amazing. Plus, he also left comments on a few of the films and why he chose them.

Take a look:

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Birdman (2014)

the theatrical movie about the theater that is filmed as if you’re watching a play at the theater. The film is shot in a way that looks like it is all a continuous one shot sequence. The pacing is fast and glides from scene to scene. It never really skips a beat as the percussion score guides you along. The story is mythical yet relatable as you view one man’s desperate attempt to find meaning in life. It is a true Shakespearean tragedy that you will find yourself laughing through.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Children of Men (2006)

Apocalypse Now (1979)

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

There isn’t quite as groundbreaking of a movie as E.T. (1982). The friendly alien is as recognizable as Elmo or Bugs Bunny and is often branded as a children’s movie. Although upon a recent watch, it became clear to me that the movie was much more than that. The film immediately establishes an ominous mood with dark settings and a mysterious tone. The camera strategically hides the terrifying government figures and E.T. from the start creating a sense of distrust. It isn’t until the protagonist learn more about both E.T. and the government that you learn there are no villains in this story. It is this realization that opens the film up with color and brightness showing the faces of the once hidden characters. It is this journey that makes the film so memorable and heart warming.

Old Boy (2003)

Requiem for a Dream (2000)

La Haine (1995)

Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

This film is truly the definition of a juxtaposition. Wes Anderson’s almost 2D children’s book style is gentle, warm, and fuzzy. The colors are vibrant and the visuals are pleasing. The viewer feels safe in the world he’s created at this amicable hotel. Although, the content of the story couldn’t be farther away from this - the protagonist has sex with lonely old ladies, a man would murder for will money, and a young boy is discriminated against. It is the ridiculousness of this story and the contrast of the cute imagery that make this such a hilarious film. It accomplishes both being light and dark while being childlike and mature. It does both sides of the spectrum so well that it has earned it’s right as a masterpiece.

Let us know if you have any recommendations for cinematically great movies in the comments.