Movie Recommendations

my faves and why

One of my favorite things in the world is to watch movies, whether it be in my bed or at the theater with a box of peanut M&M’s, films seem to inspire me more than anything else, so here are some that I find particularly inspirational.

Belladonna of Sadness: 1973, Director: Eiichi Yamamoto

The first time I saw Belladonna of Sadness, I was 20 years old and I had just finished making my first album, the imagery of the main character Jeanne being ripped in half by the Lord of her village sat with me for years. I chose this film as the title of my record because of its theme of the loss of one’s autonomy.

Mermaids: 1990, Director: Richard Benjamin

I first saw mermaids as a teenager, it was for sale in DVD form at the grocery store near where I grew up. I’ll let you know now that Cher happens to be my favorite actress. When I watched this for the first time I related to the dynamic between a single mother and her daughters, I myself was being raised by a “quirky” single mom, and Winona Ryders character really sat with me. This is an incredible film that exudes nostalgia.

Rosemary’s Baby: 1968, Director: Roman Polanski

I should preface this recommendation with the awareness of what a terrible person Roman Polanski turned out to be in his life. That being said, Mia Farrow is the draw for me here. Ironically, given Polanski’s later status as a literal rapist, this film depicts a woman’s loss over her own autonomy when her husband transpires to have her impregnated by the devil, she is betrayed by the people she trusts most, and gaslit to believe it is all in her head. Also, the musical aesthetic of this film always gives me chills, Ruth Gordon is one of history’s best actors, and seeing New York back then is fascinating.

Harold and Maude: 1971, Director: Hal Ashby

Harold and Maude was the start of my obsession with the 1970’s, and once again another incredible performance by Ruth Gordon. Harold is a young man who has an obsession with the morbid and morose, I related so much to this as a young girl who was always fixated on her own demise. Love transpiring between a woman near the end of her life, who wants only to live life to the fullest until her 80th birthday, and a young man transfixed with ending his life too soon, brings an interesting perspective of how short life really is.

Moonstruck: 1987, Director Norman Jewison

Moonstruck is the perfect film and hands down my favorite. Cher’s performance alongside a young Nicolas Cage is phenomenal, and it gives a beautiful perspective of the sort of family oriented, working class lifestyle that seemingly no longer exists in American culture (especially in NYC). I’m also a sucker for 1980’s New York City, so this has everything for me.

Pretty in Pink: 1986, Director: Howard Deutch

Pretty in Pink began my love of film, and Molly Ringwald was the first love of my life. Andy is an artistic outcast in a small town full of preps and cool kids. To say I related to this character as a teenager is an understatement, I genuinely felt I was her, Living on the wrong side of the tracks with a single parent, she creates an identity for herself that is completely unique and in contrast to her environment. Also, I love the 1980’s, films from this period seem to particularly resonate with me for some reason.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s: 1961, Director: Blake Edwards

When I was 12, I had a pink Hello Kitty television set that had a built in VHS and DVD player, I would buy $1 DVD’s from a basket on the floor of the Blockbuster. When I brought a disc of Breakfast at Tiffany’s home one Friday night, I had no idea how much it would impact my life. I fell hard for Audrey Hepburn, like everyone else in the world, I was transfixed by her depiction of the waif-like manic pixie dream girl, Holly Golightly. Watching Audrey glide through 1960’s New York, alone, lonely, searching for love, and being unable to commit to acquiring it, I knew there was something in her that resided in me too. Not to mention her rendition of “Moon River” being on of my favorite songs to date. Everyday for probably 2 years, I woke up to get ready for school, pressed play on my Hello Kitty TV, and let Breakfast at Tiffany’s narrate my morning routine before heading off to school.

Gaslight: 1944, Director: George Cukor

I’m sure you’ve heard the term “gaslighting” but do you know how it all started? Gaslight in my opinion is one of cinemas best films, and if you’ve ever been in a manipulative relationship, it’s a must watch for sure. Also, you’ll notice a very young Angela Lansbury.

Rear Window: 1954, Director: Alfred Hitchcock

My boyfriend and I have watched every Alfred Hitchcock film that we can get our hands on, his career spanned over 50 years, and “Rear Window” is one of his top 3 best, in my opinion. Aesthetically it’s vibrant and entertaining, and the character Jimmy Stewart plays is strangely who I relate to most in this film, if you’ve ever been consolidated to your apartment due to illness, like I have, you’ll notice a fixation on your neighbors comings and goings becomes an inevitable part of your past time. Also, Grace Kelly?! You kidding me?!

Hope you enjoy, feel free to ask questions in the comments <3

-A