Fanlistings: Films Q-Z
Rear Window
One of my favourite Hitchcock films; a suspenseful thriller, which makes unparalleled use of its single location to tell the story almost exclusively from the perspective of its wheelchair-bound protagonist, with of course a magnificent performance from Jimmy Stewart.
Rebecca
Another Hitchcock favourite - wonderfully atmospheric gothic mystery, and a moving portrayal of the young and unnamed second Mrs DeWinter struggling against the ghosts of her husband's past. Particularly special, as it is a favourite of a friend who died some years ago.
Robin Hood
Robin Hood retold by the animals of Sherwood forest, in a musical adventure with both comedy and romance. My earliest cinema memory after Fantasia. 'Love' remains my favourite Disney song.
The Shawshank Redemption
A disturbing picture of prison life, an absorbing drama and an uplifting story of hope and friendship.
Sleeping Beauty
This takes the prize as my favourite Disney film of all. Beautiful and romantic adaptation of the fairy tale.
The Sound of Music
When I was 4, we stayed in a holiday cabin which had this film on video; I insisted on watching it almost every day. It's remained a favourite, and I can't watch it without recapturing some of the feeling I had as a child.
Stardust
Part fantasy-adventure, part romance, this is a delightfully quirkly fairy-tale, in which few things are as they first appear.
Star Wars Series
I love the original triology's blend of action / adventure and fairy-tale mythic quality; I was hooked from the first. I enjoy the prequals too - not as tightly plotted as the originals, but including some great scenes and characters.
Thelma and Louise
Most outlaw / buddy movies are about relationships between men; at the centre of this one are two of the most interesting female roles in cinema. An intense and stirring journey of self-discovery.
2001: A Space Odyssey
This classic film tells its story episodically, concentrating on images with minimal dialogue; seeming more akin to poetry or music than to most narrative-driven films. It is one-of-a-kind, a meditation on consciousness and evolution.
WALL-E
WALL-E, the last robot alone on an abandoned earth, finds he has a part to play in the future of the human race, in this engaging pixar animation. Touching on ecological themes, it is an ultimately hopeful story of love and the renewal of life.
When Night is Falling
This film is a moving portrayal of the challenges of awakening to a new sexual identity, and beautifully expresses the emotional intensity and passion of the relationship between the two central characters.
