The 5: Movies That Immediately Affected Me The Most

 

Some movies you walk into and you expect to be shifted emotionally.  Last night I saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and I expected to be swayed dramatically.  I figured it would place me in a sentimental, contemplative mood, and while it was good, it didn’t not really hit that bittersweet part of me. 

So in honor of those movies that have affected me greatly upon immediate completion, here are the top 5 movies that affected me the most, in no particular order:

Seven: the feel good hit of the summer! I knew this would be a crime thriller, but did not know that it would be possibly the most twisted and sinister movie that I’d ever viewed up to that point (and probably still).  The sheer oppressiveness of the subject matter and atmosphere of the movie culminates in one of the most gut wrenching climaxes I’ve ever seen.  Not a movie that leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling. I’m always perplexed when I see this movie on someone’s shelf.  I can’t imagine wanting to view it repeatedly: “Hey, we’re in too good of a mood! Let’s put on Seven!”  This movie inspired me to want to desperately call my girlfriend at the time and make sure she was ok.  

Titanic-I know,  I  know. Some people view this as nothing but a schmaltz fest.  And I know it does take some liberties.  But still, the story draws you in, and the relationship as metaphor for the ship’s fate is quite effective.  Doesn’t necessarily hold up against other Best Pictures, but as an entertaining, not so serious epic, it does just fine. Just don’t make me listen to Celine Dion sing again. Ever. Please.

Almost Famous-the perfect blend of nostalgia, heartache, bittersweet, and coming of age.  Add on top of that the best overall use of music in movie (witness how Cameron Crowe uses “The Rain Song” at the end), and you have a movie that I knew would be one of my favorites of all time about 30 minutes into it. 

Dead Poets Society-discovered this in High School, Junior year.  Perfect time in my life to be affected by the yearning, desperate characters in this story.  Carpe Diem became a rallying cry after viewing this. 

E.T.-The granddaddy of them all.  As many of those close to me have heard ad nauseum, I saw this movie twice in the theater, and had to be carried out both times because I was crying like a baby. Granted, I was not far removed from being a baby-I was 5.  I could not understand why E.T. could not stay.  Even today, when I hear the swelling score at the end, it takes me back.