A Movie Lover’s Favorites to get you through the Pandemic #35: Witness (1985.) Only a brilliant screenwriter would place a thriller in Amish country. The movie is both pastoral and gripping – quite a feat. If you want proof that Harrison Ford is a more than an action hero watch this film. Directed by Peter Weir in his prime, and co-starring Kelly McGillis, of Top Gun fame.
A Movie Lover’s Favorites to get you through the Pandemic #27: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004.) This is modern science fiction in the form of a love story. The script, by Charlie Kaufman, is inventive and moving. This film is about the pain of loss, something we all encounter. If you feel like doing some deep thinking, watch this movie.
A Movie Lover’s Favorites to get you through the pandemic # 15: 4 Little Girls (1997.) This heartbreaking documentary about the 1963 Alabama church bombing that killed four African Americans girls is especially relevant now. Directed by the cinematic genius, Spike Lee, the film provides an historical context for recent events. Give yourself time to recover and reflect after you watch it makes it a good choice for these challenging times.
A Movie Lover’s Favorites to get you through the pandemic #14: Smile (1975.) This early Michael Richie comedy contains a surprisingly serious and powerful performance by Bruce Dern. It also stars a very young Melanie Griffith. The film has a light sweetness that makes it a good choice for these challenging times.
A Movie Lover’s Favorites to get you through the pandemic #13: Babette’s Feast (1987). This movie won the 1987 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. If you like cooking shows you’ll love this lyrical movie. It contains one of my favorite cinematic lines: “An Artist is never poor. “ Slowly sip a good glass of wine and enjoy.
A Movie Lover’s Favorites to get you through the pandemic #12: Annie Hall (1977). Say what you will about Woody Allen, but Annie Hall remains a hilarious and touching film. It won four well deserved Academy Awards, and made Diane Keaton a super star. The film also inspired a major fashion trend. It’s hard to separate art from the artist, but Annie Hall was made over a decade prior to the accusations against Allen. If you disagree don’t watch this movie, but you’ll miss out on a wonderful experience.
A Movie Lover’s Favorites to get you through the pandemic #11: Seymour: An Introduction (2015.) This meditative documentary tells the story of Seymour Bernstein, former concert pianist and teacher to world-class pianists. The movie exquisitely illustrates what the life of an artist looks like. True confession – I was so moved I wept. Even if you don’t care about classical music this film is worth watching.
A Movie Lover’s Favorites to get you through the pandemic #10: Shaft (1971). I saw it with my family when I was eleven. What was Dad thinking? (We all had a great time.) The movie has one of the best opening sequences ever filmed and was wildly innovation its day. Theme from Shaft won Isaac Hays a well deserved Oscar. The movie is a standout of the Blaxploitation movement. It’s a little dated, but who cares? “Who is the man who would risk his life for his brother man” still resonates. Watch it on Pay-per-view and feel the groove.
My new book, Tip, Tools, and Anectdotes to Help during a Pandemic has been released! It’s filled with tidbits that can help you cope with the stresses caused by the Corona virus or with any challenging life event. Check it out on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble .com.
Joanna Charnas 