My Ten Favourite Films (well Eleven, sort of)

I don’t tend to do personal memes but this one’s got me thinking, so if you could indulge me for a while…

There are only a few books that I’ve ever read twice, but there are films that I’ll watch over and over again. There are certain films that I always watch when I’m feeling low and it seems that films have always been my escape, more so than books. Films give me easy visuals and the ones that force an emotional reaction are my favourites. Maybe I’m lazy, but when I’m low I’ll always turn to film, rather than book. It’s really rather simple.

And so, as stolen from the wonderful Mrs Lister, I’ve pulled together a list of my favourite films. I couldn’t manage 10, so here are my top 11 (almost) beloveds:

Elf: “[phone rings, Buddy picks it up] Buddy the Elf, what’s your favourite colour?” I love the innocence of this film. It, quite simply, makes me happy.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s: “I’m not Holly. I’m not Lula Mae, either. I don’t know who I am! I’m like Cat here, a couple of no-name slobs. We belong to nobody and nobody belongs to us. We don’t even belong to each other.” An exploration of struggling with being needed or wanted, for the right reasons. This film defines beauty.

Pretty in Pink: “May I admire you again today?” Everyone needs a Duckie in their life. And Andie’s line, ‘I just want them to know that they didn’t break me,’ makes me cry every single time.

X-Men (all of them): Wolverine, super powers, leather, mutants, dark and light. Genius. Enough said.

Betty Blue: An exploration of sexual attraction, passion, love, obsession and mental illness. It’s a bit pretentious, in that many students had the poster on their wall because it was seen as cool, but for me it was never about the cool factor. This film influenced me, it matched my connection with darkness and wonky love. This is explicit storytelling that doesn’t shy away from extremes. Love it.

Brief Encounter: I hate the film ending, but absolutely adore the scene in the railway station café. This is my ‘cup of tea, lying on the sofa on a cold, grey afternoon’ film.

Truly Madly Deeply: Juliet Stevenson is amazing. This film makes my stomach twist and Juliet’s portrayal of grief is utterly convincing. The clip I’ve linked to makes my cry (and this film is the reason why Nina is called Nina in ‘Like Bees’).

It’s a Wonderful Life: Best Christmas film ever. “You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down.” Sometimes it’s good to realise all that you have.

Star Wars (original 3): Epic storytelling at its absolute best. Darth Vader is my favourite and I wish George Lucas was my dad. (Although Jar Jar Binks, what’s that all about?)

Toy Story (all 3): An emotional roller-coaster in animated film. The first film was about when I started my journey into motherhood and the third came out just as Eldest was becoming a teen. These films are ace.

E.T.: He’s lost, he’s alone, he’s such a long way from home. He NEEDS me. I don’t think I could ever love/be friends with anyone who didn’t love ET. Simple. (This is where I lose many friends, yes?)

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So, any of you care to share your top 10 films? Oh go on. I wanted to include at least another 5 (Tarantino!) but rules are rules…