Letterboxd 4 Wednesday - 5/29
Before we diving into this weeks edition of “Letterboxd 4 Wednesday”, I want to apologize for my sort of lack of presence on here lately. I have been very busy with an online class I’ve been taking for the last couple of days and trying to manage that with my job and other things in my life has been taking a mental toll the last couple of days that I’m getting tired of it. So this weekly series has been the only thing that has kept this newsletter active for the last few weeks. But I promise that this summer (and when I’m not super busy) will offer tons of articles and exciting things to come, because I have a tons of ideas and things I want to talk with you all about on this newsletter once the hellstorm of my class ends next week. With all that preamble out of the way, let’s see what’s this weeks Letterboxd top 4 are, shall we?
Spider-Man (2002), dir. Sam Raimi
Those who say the perfect superhero film doesn’t exist clearly haven’t seen this masterpiece. Sam Raimi’s first outing with the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is the textbook definition of a perfect origin story come to life. One that is filled with dazzling directing, amazing editing, perfect pacing, and an expert screenplay that allows its simple and affective story to shine through with cheesy yet wonderful dialogue, fully fleshed out characters (including one of the best hero and villain dynamics ever put to film), and beautiful themes about heroism, responsibility, and honesty that not only translates to Raimi’s perfect and complete vision throughout the film, but also makes this a film that is 100% Spider-Man coming to life. They clearly don’t make films like this anymore.
Poor Things (2023), dir. Yorgos Lanthimos
Now I already covered this film before on this newsletter and how the character growth of Bella Baxter connects to my autism (which you can read here if you haven’t yet). But beyond that, I love this film for being one of the most creatively unique, darkly hilarious, wildly outlandish, and awe striking films I have seen in quite some time with excellent performances, amazing colors and production design, and weird and unique sense of scope and immanency that could only come from the mind of Yorgos Lanthimos. And that’s on top with having one of the best autistic leads ever to be put on film. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it sure as hell my cup of tea.
Titanic (1997), dir. James Cameron
I mean what else do I need to say? Titanic is the type of film that only a mastermind like James Cameron can accomplished and not make it like a complete disaster. This film one part horror film capturing the tragic sinking of the ship and the lives lost amidst it all with breathtaking visuals and the huge scope of it all, and one part romance that focus on two young souls trying to escape from the system that kept them in cages and break loose once they found each other and help each other to see the best version of themselves with unforgettable chemistry between Leo and Kate, and the slow and tender romance that while may end in tragedy, lives in our hearts forever. It’s one of those rare films that has something for everyone and I’m so glad it exists for that reason alone.
Do The Right Thing (1989), dir. Spike Lee
Arguably one of (if not the most) culturally relevant films ever made. Spike Lee’s masterpiece takes an unapologetic and nasty deep dive into the racial injustice of America and the bitter division of the different parties, knowing they can never get along if they don’t see eye to eye. On top with the film making the world feel real and authentic by allowing it to produce so much fun enegery based on its cast of fully realized characters, energetic music, and strong sense of humor before it builds to a 3rd act that hits the truth home deep to our inner core. A deep truth that we’re still experiencing to this day and the only way can we break out of it is if we do the right thing and fight against the oppressive power. A hauntingly timeless film if there ever was one.
That’s my Letterboxd 4 Wednesday for this week. Thank you for reading and check these films out if you haven’t yet.