What to watch during the NY holidays?
The Apartment, 1960
Renowned six-time Academy Award-winning director Billy Wilder, celebrated for the iconic classic comedy “Some Like It Hot” (also known as “Only Girls in Jazz”), has crafted another spectacular romantic comedy following the success of the aforementioned blockbuster: “The Apartment.” The film narrates the story of Baxter (Jack Lemmon), a modest executive in a large corporation, who attains professional success by an unconventional means—renting out his apartment to his colleagues. Baxter’s apartment, conveniently situated near the workplace, becomes a rendezvous spot for married employees and their mistresses. However, everything takes a dramatic turn on Christmas Eve when Baxter finds a unconscious Fran (Shirley MacLaine) in his home, having taken an overdose of sleeping pills. Fran, the object of Baxter’s colleague’s affection, is secretly entangled in a romantic affair with their director.
Bridget Jones’s Diary, 2001
The 90s and 00s stand out as a particularly prosperous era for romantic comedies. During these years, numerous British and American films were produced, enduring the test of time and retaining their popularity today. Two decades ago, there was a groundbreaking shift as films began to challenge stereotypes, featuring single women in their thirties who smoked, occasionally indulged in alcohol, and grappled with issues of excess weight. This sincerity was evident in one of Renee Zellweger’s standout roles, portraying Bridget Jones alongside Colin Firth’s character Mark Darcy. Interestingly, Bridget Jones and Mark Darcy find their literary roots in Jane Austen’s novel “Pride and Prejudice,” serving as inspirations for Helen Fielding, the author of “Bridget Jones’s Diary.”
The storyline, as timeless as it gets, revolves around personal life and the pursuit of happiness, interspersed with a plethora of humorous quips, poignant letdowns, and absurd situations. Memorable elements such as Darcy’s knitted Christmas sweater, Bridget’s ice cream-eating face concealed by a blanket, and the snug, comfortable nightgown contribute to the charm, making them cherished attributes for fans of British comedy and romantic comedies. These elements create the perfect ambiance for enjoying a heartwarming family comedy on New Year’s Eve.
Brazil, 1985
Numerous enthusiasts of dystopian and science fiction genres are acquainted with filmmaker Terry Gilliam and his singular creation, “Brazil.” For those unacquainted with the movie but who appreciate the dieselpunk genre, along with the writings of George Orwell and Franz Kafka, as well as ”unconventional strange” films, it is highly recommended to promptly explore Gilliam’s dystopian masterpiece.
The film unfolds in an imaginary era that, in some aspects, reflects a futuristic setting but retains echoes of the latter half of the 20th century. It narrates the story of Sam Laurie, a seemingly insignificant component of a vast system, content with his unremarkable existence. His mother is actively attempting to secure a promotion for him. Sam lives in a monotonous and bureaucratic society dominated by consumerism. However, during the night, his dreams are vibrant and filled with color, depicting him as the rescuer of an unfamiliar, beautiful girl from menacing creatures. Then, by chance, the very girl from his dreams unexpectedly materializes in Sam’s dreary and bureaucratic workplace one day.
In Bruges, 2008
One of the renowned dark comedies by the British-Irish playwright, screenwriter, and director Martin McDonagh is set in the charming Belgian city of Bruges. Ken (Colin Farrell) and Ray (Brendan Gleeson) are professional hitmen tasked by their boss (Ralph Fiennes) to stay in the midst of the picturesque Belgian medieval architecture, leisurely tourist crowds, and a lively, celebratory carousel. This assignment comes as a consequence of Ray unintentionally causing the death of a young boy during a previous job. Set satirically in an ancient European town, this crime comedy revolves around two killers grappling with guilt as they seek solace. Unique within its genre, the film proves to be an excellent choice for enthusiasts of British black humor, crime narratives, and sardonic dialogues, offering a distinct and entertaining experience.
Edward Scissorhands, 1990
This could describe nearly any fantasy film by the American director, animator, screenwriter, and, notably, storyteller Tim Burton. However, it is particularly poignant to recall his initial collaboration with Johnny Depp, marking the commencement of a prolonged creative journey. This collaboration resulted in one of the cherished melancholic fantasies for millennials, culminating with a revelation about the significance of snowfall in the narrative.
The movie narrates the story of an incomplete mechanical being named Edward (played by Depp), characterized by scissor-like appendages in place of hands. This unique feature results from the unfinished work of the elderly scientist who created him, unable to provide conventional fingers. Edward spends his entire existence in a Gothic castle atop a hill, adorned in white attire with pallid skin and a countenance marked by scissor scars. Peg, a resident from the town below, stumbles upon him by chance and, moved by compassion for the lonely Edward, brings him to her own home. This unexpected turn of events creates a stir among the inquisitive and straightforward residents of the town.
