So as this first month of 2014 draws to a close, it seems that the gap for “best of 2013” is becoming increasingly smaller. February is almost upon us and for a few follows a lack of attention towards the films of the previous year. So this feels like the perfect time to bring up a list of great films that simply failed to reach the screens of average Joe. These films, for their many reasons of which will be explained, were simply missed and were left to watch as other films conquered. Now this changes…
5: Don Jon
“Jon Martello is a strong, handsome, good old fashioned guy. His buddies call him Don Jon due to his ability to “pull” a different woman every weekend, but even the finest fling doesn’t compare to the bliss he finds alone in front of the computer watching pornography.”
Released on November 15 and possibly the latest of the five films highlighted in this feature, Don Jon presents Inception star Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s attempt at staring, writing and directing all simultaneously. As the synopsis would have you believe, this film surrounds a group of horny guys, desperate to “pull” who are led by their Don of the nightclub who secretly prefers the intimacy of a laptop screen. If that alone is enough to pull you in, great! But as I am so evidently suggesting, it’s about more.
Don Jon may start as an American, party-hard, nightclub focused flick, however as it develops and begins to tell its more profound story of love and true connection, it is then that you, the viewer, can start to truly appreciate this work of art. Of course with its particularly appropriate certificate of ‘18’, you may also appreciate the many sexual scenes that can be found within.
“Side Effects is a 2013 American psychological thriller film directed by Steven Soderbergh from a screenplay written by Scott Z. Burns. The film stars Jude Law, Rooney Mara, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Channing Tatum”
After glancing over the cast of Side Effects, the first thought that certainly came to mind was that this was to be another romantic epic of monumental proportions. I mean with the combined efforts of Jude Law and the ever stunning Channing Tatum, the mind tends to believe that this will be one of those films that you are forced to see with your girlfriend, which is exactly what happened to me.
However after the somewhat generic introduction, this film starts to become something that really grabs you and pull you in. Any misconception that you may have once had about Side Effects suddenly vanish once it begins to show its true colours. From one of the most unnervingly shocking scenes I’ve ever witnessed, to a jaw dropping twist, it has it all. Sure its greatness may derive from that fact that it is simply much better than it appears, but nonetheless, Side Effects is certainly one to give a chance!
“The Place Beyond the Pines is a 2012 American crime drama film directed by Derek Cianfrance, written by Cianfrance, Ben Coccio, and Darius Marder. It stars Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, and Ray Liotta”
If it wasn’t for my next film, The Place Beyond The Pines could have a shot at having the most recognisable cast in history. As the synopsis mentions, Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Ray Liotta and numerous other noticeable actors/actresses can be seen within. Unfortunately, this is yet another example of exceptional films that fail to reach a mass audience on release and although it may have reach a level of recognition now, it went almost unnoticed for some time.
Originally focussing on Ryan Gosling’s character and his troubled life, he must obtain enough money to look after his family, whether it be legal or otherwise. The solution being the latter, obviously. This simple beginning however skilfully transitions into a masterful mixture of many moving storylines. Although the timeline is linear, each storyline connects with the previous and enters with ease. If it was not for a friend’s suggestion one evening, this masterpiece would not have come to my attention. So if you ‘are’ yet to see this film, here’s your suggestion…
“Cloud Atlas is a 2012 German drama and science fiction film written, produced and directed by The Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer. Adapted from the 2004 novel by David Mitchell, the film features multiple plotlines set across six different eras.”
Now this is has to be the film with the most recognisable actors/actresses in history. Starring Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving and many, many more, Cloud Atlas brings together an evidently exceptional cast, a remarkable story and an incredible climax. However, it is in fact the soundtrack to this film that completes it ever so perfectly.
Composed by Tom Tykwer, Cloud Atlas’ soundtrack is superb; with a majority of the film surrounding a certain piece. As cliché as it may sound, sitting back and purely listening to this film’s tracks one by one is one of the easiest things that you could possibly achieve. Put simply, each track has a way of gifting you a sense of purpose and motivation.
If this somewhat exaggerated description, with no actual depiction of the storyline, isn’t enough to influence you into watching The Wachowskis’ work of art, I’m not sure anything will. However you’ll certainly be thankful afterwards.
“Prince Avalanche is a 2013 comedy-drama film starring Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch. It was directed by David Gordon Green, who also wrote the screenplay based on the 2011 Icelandic film Either Way.”
Finally we come to the final of this 5 Amazing Films of 2013 That You Probably Didn’t See feature. So far we’ve covered a nice mix of twist filled thrillers and inspirational epics and what do we have next? You may be surprised.
Starring Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch, Prince Avalanche is without a doubt one of the most genuine films of its time. It’s hard to explain exactly what this indie film is and at times after watching it, viewers can begin to question whether anything substantial actually happens within the storyline. It is this though that gives the humble film its magnificence.
Prince Avalanche is somewhat of a character study in itself. Telling the story of Alvin and Lance, two polar opposites from the city, they spend the film cultivating a questionable friendship while repainting traffic lines on a damaged country road throughout the summer of 1988. As can be imagined, not everything goes to plan. However, the plot never manages to stray very far from where it’s planted. Telling a simple story, with some not so simple complications, but steadily closing with a peaceful clarity to it, Prince Avalanche is certainly one of the most enjoyable films of 2013.
If you require scenes of an extremely thrilling nature however, just don’t bother…
