Big Fish
2003
Directed by Tim
Burton
The last live action Tim Burton film that didn’t star Johnny
Depp is eleven years old? Big Fish is the story of a man attempting to learn
more about his father. This film is beautiful and it proves that Tim Burton is
capable of producing amazing things, not just visually stunning but powerful
stories leave a lasting impression.
Road To Predition
2002
Directed By Sam
Mendes
Michael Sullivan Jr (Tyler Hoechlin) decides to hide in the
back of his fathers’(Tom Hanks) car and inadvertently witnesses something that will forever change
the nature of their relationship. When I
first saw this film I was struck by how easy it was for me to relate to Michael
Sullivan Jr., granted I didn’t grow up in the depression and my father wasn’t
employed by the mafia but my father was something of a stranger in my youth and
I never really understood what he did for a living. I’ve grown to respect and
love my father but he not unlike Michael Sullivan was an intimidating figure in my youth.
There will be Blood
2007
Directed By Paul
Thomas Anderson
This movie is about the pursuit of money and power at any
cost. Daniel Day Lewis plays Daniel Plainview and gives a performance that will
be talked about for decades to come. For
me this is a guide of how not to raise my son.
Nebraska
2013
Alexander Payne
Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) is an elderly alcoholic who
believes he is the winner of a million dollar sweepstakes. David Grant (Will
Forte) is his son who accompanies him on this road trip picture. My favorite
films are the ones that change my perception, ones that help me to view the
world or a subject in a new light. This is a very simple story told with an
honest voice that speaks to may uncomfortable truths about aging and the
relationships between fathers and sons.
Magnolia
1999
Directed By Paul
Thomas Anderson
This the second film of Paul Thomas Andersons films to make
my list and it makes me wonder about what PTAs relationship with his father is
like. This film is about how our choices impact the lives of those around us,
how chance, fate and luck intersect. Tom Cruise gives an Oscar worthy performance
as Frank TJ Mackey the son of Earl
Partridge played by Jason Robards in his final on screen performance. Jeremy
Blackman plays Stanley Spector the son of Rick Spector played by Michael
Bowen. This is an incredibly complex
movie that is difficult to describe in under 1000 words but I can say that I
find something new every time I watch it and I’ve yet to not cry during the
Aimee Mann montage. Yes I cry at montages. I am a sap.
Happy Fathers Day
Chris