Buzz
You might remember that we previously shared a list of films that explore the world of filmmaking. The list stirred up some debate, mainly due to some notable exclusions. This updated collection aims to fill in those gaps and introduces some essential films that every movie lover should watch. If you think we've missed any important ones, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
10. Man Bites Dog
A documentary crew follows a serial killer as he carries out his grisly acts. Along the way, he shares his thoughts on various subjects like art, music, society, and life while committing murders. As the crew becomes more involved in his crimes, they start questioning their role in documenting his actions, especially when the killer targets a rival and the victim's brother threatens them with violence.
This is the only film on this list I haven’t watched yet, so I can’t provide a personal rating. However, the review on IMDb describes it as 'A masterpiece, with the killer’s utter indifference to human life and a captivating cast of stunning characters.'
9. What just happened
Ben, a seasoned Hollywood producer, finds himself in the midst of a hectic week. He's working to ensure his latest film gets the green light for a Cannes premiere in two weeks. On top of that, he's dealing with a demanding director needing urgent edits, an actor and his agent upset over the star’s unexpected full beard, and his ex-wife Kelly, who might have a new lover. Will Ben manage to keep everything under control, secure Cannes approval, solve the beard situation, and perhaps mend things with Kelly?
The charm of this movie lies in its portrayal of a Hollywood producer trying to maintain order in both his personal and professional spheres, only for those around him to constantly complicate matters. It's a well-crafted story with relatable characters, and it's full of humor. (You may recognize some of the film's stars: Robert De Niro, Sean Penn, Catherine Keener, Bruce Willis, John Turturro, Kristen Stewart)
Quick note: Catherine Keener also appears in the #5 film on this list, 'Hamlet 2'
8. Be Kind Rewind
Jerry, a junkyard worker, sets out to sabotage a power plant he believes is responsible for his headaches. However, his actions accidentally lead to his brain becoming magnetized, causing the destruction of all the films in his friend's store. To keep their sole loyal customer, an elderly woman with a fragile grip on reality, the duo embarks on a mission to recreate a long list of movies, including *The Lion King*, *Rush Hour*, *Ghostbusters*, *When We Were Kings*, *Driving Miss Daisy*, and *Robocop*, turning themselves and the locals into the stars of their own cinematic adventure.
I found this movie to be highly enjoyable, with an original and well-crafted storyline. The performances were strong, and Jack Black paired perfectly with Mos Def, creating a memorable dynamic.
A fun trivia note: Jack Black also stars in the #9 film on the 'movies about movies' list, *Tropic Thunder*.
Cannibal Holocaust takes us on a disturbing journey with a documentary crew composed of three men and one woman, venturing into the South American jungle to find real cannibals. After the crew goes missing, a rescue team is dispatched from the U.S. and connects with an Amazon tribe called the Tree-people. The tribe provides the only evidence of the crew's fate—the film rolls containing footage shot during their ill-fated search. The documentary then shows us the chilling truth of what happened.
The film opens with a documentary team of four young filmmakers, heading into the South American jungle to find actual cannibals. When the crew vanishes, a rescue team is sent to search for them. The team eventually meets a tribe, known as the Tree-people, who give them the film rolls shot by the original crew, revealing the terrifying events that led to their disappearance.
In this shocking film, viewers witness real animals being dismembered, as well as a young girl being impaled. If you enjoyed *Faces of Death*, this movie will definitely appeal to you. However, good luck finding a legal copy, as this film has been banned in 50 countries.
*Hamlet 2* follows Dana Marschz, a washed-up actor and recovering alcoholic who relocates to Tucson to teach high school drama. He struggles with poor reviews, unengaged students, budget cuts (he and his wife, who is trying to get pregnant, also take in a boarder), and his own shortcomings as a teacher. When the other electives are shut down, he ends up with a class of tough students, and the principal announces that drama will be eliminated next term. In an attempt to revive the program, Dana decides to stage a sequel to *Hamlet*, in which the prince and Jesus, using a time machine, try to rescue Gertrude and Ophelia. Can Dana finally succeed?
In *Hamlet 2*, Dana Marschz, a failed actor and recovering alcoholic, moves to Tucson to teach high school drama. Faced with negative reviews, disengaged students, financial struggles, and personal issues (his wife, trying to get pregnant, and they also have a boarder), Dana finds himself teaching a class full of troubled teens. When drama is set to be cut next term, he decides to create a sequel to *Hamlet*, where Hamlet and Jesus, aided by a time machine, attempt to save Gertrude and Ophelia. Can Dana finally make something work?
This movie is absurd, but undeniably funny.
Fun fact: Actress Melanie Diaz also stars in the #8 film on this list, *Be Kind Rewind*.
*Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon* introduces the next big psycho-horror slasher, who has granted a documentary crew exclusive access to his life as he prepares to terrorize the quiet town of Glen Echo. As he plans his reign of horror, he deconstructs the familiar tropes and conventions of the slasher genre for the cameras.
This film is reminiscent of *Man Bites Dog*, where a serial killer takes a film crew along on his murderous rampage, teaching them the 'proper' way to kill. The film stands out by having the killer explain common horror movie clichés, offering a step-by-step guide on how to become a true murderer.
In the vein of *Man Bites Dog*, this movie follows a serial killer who takes a film crew around town, showing them the ropes of murder. What makes this film unique is the killer’s breakdown of horror movie clichés and his detailed instructions on how to be an authentic killer.
*Shadow of the Vampire* explores the legendary performance of Max Schreck in the classic *Nosferatu*. What if his portrayal of the vampire was so convincing because he was, in fact, a real vampire? The film imagines director F.W. Murnau, so obsessed with creating the perfect vampire film, that he seeks out an actual vampire to play the role. But as Schreck takes advantage of his new feeding opportunities, Murnau must decide whether to destroy him before it’s too late.
Max Schreck's iconic portrayal of the vampire in *Nosferatu* has long been celebrated. *Shadow of the Vampire* takes this legendary performance a step further by proposing that Schreck’s brilliance stems from the fact that he is a real vampire. In this film, director F.W. Murnau becomes so fixated on creating the ultimate vampire film that he enlists an actual undead actor. But when Schreck begins to indulge his thirst for blood, Murnau faces a tough decision: stop him or let the film continue?
This is a great film, where Max Schreck’s awkwardness brings a touch of humor, while his loneliness infuses the story with a tragic element.
*Swimming with Sharks* isn't exactly about the making of a movie, but instead centers on working for a prominent movie producer and navigating the pressures of a screenplay. This is a must-see, and it definitely deserves a spot on the list. The story follows Buddy Ackerman (Kevin Spacey), a successful and rising movie producer, who hires young Guy (Frank Whaley) as his assistant. Guy believes he's finally made it, but Buddy has other plans. He subjects Guy to constant abuse, making unreasonable demands like scolding him for bringing Equal instead of Sweet-N-Low. Fed up with the torment, Guy kidnaps Buddy and seeks revenge, involving his lover, a scriptwriter who used questionable means to climb the ladder. This is a must-watch film.
*Blair Witch Project* follows three film students traveling to Maryland to document the urban legend of the Blair Witch. As they hike through the woods over two days in search of the truth, they disappear. One year later, their video footage is discovered, which is later turned into the movie *The Blair Witch Project*.
*Blair Witch Project* is about three film students who head to Maryland to make a documentary on a local legend—the Blair Witch. They embark on a two-day hike to uncover the truth behind the legend but mysteriously disappear. One year later, their footage is found in the woods and compiled into a movie, which becomes *The Blair Witch Project*.
In *Blair Witch Project*, three film students set out for Maryland to create a student film about the Blair Witch legend. During their two-day hike into the woods to investigate, they vanish. A year later, the footage they shot is discovered, and it is turned into the movie *The Blair Witch Project*.
This is a fantastic film with great acting and a compelling story. However, if it were released today, it would probably not receive as much attention as it did in 1999. These days, horror films are often expected to have excessive blood and shock value to be considered valid, which is truly unfortunate.
*Zack and Miri Make a Porno* follows Zack Brown and Miriam, long-time friends who share an apartment and struggle with overdue bills. During a reunion party, they discover that a former high school star has become a porn actor, which sparks the idea of making their own adult film to pay off their debts. They assemble a cast, crew, and Zack writes the script.
Zack and Miriam, old friends since high school, are behind on their bills and struggling to make ends meet. At a reunion, they find out that a former high school star is now working in adult films, which inspires them to create their own porno to pay their rent. They cast the roles, hire a crew, and Zack takes on the task of writing the screenplay.
A funny movie, though it may not be Seth Rogen's best performance, it is still definitely worth watching.
