Movie Mondays: Sci fi (Part 3)

Creatively inspirational movies

2001: A Space Odyssey

Okay so I couldn’t make a list of creatively inspirational sci fi movies without including this Stanley Kubrick classic. Though the story is slow and sometime feels drawn out, I can’t help but feel fully engaged when I watch this movie, by the striking composition of each scene.The imagery and soundtrack of 2001 have become iconic not just in the genre of science fiction but in all movies ever created, ever. The subliminal messages Kubrick was known for added even higher levels of meaning to this film.

The Matrix

This is one of those films we take advantage of. We quickly forget how innovative it was for the time both in terms of story and also in pioneering new ways to shot actions scenes. I have to admit this is a film that doesn’t stand up as well today but I choose to remember it as it was.

The Thing

In terms of cinematography this movie isn’t great but it’s use of non-CGI special effects is spectacular and terrifying! Rob Bottin’s truly horrifying makeup and prosthetics created disgusting creatures even by today’s standards. Don’t watch this movie alone at night.

Metropolis

The film’s epic set pieces transport the audience to Fritz Lang’s bleak vision of the future where the poor masses labor tirelessly to support the lavish lifestyle of the rich. This is another film that amazes me at how they were able to pull off an idea so advanced without the technology of today.

Star Wars

I’m a little trepidatious putting these movies on the list. Yes it was incredibly innovative for it’s time. Jim Henson's creature shop brought to life some the best characters in the film. George Lucas pioneered camera work that would forever change the way movies were shot. Amazing set design. Props, makeup, and FX like no one had done or seen. That being said, the terrible “prequels” and awful digitally remastered release of the originals the kind of ruin it for me… Those two things really detract from the amazingness of the original film. Two thing come to mind for me: “Don’t knock the old ways.” and, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”